Draft Horses

By Rachel McGreal Bill Edwards’ favorite part of draft horse plow demonstrations is not traveling across the country or working with his two mares; it’s the camaraderie shared between the people at the events. The owner of BC’s Belgians from Waverly, Illinois said he has met some of the best people traveling to shows. He describes them as the type of people that will do anything to help someone out. It was at a plowing event that he met his good friend, Don Frederick, who also brought his horses to the Half Century of Progress Show. Edwards and Frederick met several years ago and now see each other often at events all over the United States.

From Nebraska to Kansas to Missouri and beyond, Edwards and his wife spend almost every weekend conducting plowing demonstrations during the fall and spring seasons. They work tirelessly to keep the horses in shape and prepare them for plowing, cultivating, and binding demonstrations. The horses are typically hitched up for eight hours a day on their weekend getaways. While the experience is rewarding, Edwards admits there are both good and bad days.

Edwards recalls growing up and watching his grandfather raise draft horses, which is what first sparked his interest in the business. After straying away from the industry for a while, he found himself beginning BC’s Belgians about 20 years ago. BC’s Belgians currently owns two head — Grace, a 17-year-old chestnut colored Belgian and JoJo, a 16-year-old black colored Percheron. The mares pulled a plow together with the guide of Edwards at the Half Century of Progress Show. While Edwards typically travels with his wife, he was accompanied at this show by his son, Steve Edwards.