That’s the spirit behind the second-annual Moni Wender Horse Pull that returns next week preserves both competition and a tradition that has deep roots in the Wender family.

The old-fashioned horse pull will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 20, at Edelweiss Farm, W7163 Upper Pine Creek Road in Breitung Township.

While the event continues to honor the memory of longtime teamster Moni Wender, this year’s pull also carries special significance as a tribute to Moni’s brother, Henry Wender, who died in January at age 93.

“To honor my uncle Henry, we will host it on his farm,” organizer Tom Wender said, noting that although his uncle didn’t participate in pulls, he spent much of his life working with horses on his farm.

Tom Wender’s team Doc and Dewey, 11-year-old Belgian draft horse half-brothers, take a break after their morning workout on the farm. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

“He drove horses. He used to log with a team in the winter,” Wender said. “He left his mark.”

Fourteen teams are expected to compete this year, up from 13 teams last summer.

“It’s growing — I’m excited about that,” he said.

The pull has become the largest of its kind in U.P. and one of the largest in Wisconsin.

Wender intentionally selected the June date to avoid conflicts with major Wisconsin competitions and encourage greater participation.

Tom Wender and his Belgian team, Doc and Dewey, will compete along with 13 other teams at the second-annual Moni Wender Horse Pull on Saturday, June 20, at Edelweiss Farm in Breitung Township. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

Although interest remains strong, the number of active horse pullers continues to decline. Wender said only four pulling teams remain in the local area.

“Most competitors are traveling from Wisconsin, with one team coming from Lower Michigan,” he said.

“I don’t want to call it a dying sport, but if you’re a young guy and you’re getting into this, it’s hard because it’s so expensive,” he said.

Horse pullers invest heavily in their teams, purchasing horses, trailers, trucks and harnesses while spending countless hours training and caring for their animals.

“Horse pullers don’t make money,” Wender said. “But we do it because we love it.”

That reality has made attracting younger competitors increasingly difficult, though Wender is encouraged that one competitor expected to participate this year is in his 30s.

“For the most part, everybody else has either retired or is pushing retirement age,” he said.

At 75, Wender believes he may be the oldest competitor in the field.

“I’m going to do it as long as I can,” he said.

Wender’s team, Belgian draft horse half-brothers Doc and Dewey, are now 11 years old. He purchased the pair as a 70th birthday gift to himself after spending years attending horse pulls and developing a love for the sport.

Preparation for the pull season began in April and continues several days each week.

Though they compete throughout the summer, Doc and Dewey remain working farm horses.

“We do a little logging with them in the winter, while in the summer I cut grass, move equipment and pick up rocks in the fields,” he said.

When competition day arrives, however, the horses know exactly what’s expected.

“When they hook up to the sled and hear that clink, then their game face is on,” Wender said. “It’s like an old ball game.”

The pair crossed 10,500 pounds during competition last season. This year, Wender’s goal is the 11,000-pound mark.

“They only have to pull 250 pounds more each,” he said.

He expects to compete in 12 to 13 contests this summer, with his season ending with the Wisconsin Nationals Horse Pulls in Menomonie, Wis., taking place after Labor Day.

For Wender, the event is about far more than determining which team can pull the heaviest load. It is an opportunity to preserve a piece of local heritage, reconnect with fellow horsemen and introduce a new generation to a tradition that has been part of his family’s life for decades.

Moni Wender, one of the area’s most respected teamsters, began competing in horse pulls and shows during the late 1930s and held a record at the Upper Peninsula State Fair for 43 years. He competed until age 90.

“My father, who passed away at a young age, also had a team of horses,” he added. “I want to keep the tradition going.”

Community support has played a role in the event’s success, with more than 20 sponsors contributing to this year’s pull. “That’s why we’re able to pull this off,” Wender said.

Several improvements for spectators have been made, with expanded parking and two shuttle vehicles will transport attendees to the competition area. Signs will direct traffic to the farm.

Additional attractions will include a food truck, a large tent and aerial photography by drone. Horse pullers will have an opportunity to purchase photographs from the event.

Spectators are reminded to bring their lawn chairs.

While admission is free, donations will be accepted for future events.

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Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.