Rock and Roll shown by Dick Edder, owned by Elizabeth Edder of Colorado Springs, CO. I have watched Rock and Roll compete in Pueblo at the Colorado State Fair, and Denver at the Stock Show.

In times gone by, heavy work around ranches was done through the brute pulling power of these muscular horses. Communities created competitions as part of their local festivals to see whose team could pull the most weight. Horse pulling matches often became a main attraction during festivals in ranching communities. Some teams of horses can pull as much as 5 tons; 10,000 pounds.

"Rock 'n' Roll" 24” x 18” oil ©2006 Deborah Rae Nelson
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This six-horse Percheron Hitch team opened the Cheyenne Frontier Days 2000 rodeo events. The ground pounding I felt was not an earthquake, but graceful and beautifully groomed 2000-pound draft horses working in unison. It was an awe inspiring experience to hear the crowd hush as the drivers talk to their hitches. A lot of people probably do not realize that voice commands are a big part of how they control their horses. "Team-Up!" the wagon master called. The right lead gelding started off rearing, then settled and leaned into the harness.

"19 Hands x 6" 24"x36" oil ©2000 Deborah Rae Nelson
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These dapple grays headed out for work to pull the 103rd Annual Cheyenne Frontier Days hay wagon and junior got to tag along. This pint-sized paint draft colt became one of the stars when he was included in the parade festivities. Many of the foals of the working drafts are herded together in a holding corral--their day care center for the day. They neigh in high-pitch squealsand kick up their heels, displaying their protest at being separated from Mom.

"And Baby Makes Three" 24” x 36” oil ©2000 Deborah Rae Nelson
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For folks who have never seen these massive animals (the Belgians range between 2,000 and 2,800 pounds in weight), the draft pull is sure to be an eye-opener! The Draft Horse Pull is one of the most popular show attractions. This Belgian was impatient to get to work, pawing the ground and swinging back and forth churning the dirt in his tie area. His cleatedshoes enable him to get traction and lean into the harness with his partner during the heavy-weight draft pull competitions. I found him behind the arena stands at the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo, Colorado.

"Big Boy" 18" x 24" oil ©2000 Deborah Rae Nelson
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Horses' decorations can be as simple as ribbons and plaiting or as elaborate as ear coverings and medallions. Braiding the mane and tail of a horse is an important part of its decoration, requiring skill and patience on the part of both parties to get it all in place. Braiding styles vary not only from country to country but also among breeds. Sometimes styles are related to function, depending on whether a horse is hitched to a wagon or presented "in hand." This is "Bob," a black Percheron from the Willow Springs Ranch in Monument, Colorado. I have heard his owner admit that he is her "favorite" among all their stable.

“Bob” 24" x 36" oil ©2000 Deborah Rae Nelson
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Of all the heavy horses the Percheron is probably the most lively and dynamic breed, qualities which are further enhanced by a particularly friendly disposition. This breed hails from the Le Perche region in France. This particular pair is "Hoffa" and "Cleat" from the Willow Springs Ranch in Monument, Colorado. Surprisingly, Hoffa, on the left, strikes the classic pose; he is usually theclown of the group.

"Black Tie Affair" 24” x 36” oil ©1999 Deborah Rae Nelson
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These two beautiful Belgians are my favorite team to paint. I have taken many of them and have plans for them to appear in more paintings. The mane on the horse on the left reaches well below her neck. And it has incredible visual and tactile texture. I just can't get enough of these two! If you wouldl like to know more about the origins of this painting, please visit The Making of Like Father, Like Son.

The American Belgians are often taller and not as heavy as their European ancestors. They are predominately chestnut in color with blond manes and tails. This pair was maneuvering an obstacle course competition at the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo. What a sight and sound they make as they move through the course, harness chains ringing and hooves pounding.

"Rarin' to Go" 24" x 30" oil ©1999 Deborah Rae Nelson
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Draft Horses

Draft Horses