logging with haflinger

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  • March 24, 2012 at 1:50 am #43657
    Kenneth F
    Participant

    How much can i expect one haflinger gelding to pull? I’ve got the harness/collar how do I measure for the single tree to make sure it fits him this will be my first attempt at working a horse any tips will be appreciated

    Kenneth

    March 24, 2012 at 7:58 am #73034
    CharlyBonifaz
    Member

    what working condition is he in?

    March 24, 2012 at 10:36 am #73032
    Donn Hewes
    Keymaster

    I am not sure what you mean by measuring him for a singletree. Any single tree will work to skid logs. If you are making one make it 28″ or 30″ perhaps. A hook with a ring or handle is very helpful. As for how much should you expect him to to pull, that is a very open ended question. How big are the trees? Are they for fire wood or milling, or selling? Where, how steep, up hill or down hill, and how long of a skid? How much time do you have? There are a lot of variables in logging, that is what makes it so fun, and good for horses. If this is new for you and the horse I suggest starting with something you know is too easy, then gradually work up to the harder ones. Throw in an easier one ever few trips, so they don’t start thinking it will always get harder. You will have to use your own judgement as to when the horse is pulling hard or breathing hard. Let that judgement grow over time, don’t be in a rush to find out “how much” he can pull. Good luck.

    March 24, 2012 at 10:42 am #73033
    Donn Hewes
    Keymaster

    Hi Kenneth, Have you ever done any logging with anyone else or seen anyone do it with horses? There are some basic tricks and skills that making it safer and easier. Perhaps you have seen some of the good videos that are on this sight. Check out Earthwise farm and Forrest if you haven’t.

    March 24, 2012 at 10:23 pm #73036
    Kenneth F
    Participant

    Thanks for the help I plan to make a single tree I’ll pulling firewood we heat with wood and its a good reason to use the horse my wife has a haflinger mare I plan to use them as a team but when we hought her she was under weight so I’ll wait till she is ready

    I have a 4 shank cultivating plow would that be to much for my gelding?

    Thanks
    Kenneth
    There are few draft horses around my area the only guy I know well stays busy shoeing I’m gonna get with him when he has time

    March 25, 2012 at 12:02 am #73035
    nihiljohn
    Participant

    Sounds like a learn/learn set up. (man and horse). Relax. Enjoy. Be safe. Haste makes pain. Is the horse broke to drive? If it is start by just line driving around the yard. Then add a single tree with a length of chain to keep the tugs tight. Then add a fence post. Then go to the woods and get a small pole for fire wood. Repeat the go to the woods part until fire wood is done. It will take a lot more days than if you use a skidder that cost 100K but it will take a lot less than if you have your wife drag them out. (not recomended) Start with logs that you can pick up. Have them all cut before you go to get them. Make it easy on yourself and the horse. The horse will let you know how he feels. Watch him. Go forth young man! Fear not the unknown. If you simply walk in the middle of it, the unknown becomes knowledge and points the way to new adventures.

    March 26, 2012 at 8:39 am #73037
    Kenneth F
    Participant

    Thanks for the help I look forward to trying logging I plan to build a arch later on when I hook them up as a team

    Kenneth

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