A treasured tradition is returning to the DACA Centre this Saturday and the youngest member of the host family is excited for the event.
The Proulx Pull is set for June 8 and the family behind it has a long-time history when it comes to horse pulling.
Eleven-year-old Josh Proulx’s grandfather, the late Jack Nolan, organized a Dacre horse pull that ran for more than 30 years. His paternal grandfather Yves Proulx was also heavily involved in the activity, and the tradition has continued, Josh told myFM.
He and brother Jake, 15, spend an hour or two each day practising hitching. The horses themselves are huge, powerful animals. A regular team of two horses can weigh up to 5,000 pounds, explains Josh. And there’s just something about the activity that has him hooked.
It’s been about 10 years since a horse pull was held at the DACA Centre and Philippe and Ruth Proulx have been getting all kinds of positive feedback and plenty of registrants from across the Ottawa Valley and beyond. Categories include a pony pull, light class, single-hitch kids pull and heavy class.
The fun gets underway on Saturday, June 8 at 10 a.m. at the DACA Centre, 111 Flat Rd. There will be a canteen, 50/50 draw and prizes.
Josh has a message for anyone looking for something to do Saturday.
Spectator admission is $10, with kids 12 and under free.
Donations are welcome. Email proulxhomes@gmail.com for more information.
(Written by: Sherry Haaima)