Farmer Boy

In late fall, the family attends the County Fair. Almanzo plans to show his pumpkin, while his sisters are showing embroidery, preserves, and other food. Almanzo wants to see the horses first, so he and Father walk through the busy tents and buildings with fair games (like ring toss), gingerbread, lemonade, and more. When they reach the horses, Almanzo is amazed at the different breeds and their physiques, such as the smaller Morgan horses, speedy Thoroughbreds, and gigantic Belgian draft horses. Father says the Belgian horses are from Europe, admiring them and noting that they’re strong enough to pull a barn. Almanzo feels grown-up when he says they don’t need such big, muscular horses to pull buggies, and Father agrees.

Next, Almanzo meets his first mule, which scares him with a loud “Eeeeee haw!” Father explains that the animal is part donkey and part horse. Almanzo looks at the colts, telling Father that Starlight should come next year and will surely win a prize. Father says he might bring Starlight next year. They admire other livestock, from cows to oxen to sheep, and then go to lunch at the church tent.

Later, they attend a horse race: Fast horses speed around the racetrack with sulkies (similar to small chariots) behind them.