Even as a cold wind blasted across an open field in April and gray skies overhead, competitors were ready for the annual Eastern Draft Horse of Connecticut Association (EDHCA) spring plow event.

Harnesses jingled as well-cared-for leather straps were buckled and snugged into place. Horses pulled wisps of hay from the nets dangling on horse trailers as dandy brushes removed stray bits from backs and withers. The team is backed into place, neck yokes connected, whiffletrees and hames are checked for placement.

There's not much more of a beautiful sight than draft horses and their driver working a field.

Oh, there was some good-natured banter swapped between those who prefer Belgians to Percherons or vice versa.

Then the marvelous clop of hooves (shod and barefoot) rang out over the lot's paved surface before the teams turned onto a dirt road that led to an expansive gently sloping field, marked off in numbered paper plates on stakes placed at regular intervals.

Traces snapped into line, the plowing begins.

Just down the road, the UConn campus was filling up for UConn's spring break. No matter. The teams patiently turned the earth and judges jotted down scores and reported comments under a small tent off the field.