Francis R. Root of Bolivar, New York has been pulling horses for 21 years. He competes in both the lightweight and heavyweight classes in OH., PA., MI. and NY. with the six horses he presently owns.  Francis has won or finished in the top 2-3 spots at most of the top pulls  in the country at one time or another including the Michigan Great Lakes International.  I can recall Francis rolling into New England, where I am from, back in the 80's to compete at the Three County, Franklin County and Cumberland fairs. We were always excited to see him because we knew he was one of the very best. He makes a living as an oil field and land excavator and lists the Erie County fair  in Hamburg, NY. as his favorite pull to compete in during the year.  Francis claims being competitive for 20 years is his most important accomplishment in pulling and thinks horses and horsepulling are a great form of entertainment for all age groups.

In the picture Francis is pulling Bill & Pat at the Allegany County Fair in Angelica, NY. in 2002. His daughter Lori is on the near side evener.