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Memorial horse pulling competition

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, August 30th 2025 at 22:56 GMT by News 8000
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A Community Rallies to Honor a Local Legend at the Annual Memorial Horse‑Pulling Competition

The quiet town of Willowbrook, tucked between rolling hills and cornfields, recently hosted a stirring tribute to its beloved former equestrian coach, Tom “Red” Anderson. The event, the Memorial Horse‑Pulling Competition, combined the rugged excitement of a traditional horse‑pulling contest with a heartfelt remembrance ceremony that drew families, local businesses, and equestrian enthusiasts from across the region.

The Roots of the Competition

Horse‑pulling, a competitive sport dating back to the 18th century, has become a cherished rural tradition in the Midwest. Teams of horses, usually a pair or a quartet, race to pull a heavy carriage across a set course as fast as they can. Though the sport is technically demanding, the social aspect—colorful team flags, cheering crowds, and post‑race feasts—makes it a community event rather than a mere competition.

In Willowbrook, the competition began in 1999 as a fundraiser for the Willowbrook State School. Over the years it grew in both size and reputation. The 2024 edition, however, took on a deeper purpose: to honor Tom Anderson, who had led the local high school equestrian program for 30 years before his sudden passing last month. Anderson was renowned not only for his skillful training of horses but also for his dedication to mentoring young riders and his unwavering commitment to the town’s agricultural heritage.

A Day of Celebrations

Date & Venue:
The event took place on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at the Willowbrook Fairgrounds, a sprawling 15‑acre expanse that accommodates the 50‑meter pulling track, spectator stands, and a makeshift arena for ceremonies.

Opening Ceremony:
The fairgrounds were decked in blue and gold, the colors of the Willowbrook High School team. Mayor Helen Ramirez, accompanied by Anderson’s daughter, Clara, opened the day with a ribbon‑cutting and a moment of silence. Mayor Ramirez said, “Tom was the heart and soul of our equestrian community. Today, we celebrate his life and his legacy.”

A bronze plaque, erected by the Willowbrook Historical Society, was unveiled on the fairgrounds’ main gate. The plaque reads, “In loving memory of Tom ‘Red’ Anderson, 1945‑2024. Coach, mentor, friend. His spirit lives on in every stride of our equestrian teams.”

Competition Rounds:
Twenty teams from Willowbrook and neighboring towns entered the competition, ranging from school teams to private ranches. Each team had two horses—a lead horse named “Starlight” and a support horse called “Duke.” Teams were required to pull a 1,200‑pound carriage, a weight chosen to approximate a typical farm wagon.

The competition comprised three rounds:

1. Preliminary Sprint (200 meters): 12 teams advanced.
2. Quarterfinals (300 meters): 6 teams moved on.
3. Finals (400 meters): 3 teams vied for the top prize.

The winning team, Willowbrook High School, secured the first place with a finish time of 18.4 seconds, earning a trophy engraved with the school’s crest. The runner‑ups were Riverdale Farms (second) and Centennial Ranch (third).

During the finals, a hush fell over the stands as the team’s two horses worked in perfect synchrony, a testament to the rigorous training that Coach Anderson had pioneered decades earlier. “Watching them pull with such confidence is a living tribute to his teachings,” mused Clara Anderson, her voice thick with emotion.

Community Activities:
Alongside the competition, the fairgrounds hosted a farmers’ market, craft stalls, and a “Petting Zoo” featuring Anderson’s own retired horses. The event’s organizers had arranged a silent auction of horse‑related memorabilia, including an autographed photo of Anderson with his signature “Red” saddle, which raised over $4,000 for the Willowbrook Riding Club’s scholarship fund.

An oral history booth was set up, allowing participants to record anecdotes about Anderson. Local resident, rancher Gary Mills, recorded, “I still remember how he’d tie a new saddle and say, ‘Remember, the horse is the engine; you’re the driver.’ That mindset changed my life.”

Closing Parade:
As the day drew to a close, a parade marched through Willowbrook’s Main Street. Teams displayed their flags, while school bands played “Willowbrook March.” A special float featured Anderson’s beloved horse, “Blaze,” a mare that had won the county showjumping championship in 1985. A photograph of Anderson holding Blaze’s reins hung in the center of the float, reminding spectators of the deep bond between trainer and animal.

What the Memorial Means

The memorial was more than a tribute; it was a reaffirmation of community values. Tom Anderson’s career had exemplified the blend of tradition and modernity. He taught students to respect animals, to work hard, and to honor the land. By turning the horse‑pulling competition into a memorial, Willowbrook ensured that his legacy would be celebrated for generations.

The Willowbrook Historical Society, which collaborated on the memorial, explained that “the horse‑pulling event reflects our town’s agricultural roots, and by honoring a key figure in that history, we strengthen our collective identity.” The society plans to archive the competition footage and audio interviews in a local museum exhibit titled Red and The Horses of Willowbrook.

Looking Ahead

The next Memorial Horse‑Pulling Competition is scheduled for June 20, 2025. Organizers hope to introduce a “Youth Champion” division, a new scholarship program for aspiring riders, and a “Rider’s Spotlight” segment highlighting stories of resilience among participants. Mayor Ramirez expressed optimism: “By keeping the competition alive and evolving, we preserve Tom’s spirit while giving back to our youth.”

Willowbrook’s residents will undoubtedly return each year with the same reverence and enthusiasm, knowing that the memory of Tom “Red” Anderson will continue to guide them—both on the track and in life.