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Gabe Ayers
Keymaster
George-
Just read this thread about your interest in a bobsled. I know I have said this here before, but I would highly recommend you speak with John Plowden about building you one. I have been using my sled now for several loads of pine, and it works really well. John rebuilt it with a design similar to Carl’s, with a few changes, and it is a superior tool for my team. He is very reasonable priced as well. John has runner stock in his shop and can fabricate any piece of metal you can dream up for a sled. I am also using a single and team arch that he built both of which are excellent in the woods. And, by the way, I have no incentive to plug John’s work – he just makes superior woods tools.
-BradKeymasterMonday’s are always easier for me, I’ll make either! Jen does this mean we’re not family? 🙂
KeymasterGeorge I think it was also called a skip hammer. It looks somewhat like the tools used on railroad spikes only not as long on the point. Most that use them make their own, cut down from other tools like a sledge. Kevin
KeymasterI,too, much prefer #1. I think having the image of a working animal or animals is a good idea. I might choose to tinker with the image some, but I am sure everyone has there own picture in mind there. Thanks for working on this!
-BradKeymasterGot in touch with Sam and worked out most of the details for the upcoming clinic. Still have a follow call to make tomorrow night to cover a few issues he didn’t have complete answers for. His fee will be very reasonable, he’s more than willing to adapt the course content to suit the requirements of those attending. I’ll get back to everyone with any specific concerns when I get back from PA next Monday. I have limited Internetand even less time, it’s very busy at the dairy farm this week! Feel free to ask any questions and I’ll get back to you ASAP. Kevin
KeymasterTim,
Thanks for the layout, it’s great. Your attention to detail is astounding! KevinKeymasterI have not gotten any bill for it yet. You sure made me rip that phone bill open that was sitting on the counter for a few days!
KeymasterThat’s a good idea Erica, I wanted to have more info it’s just not going to happen fast. Thanks, Kevin
KeymasterOn the contrary Ed, it’s your perspective and insight that is why we wanted you as chair. I’m all for RFP type process especially when we get an event that will attract a large pool of teamsters. But some events may not attract any teamsters, which is why we need to have a pay structure in place.
As far as the salvage project I’m all for it as long as the teamsters and some support personnel are compensated. I think it’s going to take as much logistic work as hands on, so it’s going to take some time to work it all out. KevinKeymasterHere are some more details on Bob’s feet:
1. He did have the same issues when I used a farrier.
2. The problem is only right at the bottom of the hoof from the nails down of the shoe – they crack and chip there.
3. This horse tends to be right on the bit, and his feet suffer from time to time because he steps on this with his shod hooves when turning corners.
4. I use this team to log commercially, so their feet take some abuse. Their feet look a bit like my hands when I am logging – in good shape but not that pretty!
Hope that answers the questions. I think I will look into a supplement and see if that helps.
-BradKeymasterIn my mind, don’t go looking for a horse of particular size, but rather find the right horse for you. It is not just the size of the horse but how willing they are to pull that makes the difference. I have a 16.5 h suffolk gelding that does not weight more than 1700 lbs but he can pull they side of the barn off. That is about mental makeup rather than physical size. I do think that everything else being equal, a shorter, more squat draft is the way to go. The physics of pulling are just more advantageous there.
-BradKeymasterIt seems to me that this job could present a substantial educational opportunity, and maybe we ought to get some of the local conservation groups involved. Could we contact someone at the AMC or the like? This is a very unique job that I am excited about if we could make the numbers work.
-BradKeymasterThe runners on my new bobsled are moccasin style, and they work nicely so far, but have to wait for deeper snow for the final say.
-BradKeymasterWhen I was an apprentice we lost a mare due to complex set of cirucmstances, but ultimately it was worm load in combination with heavy work when she was not in good shape that did her in. Loose stool was present just before she had to be put down. I say this not to cause undue alarm but to urge you to get a vet involved ASAP. If anything, we should have been more proactive earlier in diagnosing and treating her. It sounds like you have a feed issue rather than a worm problem, but as other have suggested I would get some vet help sooner that than later.
-BradKeymasterOne of the super things about bio is how easy it is to store. I have two bio harnesses with leather collars and bridles. I keep the lines right with the harness, and each harness is hung from a rail spike on the barn wall. Collars and bridles hang separately. Another popular way to store harness is to have three spikes in a horizontal line on the wall, wood or steel, with the hames on one, the jacksaddle on the next, and the britchen up on the third. This way is easier for a beginner teamster as the harness is hung up the same way it sits on the horse. In terms of cleaning the harness, I do nothing except wiping down the collars when they are sweaty or wet. Bio is great because is addition to being light and flexible at all temps, it requires almost no cleaning. Additionally, it is very easy to add holes to adjust fit, or even cut and bolt thru if needed. I began with leather but now use bio exclusively. Leather is certainly longer lasting and aesthetically pleasing but nothing compares to the ease of use of bio…good luck!
-Brad- AuthorPosts