It was the South Waikato's first time at hosting the annual event run by the Waikato Heavy Horse Association and a record number of spectators turned up to watch the horses at work.

Two acres of grass was mown at the Mangakaretu Marae on Arapuni Rd in Putaruru – half by a horse and mower and the other half by tractor, as it was too heavy for the horse.

Eight horses from Tokoroa, Lichfeild, Cambridge and Te Kauwhata attended the day but only six worked on the cart, tumble rakes, towed rake and stack hoist.

From the two acres the crew produced a loose hay stack and 70 bales from the stationary baler, which came from Te Kowhai and tractor engine from the marae.