Draft Horse Haying Demonstration
At the 2026 Cattlemen’s Ball, guests are invited to watch a live draft-horse haying demonstration throughout the ball.
On June 6th, a group of local producers will be putting on a Draft Horse Haying Demonstration, beginning at 1:30 p.m.
The demonstration is more than a showcase of equipment; it is a reflection of the tradition, teamwork and practical knowledge that sustained ranching operations for generations. Long before modern machinery, hay was put up using horses, simple tools, and the skill of the people handling them. Members of the Nebraska Draft Horse and Mule Association will demonstrate teams of various draft horse breeds working through each step of the process. From cutting with sickle bar mowers, to raking and gathering with horse sweeps, to building stacks with a Jay Hawk stacker and overshot stacker, each piece of equipment plays a role in turning loose prairie hay into winter feed.
These methods required patience, coordination and a deep understanding of both livestock and land. The horses respond to voice and feel, working as steady partners in a system that is efficient, reliable, and still valued by those who continue to practice it today. This demonstration connects modern agriculture to its roots, preserving the techniques and work ethic that built it. It stands as a reminder that behind every bale or stack of hay is a long-standing tradition of care, stewardship and respect for the land.
