The Association was originally formed in the mid-1980’s by a group of people interested promoting and using draft horses and mules in Georgia. Then known as the Georgia Draft Horse & Mule Association, many programs were set up involving shoeing, grooming, harnessing and training the horse and mule for work and pleasure. There were field days, wagon trains and draft horse and mule shows where the public was invited to observe, with the main objective being social and promotional.
In 1995 the name of the association was changed to the Georgia Draft Horse Association with the purpose being much the same as the original founders – supporting and promoting the draft horse, establishing friendly relationships between members and promoting the exchange of knowledge and ideas pertaining to draft horses.
In the past the association has introduced thousands of people to draft horses via the Gwinnett County Fair through exhibits and shows. In 1994 the association was invited to the National Fairgrounds & Agricenter in Perry, Georgia where our draft horses were exhibited to the public. Since that time, we have held a Class C Draft Horse Show each year in mid-October at the Georgia National Fair.
Our Mission
The Georgia Draft Horse Association is a non-profit organization with the primary objective of promoting the use of draft horses throughout the State of Georgia. Our goal is to bring individuals with a love for these magnificent animals together at a variety of events and venues where they can exhibit and enjoy their horses in the company of like-minded people. We offer a number of events throughout the year including shows, field days, riding days, harnessing & driving clinics, seminars and demonstrations. Membership is open to any person interested in the breeding, showing, use, or promotion of draft horses and is unrestricted as to residence.
Our By-Laws
This Corporation is organized and shall be operated to support and promote the Draft Horse; to establish friendly relationships between members and promote the exchange of knowledge and ideas pertaining to Draft Horses; to be a clearinghouse for information on Draft Horses in the State of Georgia; and to do such other deeds as may be to the best interest of Draft Horses and/or members of this Corporation.
