Mr. Harold Clark Gilbert, lifelong farmer, has spent his entire life near Shelbina, Missouri.  He was driving four horse on the cultivator when he was only six years old.  In 1947, Mr. Gilbert took part in his first pulling contest...a street fair with only three entries.  In 1954, Harold had two of the 54 entries in the National Lightweight Pill in Saginaw, Michigan.   One team, referred to as the "old whites", placed third.

February of 1955 found Mr. Gilbert competing in the Farmer's Week pull at Michigan State College, placing first and winning the much cherished Horsemanship Award.  Mr. Gilbert made a repeat first place win in 1957...again winning with the old white horses.

Our honoree won the National Lightweight pull held at Centreville, Michigan in 1957 with his newly purchased roans.  Harold participated in the Nationals for the next 25 consecutive years, entering two teams each year.  He won the event with Ted & Pat in 1969. 

In 1971, with Ted & Pat weighing under 3000 pounds, Harold set a World Record of 3,725 pounds.  That record still stands. 

This Gilbert team also set two World Records for teams under 3200 pounds in 1971.  The following year, this remarkable team was co-holder of the new 3,925 record.  Ted & Pat were a "once in a lifetime team".  They lived to be 23 and 25 years of age and are buried side by side near the Gilbert home.  Numerous firsts were earned throughout Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana and Missouri.  Mr. Gilbert took two teams to the Iowa State Fair for 40 consecutive years.

In 1972, Harold Gilbert started the first pull held at the Missouri State Fair.  Harold was honored by the Michigan Great Lakes International in 1993. 

The Draft Horse Pulling Industry of Michigan greatly appreciates Mr. Harold Gilbert's participation in so many of our contests and takes great pride in honoring this distinguished gentleman.

Photo courtesy of Cecil E. Darnell