OUR PULL

The 1st. Annual Don Kent Memorial Horse Pull was held 4th of July weekend 2011. The pull is in memory of Don Kent, a Hinsdale native, who was a well known announcer. Don was one of the founding fathers of horse pulls in Western New York. Ask any of the current pullers and they will tell you how Don helped grow and promote the sport. 

A portion of the proceeds from the event go to support LEEK Hunting  and Mountain Preserve in Oswayo, Pa., a completely volunteer run organization that helps to rehabilitate our disabled vets by providing hunting, fishing and outdoor recreational activities to our Wounded Warriors and their families http://www.leekpreserve.org/ and
Cattaraugus County Veteran's Van Service.

What an amazing turn out we had for our first ever event! Senator Cathy Young and Colonel Edward Fischer and his family (L.E.E.K.) were present for the event and spoke at our opening ceremonies.  Record payouts brought 14 teams and their pullers  from all over Western New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio. $4500 was split between the top 10 teams and any team that completed the first pull received $20.

Over 15 acres of field provided ample parking for teams and spectators alike. Whether sprawled along the creek bank or under their pop up tents, people sought shelter from the hot July sun. For many this was their first pull ever. Children and adults alike watched in awe as these massive creatures pulled loads of 8,000 lbs in the blazing heat.


The newly constructed track sits on the Legion grounds along the bed of the Old Genesee Valley Canal. Remains of the historic Lock 102 are still visible and sit just 100 yards south of the announcer's stand. Many spectators grabbed their chairs and blankets and sat on the old tow path where over 150 years ago mules once pulled barges along the canal route.