The Rensselaer County Draft Animal Association

The Rensselaer County Draft Animal Association held their first meeting on January 25, 1985. The idea and desire to start a draft animal club originated at the Schaghticoke Fair the prior year during a conversation with Tom Kellser who at that time was a Co-Operative Extension Agent.  The first meeting notes showed that the club wanted to be a "source of help", "inform the general public" and "organize competitions in the area". Their goal was to have a club where teamsters could meet and enjoy the fellowship and camaraderie of working their draft animals along with sharing their knowledge and experiences with each other and the public. 

The first event held by the club was a plow day held on May 5, 1985 hosted by Bob Luskin. The club plowed a plot of land in front of St. George's  Church in Pittstown, NY and then planted it with oats. The club did not limit it's members to just Rensselaer County, many of the members travelled from Massachusettes and Vermont to participate in events. The events varied, there were corn planting and harvesting, log skids, hay mowing, sleigh and wagon rides, draft animal shows, and obstacle courses held at the Schaghticoke Fairgrounds. Since that first meeting, many teams, teamsters and members have come and gone throughout the years but the friendships, life experiences and teamwork are still there to be shared at each of the club events. 

Click here for our upcoming Calendar of Events

• Member Business Link

Take a tour of our picture albums.

• 2008 Photo Album
• 2009 Photo Album

Every two to three months we mail out a newsletter to all of our club members. Highlighted in it you will find the past month's events, educational articles, jokes, items for sale and reminders of upcoming events.

To find out how you can recieve a copy of our newsletter, send your request to:

February 12, 2012 ~ SUNDAY!!!!    Riverview Orchards - Hose drawn sleigh/wagon rides.

Riverview Rd, Rexford, NY:  11:00 am to 3:00 pm

Bombfire ~ Marshmellows ~ Baked Goods ~ Face Painting ~ Crafts to participate in ~ and much, much, more!