In so doing, we hope to preserve the draft horse breeds for years to come. The Wisconsin Draft Horse Breeders Association began in 1955 through the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the College of Agriculture. Annual meetings were held at the Wisconsin State Fair until 1981, they are now held in conjunction with a picnic at various members' farms on Memorial Day weekend. Membership dues started o
ut at one dollar, were changed to five dollars in 1980, and currently are fifteen dollars. 1991 marked the beginning of the WDHBA Hall of Fame with a bronze plaque in the draft horse barn at Wisconsin State Fair, having inductees added each year. The WDHBA Queen's program began in 1971, having queens represent the association at Wisconsin State Fair as well as other fairs and shows. Today, the association continues the traditions of the past as well as introducing members old and new, to clinics and seminars at various locations throughout the state. We support draft horse shows, state fair, and world shows for each of the three major draft breeds---Belgian, Clydesdale, and Percheron. We proudly sponsor draft classes and judges for the State 4-H Horse Expo, keeping youth involved in the draft horse breeds.
