OklahomaHorses Magazine January 2024

January / February 2024 • OklahomaHorses 23 More Than Just Hauling Draft Horses and Mules Are Versatile by Lindsay Humphrey I t might be the love of the horse that draws people into any number of disciplines, but mules and draft horses are certainly in a category all their own. “Sweet natured” and “willing to please” don’t just de- scribe the animals. Anyone who has been involved with the Oklahoma Draft Horse and Mule Association can attest that the members boast the very same traits. “Draft-horse people love taking their animals to events and sharing their horses with others,” said longtime association member Evelyn Hiskett. “We can stand around talking about our horses all day long with anyone who will listen.” The Oklahoma Draft Horse and Mule Association was founded on the principles of education and information. Members find unique ways to enjoy their animals while introducing the public to something they might not know about otherwise. Many people don’t know that draft horses are used for more than just driving. Members have been known to do everything from barrel racing and pleasure riding to weight pulling and parading with their mules and draft horses. A draft horse meets children at a free clinic at Express Ranches. Photo courtesy of Express Ranches. In this archival photo, Lonnie Shockley uses draft horses at home for work. He also took them to town for parades and other events. Those activities spurred him to found Oklahoma Draft Horse and Mule Association in the 1970s, with Carl Benne and Ellen Ladd. Photo courtesy of Sula Robertson.