WALTON - The echoes of past celebrations will blend with the anticipation of future events, and a tradition, started last year, is set to continue. On Aug. 16 at 6 p.m., the 137th Delaware County Fair in Walton will host the second annual Tom Newman Memorial Horse Pull. The event not only showcases the immense power and grace of draft horses but also honors the memory of a man who was a cornerstone in the horse pulling community.
Tom Newman was more than a competitor; he was a beloved figure whose passion for Belgian draft horses and exceptional horsemanship left an indelible mark on all who knew him. His untimely passing in December 2022 sent ripples through the communities of Walton, Hancock, and beyond. Now, his legacy continues through the efforts of his twin daughters, Olivia and Elizabeth, and youngest daughter, Emily.
The horse pull is a tribute to Newman’s lifelong dedication to the sport. He is credited with reviving the horse pulling competition at the Delaware County Fair after a multi-year absence, a testament to his love for the sport and the community. The event will feature two classes: a lightweight division for teams weighing 3,425 pounds or less, and a heavyweight division for teams above that threshold. A truck pull dynamometer will be used to measure the strength of the horses, with weights set on a vertical track to challenge each team’s capacity.
The competition promises to be fierce, with a significant prize pool and the added incentive of $3,700 in extra prize money. First place winners in each class can take home over $1,000, a substantial reward for the skill and dedication required to compete at this level. The prize money reflects the event’s commitment to attracting top-tier competitors, making it a highlight for both participants and spectators.
Last year’s inaugural event broke attendance records, drawing 23 total teams, with a large presence in the lightweight division - 15 teams. A notable achievement was when Jerry Voorhis of Chenango Forks crossed the 4,500-pound mark on the dynamometer, setting a new record for a Walton pull, with his horses Frank and Ernie.
The accomplishment is a testament to the high-quality horses and the strong community support the event attracts.
In addition to the thrill of the competition, the event offers a chance to remember and honor Newman’s contributions. Teamster Awards will be presented to competitors who demonstrate exceptional horsemanship, a nod to Newman’s own skills and values. Last year, Bob Howard of Acme, Pa., and Casey Harriman of Unityville, Pa., were recognized in the lightweight and heavyweight divisions, respectively.
The Newman family’s dedication to keeping their father’s spirit alive extends beyond the pull. They organized a successful fundraiser at Daisy Queens Ice Cream in Walton. The community’s response was overwhelming, with donations from local businesses and residents magnifying the widespread respect for Tom Newman.
The Tom Newman Memorial Horse Pull is not just a competition; it’s a celebration of a man whose life revolved around his love for draft horses.
As Olivia Newman reflects, “My dad would have loved that there were so many pairs there. He would have been happy to see so many people together, so many families and so many friends, enjoying something that he loved.”
The event is an enduring legacy of the values he cherished — hard work, community, and the unbreakable bond between humans and horses.
As the fairgrounds prepare to welcome competitors and spectators alike, the Newman family invites all to witness the power and grace of these magnificent animals. With each pull, they honor a legacy of strength and kindness, ensuring that Tom Newman’s passion for horse pulling continues to inspire future generations.
Premiums: 1st through 10th place - $280, $260, $240, $220, $200, $180, $170, $160, $145, $125, in a point system pull.
Added prize money: 1st - 5th place - $800, $400, $300, $200, $150. The winner can take home over $1,000.
Event Details
Date: Friday, August 16
Time: 6 p.m. (Lightweight class starts, heavyweight class follows after a short intermission)
Fee: No entry fee
Weigh In: 1 - 5 p.m.
Additional Information: The event is sponsored by the New York State Horse Pullers Association (NYSHPA). Prizes and trophies will be awarded, with special recognition for the Teamster Award recipients in both divisions.
Second annual Tom Newman Memorial Horse Pull
Event sponsors include Daisy Queens Ice Cream, TA’s Place, Tailwaters Land Surveying, D&D Napa of Walton, Marino’s Outdoor World of Hancock, Jeff Babcock, Lori Lamica Nelson, and Gary Mileski Horseshoeing. Orders for Tom Newman Memorial Horse Pull merchandise is available through Decker Advertising at dckr.shop/tomnewman/shop/home
