[TBigLug]

I poked around on “GOL”‘s website. It looks like alot of fun. The closest training center to me is down in OH. I thought about doing some small logging here on our farm this winter but I’d like to get a little more time under my horses belts before I take them in the woods. Also, unfortunately, my current finances don’t allow for a set of shoes to keep them moving when it’s icy. Soon though. Although I’d never really considered horse powered logging as an option, I love being outside and I love working my horses. It may be a perfect fit. I’ll give my logging buddy a call this week and see if he’d be interested. I’m sure he would though. He’s moving back up here to Michigan next year, but I’m sure there’s a need here as much as there. Thanks for all the help. I look forward to picking your brain some more.

John

[TBigLug]

That rack doubles as a brush gaurd! Now that pic’s my wallpaper.

[TBigLug]

We’ve got an 11 y/o Jack Russell who mainly keeps us company now. Back in his younger years he was a great varminter though. I had a 2 y/o Saint Bernard who was my baby girl. Her job was to just do-de-do around the farm and keep me company. Best dog I ever had. Sadly we had to put her down a couple months ago. One noght I went to untie her from her leash, lost my balance, fell on her and broke her leg. When we took her in for the surgery they found she had a massive heartworm infection. We didn’t have the money to do the surgery and the heartworm treatment (which the vet said would possibly kill her and she’d be in alot of pain) so after much soul searching and tears we decided it would be best for her if we put her down. I still think about the what-if’s everyday but I know we did the right thing. Now she has a gravesight on the highest point of the farm so she can keep an eye on us every day.

This is Bart and Maggie playing in the living room.

I miss you baby girl. Rest in peace.

[TBigLug]

I would imagine you could fab up a set of shafts. Mybe mount it with a reciever style hitch so you could swap out shafts for a pole when you get a team. Just an idea.

[TBigLug]

Jason,

Thanks for the tip. I poked around your site a little before I crashed out for the night. I have a friend who moved to TN and logged with his horses for a living. I’m going tot ry and gather as much information as I can. Might be an idea i can work on next Spring.

I love the pulls. My big gelding crossed with over 8,000 the first time we ever pulled with him. Check out the photo section soon, I’ll throw up a pic or two.

Thanks again.

John

[TBigLug]

I’m sorry to hear about your loss. Your tribute was one of the finest that I have read. I hope over time you have found some peace.

[TBigLug]

We run all of our horses with our entire cattle herd year round. Never had a problem.

[TBigLug]

During the coldest of winter, our horses are in at night then out for 2 or 3 hours during the day. Stand in tie stalls. Fed square bales all winter. If it was up to me, I’d keep them out 24-7 except for extremes. During the summer they still come in every morning for grain (mainly to put them close at hand if we want to work them) but they’re only in for an hour if no one’s getting worked that day.

[TBigLug]

Sorry about your scenario boss. How’s the rebuild coming? Camper life’s not too bad. The g/f and I live in a 34.5′ Prowler Regal 5th wheel while we’re taking care of my grandparents and getting back on our feet. Less to keep clean. lol

[TBigLug]

I prefer not to shoe mine. I use them for everything from plowing to wagon rides to raking hay to just driving around the farm on the forecart. Our ground is mostly flat and sandy and I don’t use them in the winter. Our farrier is alot cheaper than some apparently, our trims are $20 and to have one shod is $70 (that price includes shoes) so it’s not so much a matter of cost as it is personal preference and requirement.

[TBigLug]

Nice video Neil. Very informative.

[TBigLug]

Try a leverage bit. But be careful, they will feel the pressure more with that bit than with a regular O-ring snaffle. Save your arms, keeps your cool and doesn’t hurt the horses. Great training aid.

[TBigLug]

Nice pics!

[TBigLug]

Our horses, like Neil’s, stay out on pasture until they can’t get any more. As a matter of fact, they get turned out into their pasture every day, rain, snow, sleet or shine, for at least anhour or two. Never had any problems.

[TBigLug]

And here’s the finished product to our one hour of work.

[Author]

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