[Gabe Ayers]

Hello All-
My apologies for missing the meeting. I ended up hauling home almost all our first crop hay today, and it took a little longer than expected, due to baler issues in the field. Thanks for posting the notes so promptly Jean.
-Brad

[Gabe Ayers]

Ed-
Still planning on coming down with my team and arch. Having some trailer issues but hope to be there by 9 AM. Want me to bring all chopping gear?
-Brad

[Gabe Ayers]

Evan-
The strategy I was taught is to have the horses in during the day on most days, unless they are not to be used at all. That way they are close at hand for harnessing and out of the sun on really hot days. If you do leave them out in the heat of the day, provide some shade and plenty of water and they will be comfortable. I use night pasture and feed nothing during the day, except grain at the beginning and the end of the work day. When I do leave them out on a rest day, they are in a paddock with no grass during the day and then they get fresh pasture at night. That way, they stay in the routine of filling up at night and they don’t get fat.
-Brad

[Gabe Ayers]

Ed-
I am going to try to make it over for the wood bee with my team. I have to see if the dates work with my wife’s work schedule, which is in flux at the moment, but I will get back to you when I know for sure. Would my log arch be helpful or do you want to work on the ground? Thanks.
-Brad

[Gabe Ayers]

Peyton-
I would echo much of what has been said here, and I would add one more thing. Our small farm is a lifestyle choice as much as an economic one. Much of the value our farm brings for us cannot be measured on any bottom line. We love this life, despite the facthat there are a million other ways to make more money with way less effort. We do generate income from selling meat and eggs, logging with horses, and shearing sheep, but my wife works off the farm. That steady income which does not depend on the weather is what keeps us afloat when the farm income is slim. My farm income tends to come in fits and spurts, and some months we are flush and some months we are not. I do think it is easier to start you own small operation if one of the two has some income that is not necessarily tied to the farm. Not that you can’t both farm full time, but I think it is more difficult is some ways…just my cent and a half. Good luck!
-Brad

[Gabe Ayers]

Ethan-
I have an old set of wheels that I was given, that I would be more than happy to pass on if you could make use of it. It is set up with a pole at the moment, but could be adapted for shafts with some welding. It is made from front end of old car, very rudimentary, butwas used in woods and field for years by old time VT teamster, Edgar Welch. His wife Glenda is a friend and still around. She would be tickled to know it was being used again. I am out of town for a couple weeks starting Thurs, but you can get me tomorrow and come over while I am gone if you like (802-345-7488).
-Brad

[Gabe Ayers]

I have used quite a few different peaveys in the woods. They vary quite a bit in design and effectiveness. The best, by far, are the Peavey brand tools made in Maine. I think that the Bangor River style tool is the best, and you can order them directly from Peavey. It is well worth the investment as they are very well made and work well with larger diameter saw logs. Some other brands have cant arms that are too short to be effective on the bigger logs.
-Brad

[Gabe Ayers]

Mark-
I made a go-devil, based on a traditional design. It is now down with Andy Carson in PA for use with his oxen. They are easy to fabricate and work quite well, particularly with a single horse and one large log that you need to get up off the ground to move.
-Brad

[Gabe Ayers]

Jen-
Just now starting to think about the sponsor contact list. Have you already gotten together with MOFGA, or shall I call Andy and start on that one?
-Brad

[Gabe Ayers]

Mitch-
I have thought about the winch idea as well. I have used a powered capstan winch in the woods along with horses, and that tool is pretty slick, but takes time to lug around and set up. I think if I were to move to a powered system for logs I would lean towards a powered arch similar to what Elmin Mitchell used to run. It is quite a rig but really allows you to move some wood. I think Jimmy Cornish also used to run something similar, but I never saw it. I do know what Elmin’s design took the right team that could really lean in as the winch cable was pulled in and then logs were lifted. That is some heavy work!
-Brad

[Gabe Ayers]

George-
That sounds great. I have gotten away without a forge, and I use stock shoes which I shape a little on a makeshift anvil. I know I don’t get quite as good a fit as I would if they were hotshod, but I don’t really have the skill yet to do it. A little at a time…good luck!
-Brad

[Gabe Ayers]

George-
Well, I have decided to keep the Suffolk and find a new team mate for him. Last time I needed a horse I looked locally only. After putting visiting more than a dozen horses and putting some 500 miles on my truck, I am trying something different this time around. I did look some around here, but I have decided to head out to PA to Andy Carson’s place, and, barring something unexpected, come home with his mare. This process is always tough for me. I have never started with young, green broke animals, so I have had to rely on the work done with my horses by others before me. And, I have had good luck with this method. I hope this mare is a good fit, but to be honest I never really know what I have until I get home and do few jobs with the animal. I am not heading back to work away from our farm until the end of mud season, so I will have some time to get Bob and Val on the same page. Then, we head off to see what trouble we can get into!
-Brad

[Gabe Ayers]

Jac-
A couple of thoughts on your drawing. First, I think that the logs need to be able to slide further under the beam of the arch so that the hitch point is perpendicular to the beam. In that case, the evener has to ride higher above the top of the load. Second, with the D-ring harness I use as you tighten up the rigging with the traces and the front backer straps the pole end tends to lift up. I am not sure I could get the necessary tension with that set-up. Finally, how would you use the ground to get the hitch end of the logs up and then take up the slack in the hitch chains? I think that set-up would give you little lift and lots of drag. I have wrestled with this same issue on my arch – the angle of draft is high and you loose mechanical advantage. But, with lots of lift you gain advantage as the load is further off the ground. I know folks have different thoughts on this issue. Carl Russell uses a Barden cart in the woods with allows less lift than my arch but keeps the angle of draft low, and your set-up reminds me of his cart. Carl, any thoughts here?
-Brad

[Gabe Ayers]

Juliana-
I have not had much personal experience with putting together two horses who don’t seem to like each other, but I have teamed one of my horses up with another’s single. Generally, they seem to work things out if given a chance. I do think that you have to have firm and clear boundaries and be willing to reinforce them consistently. It is a bit easier when this is a boundary with me and the horse. For example, if I have a horse on a lead and he puts his head down to graze I kindly but firmly kick the end of his nose. They learn pretty quick not to graze in that situation. Horses look to us for clear and strong leadership, and when they don’t get it they push our buttons readily. Or, if one of my horses likes to rub his head on and pester the other when they are teamed I use the lines and my voice to check that behavior every time he does it. I have heard folks say that they have two horses who just can’t work together, but I think your approach is the right one – draw a line and stick to it! Also, the more time they spend together eating, tied, standing, etc. the better off that relationship will be in the long run, I think.

[Gabe Ayers]

I added my two cents worth to this thread back when I only had a single draft, and I was paying a farrier to shoe him for field and logging work. I have had a team now for 2 years or so, and I have changed course on this matter. Now, I trim and shoe both myself. The big change for me was finding a skilled farrier who was willing to work alongside me and teach me as I flailed my way through the educational process. I am still no farrier, don’t get my wrong. I still call my farrier for help, but I can now shoe my two horses. And that is enough for me. It certainly is cheaper, and I have total control over when I do the work. I don’t mean to say that it was not worth paying as I was previously, but it is just a better situation to be able to do my own. I think it has changed my relationship with the team a bit, and I like the results. Sure, I don’t do a perfect job, but that is not what I need. I need function, not style. The shoes stay on, and when I do have a problem like a sheared off ice stud, I can removed the shoe, fix the stud, and reset the shoe at my own schedule. In terms of Amish vs English I too think that there are both great and awful farriers on both camps. If you find one that works well with you and your animals and you are willing and able to pay them, that’s great. But, I do take a great deal of satisfaction from having learned a new, useful, economical skill. I also shear my own sheep and I feel similarly about that endeavor. Being able to do it ourselves just makes us less dependent on someone outside the operation, which leaves more money in my pocket as well as the pleasure of furthering my relationship with my animals.

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