Hundreds of horse pulls are held across the country each year. The best horses from local competitions meet each year in Michigan at the Hilldale County Fair, home of the world championship horse pull, competing in light and heavyweight categories. The draft horse has again found a limited place in American agriculture, especially since the oil shortages of the 1970's. While not competitive with a tractor in large scale farming, the draft horse can be a practical alternative in small scale and specialty operations. Grade draft horses can be purchased more reasonably than mechanized equipment, have the distinct advantages of reproducing themselves, and of providing a ready source of fertilizer.
Draft horses continue to play a role in logging.
In selective tree harvesting, horses are much more practical than tractors or other heavy equipment for removing the downed trees. Ecologically, they do considerably less damage to forest floors, work quietly, and don't pollute the air. Above and beyond practical considerations, working with draft horses, either for pleasure or profit, offers men and women the intangible experience of working with a thinking, breathing animal who has served them faithfully for hundreds of years.