A lifetime of family, friendships, and memories

 For Ken Thies, of Rockford Township, horses have been a part of his life since he was five years old. At 81, it’s difficult to say goodbye. Ken grew up helping his father and grandfather with chores and farm work. The horses were always there, working right alongside Ken.   

Ken and his wife, Mary, operate under the name Ken-Mar Draft Horses, where they have been involved in many facets for the past 40 years, providing wagon and sleigh rides at numerous local events and ceremonies, with plenty of parades and town celebrations mixed in. Ken has competed in several county and state fairs over the years, using a team of six horses during competitions. 

How it all began

Ken started out with a few Belgian draft horses before transitioning to Percheron’s in the early 2000’s, which Ken described as a “work horse.” Since then, Ken has worked with and cared for numerous teams. A plethora of fond memories and stories flow from Ken and Mary as they recall highlights from countless tree lighting ceremonies, local events, and festival parades; often participating in two parades on the Fourth of July, a morning parade in Delano, and an evening parade in Chanhassen. “The Fourth of July was always a workday for me,” Ken stated. “Folks were often lined up for rides well past the closing time.”

Bobsled rides were popular in the winter, with sleighs and wagons decorated for the occasion, wrapped in wreath and ribbon, and decked out in sleigh bells that once belonged to Ken’s grandfather. 

A few celebrity riders have graced Ken’s wagon along the way, including city mayors, Famous Dave (David W. Anderson), and even a brush with national fame, as Ken was once contacted by producers for the show, The Bachelor, about the possibility of having contestant Daisy Kent, originally from Becker, ride in one of Ken’s wagons along with her date. 

A highlight of Ken’s career was watching his granddaughter, Alexandria, win a Junior Driver blue ribbon in 2010 at age 15. Tree lightings at Sturges and Beltram Park were also highlighted, along with numerous county and state fair competitions. 

A Team Effort

With all great teams, there is often a steady and reliable support system. Joleen Olson, a family friend, and Ken’s niece, Sarah Thies, along with many extended family members have all been an instrumental part of “the crew,” as Ken and Mary call them, working alongside team Ken-Mar for over twenty years. When it’s showtime, it’s all hands on deck. Each member is hard at work grooming and preparing the horses for competition. Manes are tightly braided and tied with green and white ribbon, which are the signature colors for team Ken-Mar. Tails are wrapped in a bun and tied. If the ribbons aren’t tied just so, or the knots slip out of place, a keen-eyed judge will surely take notice. Competition judges look for “presentation and dress” from both the horses and the driver, which is all part of the judging process.

Driving a team of powerful draft horses takes a steady and firm hand, along with a healthy dose of confidence needed to reassure the team and keep them calm. Horses need to be respected. A startled horse can be unpredictable and difficult to control, with a team of six harnessed together, you quickly begin to understand the tension the driver feels when taking the reins. Ken said, “You’re always a bit tense when driving a team of six horses, and if you’re not a bit tense, you shouldn’t be driving.” Ken is proud of the fact that he has not had an accident in over 40 years, but stated that worries and anxieties related to busy parade routes, fireworks, and folks wanting to approach and touch the horses, have recently crept in that weren’t there before, and he felt that it was time to move on. Ken also cited increasing costs related to keeping and caring for horses as a reason to retire. “You don’t have a cabin by the lake if you’re in this game.”

Saying Goodbye

Ken and Mary have made many friendships over the years. People who started out as strangers quickly became lifelong friends that have now become family. “We compete against each other, but when it’s all over, we congratulate one another and cheer each other on. When you have trouble, the competition is the first one there to help.” 

Making the decision to move on has been difficult. Mary stated, “It’s hard to say goodbye to friends in the horse world. It rips your heart.” Ken and Mary have been selling carts, trailers, and bridles, feeling fortunate that many of the items are going to “good homes and will be well taken care of.” Some horses have been sold, but an old favorite will remain, for now… Bob. When asked about his beloved Bob, Ken’s face lights up as he shares fond and affectionate memories. If you’ve attended a past event in the area, chances are you’ve met Bob. Ken stated that many folks will approach him at events and ceremonies, asking about Bob and if Bob will be giving rides.

Ken purchased Bob from a sale barn in Waverly, IA at three years old, now aged 20 (96 in horse years), Bob has been a companion and trusted horse for Ken, having given numerous rides over the years. “Bob was a good-moving horse.” Not quite big enough at times for showings, Bob was always ready and willing to pull sleighs, wagons, and make people smile. 

Ken and Mary plan to keep Bob and his companion, Snip, on the property until they are ready to downsize and move. Having lived on their property in Rockford Township since 1992, it will be difficult to say goodbye, but the Thies’ find comfort in knowing that their love for horses will continue as they have plans to travel to shows and fairs, rooting on friends, and watching the traditions continue. As Ken and Mary approach their 60th wedding anniversary, they look forward to a future filled with family and all the friends they’ve made over the years.