Fall is finally in full swing in the Ozarks. The days are cooling off and the leaves are starting to fall. Three weekends ago however, that was not the case. On September 30th, the day of the Annual Sorghum Stomp, it was hot and the leaves were still securely on the trees. Despite the heat, I am glad to report that this years Sorghum Stomp was a fun event resulting in twice as much sorghum as last year.
Sorghum Stomps are not a common event anymore, and in my experience many people have not heard of sorghum. The sorghum I am referring to is a syrup very similar to molasses made from the juices of a sorghum stalk. These stalks are similar to sugar cane. Now here is were horses came in; the stalks are harvested, stripped of their leaves, and than put through a press. This press is usually drawn by a horse or mule. The juice that the press squeezes from the sorghum stalk is than boiled until it thickens into sorghum. This sweet, planty tasting syrup is used in cookies, barbeque sauce, on biscuits or pancakes, in peanut brittle, and many other ways.
A Sorghum Stomp is when the process described above is done in an event-like setting (Disclaimer: This definition was formed from my understanding of a Sorghum Stomp and is not an official or exclusive definition in any way.) Friends and neighbors gather together to help strip the stalks and press the sorghum. The annual event I attend even has a potluck in the evening and folk dancing.
This was my third time attending, and the second time I brought my Clydesdale Yukon to pull the sorghum press. Friends of mine grow the sorghum and own the press which is a part of their family history (the press is from the 1800’s and is still being used today!). Yukon and I have participated in lots of events including weddings, parades, field trips, and of course the Sorghum Stomp! I enjoy being able to share my hardworking horse with others, and I look forward to more adventures with her.
The Annual Sorghum Stomp is a fall event I look forward to every year. Let me know in the comments if you have ever attended a Sorghum Stomp or tell me what fall events or activities you & your horse look forward to?
Another fall activity I enjoy is trail riding: check out my post about The Benefits of Trail Riding!
Tails & trails,
Reese
I enjoyed seeing your 2023 sorghum report. And that’s great your Clydesdale has worked out so well for you. Not everyone can say that they keep a draft horse in their backyard. That’s pretty cool!
Thanks Mary, Yukon is indeed a blessing I am very thankful for.