Innovations at the ready, experts from across the horse-powered farming world assembled in early July for Horse Progress Days 2021 under a bright Ohio sky. Over the course of two jam-packed days a throng of more than 30,000 gathered to learn the latest about this mode of crop and woodlot management. Moving constantly between the barns, arenas and fields was a contingent of at least 400 horses, mules and donkeys. Massive hitches were everywhere, but a crowd favorite was Saturday’s pony pull. These teams topped out at just 38 inches but were all business all the same. In a test of strength and steering finesse, logs were slowly piled high between five-foot skid rails. As the weight grew navigating inside the narrow drag lane got harder. Rest breaks drew short as contenders dropped out. Eventually the winners walked away from a load that reached an astonishing 1,400 pounds. Onlookers could not help but take the point: even tiny teams can earn their oats. It was just one lesson among many from Horse Progress Days, setting the standard for what is possible, practical and profitable when forward-thinking farmers truly tap into equine energy.