History of Iowa Draft Pony Hitch Association

THE IOWA DRAFT PONY HITCH ASSOCIATION

The Iowa Draft Pony Hitch Association (IDPHA) is an organization that was formed in 1967 to promote the 48" and under draft type pony through shows, meeting, drives, parades, clinics and other fun family type events. These ponies are shown hitched to a four wheeled wagon that is generally 5/8 scale to the draft horse hitch wagon. They are also shown hitched to carts, antique vehicles and farm equipment. Our fore-fathers used Draft Horses to Plow, Disc, Plant and Harvest crops. While our interest lines in the smaller version of those work horses, we still inspire a love for the Draft Pony breed whom are the smaller version of the work horse, or the old Shetland pony that was on the farm that we grew up on.

The IDPHA was also formed for the purpose of bringing together folks who could not financially or physically own, train, drive, feed, and/or transport the large draft horses, but who loved having the ability to do so with the smaller animal. Soon after 1967, the Articles of Incorporation and by-laws were formed, and we were off and running with shows, hitch drives, social events and educational events. We have since grown to over 100 members.

The IDPHA hosts it's own "club" show each year in June. We have classes for halter, single cart, two-up, Unicorn 4-up, and 6-up. We offer classes for women and youth. We have also mixed in the tandem, 4 abreast, obstacle and many other types of driving classes over the years. Many county fairs and state fairs hold classes for us in the Midwest. The Iowa Draft Pony Hitch Association is the basic "core" of the "Draft Pony enthusiast." You can also check us out at Iowadraftponyhitchassociation on Facebook. Contact any member and come join us!

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