[Big Horses]

NearHorse… the same happened to us. It was an old Scottish logger that lived here…..and he brought what looked like miles of cable and blocks…and hooked one end to the TD-35 that we had stuck, and the other end to his pickup…and away he went! When that all tightened up, that cat came out of there like nothing!! He just smiled and started to put it all back…no big deal. haha Gotta love it when the “old tech” overcomes all!!
John

[Big Horses]

Thanks guys…that’s kinda what I figured. We used a NH for 25 years and never missed a day…but this JD is always messed up… so I think you’re right… always a chance of a lemon in any color. The bales seem to be ok, and I agree about the twine too close to the ends… but they’re nice tight bales. Ours is one of the “dirtiest” balers I’ve ever seen. There’s hay all over when it’s running. Behind the belts, all over… I’m stopping to clear out hay about every 10 bales or so. I’ve removed the compression rack, that didn’t help… so next I’ll try to put more arms in it… we’ll see. I’m guessing it’ll come together when I get things set right.
Thanks,
John

[Big Horses]

@Grandad 22640 wrote:

5×5 made with a John Deere 556 and probably weghing 1000 pounds. I did weigh some second cut alfalfa last year and they came in at 1210 pounds.

Grandad, hate to pull the thread off topic, but are you having any sort of luck with your 556 JD? I’ve had a heckuva time with mine… not impressed… just wondering if it’s just me?
John

[Big Horses]

You’re right Don, 3 abreast is definately easier.
More than one of my mentors told me that a good lead horse is born, not made. Our job is just to “shine them up” and make them even better, and I totally agree. I’ve seen people try and try to throw a horse in the lead, that just didn’t belong there, yet a horse they have in the body would do exactly what they want… total frustration. Good lead horses will take most of the “worries” out of stretching out a hitch… but they’re not always the one (s) that everyone wants to see out there, conformation wise or for some other reason. It’s not a matter of “best” horse…it’s a matter of “best lead” horse…..sometimes no difference, but sometimes a huge difference. It boils down to paying attention to the horses and what they “shine” at.
John

[Big Horses]

A unicorn really isn’t any more “dangerous” than 4 up, or 6 up for that matter. It just takes a good lead horse and you gotta pay attention. A 3 abreast hitch of good horses will pull more than a 4 up… but it’s a bit wide, so look the gates over before you go. I like a 3 abreast…they all have good angle of draft, and are all right there easy to watch. If it’s hot, just make sure to keep them spread out enough to cool…it gets pretty toasty for that center horse.
John

[Big Horses]

We use liverpool bits. It’s nice to have that “extra brakes” available in case you need ’em. Remember, just because they’re there, doesn’t mean you have to take advantage of them all the time! Some people are so “ham handed” that they can screw up a horse no matter what they use…others can run liverpools or Buxtons, and have no problems with a tender mouth horse at all…. I was always taught to only use the amount of pressure I had to, to get the results I wanted. We usually hook ‘straight up’ or maybe dropped one hole…but the main thing is that we’re not using any more pressure than needed for the result expected. Everything is relative…input to outcome.. that’s what makes a good horseman…being able to read that and not overdo it.
John

[Big Horses]

Nice looking pair!
John

[Big Horses]

http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/hdfForecast?query=hanson%2C+mt&searchType=WEATHER

Here’s what we have…and have to look forward to as well. Guess that summer’s almost over.
John

[Big Horses]

How about a picture of the rake? I’ve got a New Idea side delivery rake, but not totally sure of the model. Somewhere I have an old brochure…I’ll see if I can dig it up.
John

[Big Horses]

It never ceases to amaze me how “advanced” some of the old societies were!!
John

[Big Horses]

I’ve worn “Whites” for years ( http://www.whitesboots.com/index.php?dispatch=categories.view&category_id=184 either original smokejumper or original packer), and always had good luck with them. The last pair I got was about 4 years ago, and it’s apparent that the quality has slipped just a little.
I’m thinking I’ll go with “George’s” boots next time (he advertises in SFJ) as it looks like he builds a really high quality boot, from visiting with him. I spend alot of time on my feet, and it’s worth it to spend a few more $$ to me for something high quality, and I’m spoiled by having my Whites, as nothing compares to a boot that’s made specifically for your foot!
John

[Big Horses]

Good for you George!!! It’s sure nice to hear you say that there’s no “cookie cutter” way to keep feet!
We keep all our stuff barefoot as much as possible. The Clydes do just fine for the most part, and have been barefoot for about 6 years now. We keep a close eye on the feet when we’re doing much carriage work, especially if it’s on pavement, but so far we’ve not had to shoe.
Our saddle horses do fine barefoot, unless we really wind up doing alot of riding for cows. We run cattle on open range, so a “day of riding” can be just that…. 10-12 hours straight, and back out the next day….etc.
We used to feed with a team all winter, so kept them sharp shod, just so there wasn’t any problems on the icy pathways to and from the feed grounds and barns.
It’s all about keeping an eye on things and responding to the needs of the horse appropriately.
John

[Big Horses]

I agree, Andy. If we don’t face it head on, it just gets worse. The current trend of tolerating all this BS is letting things get way out of hand. Some people need to be put back in their place, and get a reality check.
John

[Big Horses]

Yah, saw that the other day too. We just brought a couple sets back from Sandpoint, ID last weekend, (one spotted and one plain, but both very heavy and nice, just dry) and haven’t gotten them “up and running” yet.;)
JH

[Big Horses]

It’s so nice to hear a farrier with knowledge of what’s really goin on in that hoof! Too many think the flared, platters are “really cool” and don’t care what’s happening to the horse! If ya don’t believe that, just go watch a “hitch” class at a draft horse show…pretty pathetic!
John

[Author]

Posts