Belgian Draft Horse Chester

This is the story of a Belgian draft horse named Chester who lives and works at Howell Living History Farm, a Mercer County Park, in New Jersey. Chester and his work partner, Belgian draft horse Jack, came to Howell Farm in 2008 and did everything from plowing to harvesting crops, pulling wagon and bobsled rides, and many other jobs requiring pulling for about a dozen years, in addition to helping people understand both horses and farming history. They also helped the community by working to grow food for food banks, plowing for community gardens, and working at community events. Shortly after they retired from active farm work, Jack died and Chester became very depressed and uninterested in life. Fortunately, ways were worked out for Chester to get over his depression by socializing with both staff and visitors to the farm, as well as other horses . His job in retirement became that of ambassador and mascot. He was able to help visitors not only understand farming but also to get acquainted with a large workhorse and feel comfortable with him. His story is one of friendship with other horses and also with people, both those he worked with and those who visited the farm.