[Billy Anderson]

Hello Jorean

beautiful horses! well done for making such a brave move. Much respect. Must have been nerve wracking. Where in france have you moved to? Could you not have lived the same life in Holland?

[Billy Anderson]

There fiesty little blighters. We have a miniature shety and he has the biggest personality. puts the clydesdales in there place. Handy with his back legs though

[Billy Anderson]

Hey Eli. how are you? Why no-till? Why use chemicals? Sorry im just curious and dont know much about farming but am keen to learn all.
😀

[Billy Anderson]

You kept busy cousin jack??

[Billy Anderson]

@fogish 39075 wrote:

Does everyone prefer a link to the photo or the thumbnail in the post?

Where is the photo? Sorry im a bit jurrasic when it comes to computers

[Billy Anderson]

I spoke to les yesterday. The accent barrier proved to be difficult but none the less he is very kindly sending plans over.

Carl. I believe there are factors in the design of this arch in relavence to draft angle and lift? Does that mean the size of the wheels are important as not to alter weight on the togune or shafts?
Also do you use it as a forecart for other duties around the farm
Thanks

[Billy Anderson]

Thanks Carl… I will have to talk slowly so he can understand me :D.

[Billy Anderson]

I use to ride when i was younger but had gave up for many years. A few years ago finances and my life being in a place that has allowed me to have horses again saw me buying a green clyde. My girlfriend has been involved with ridden horses her whole life but had no experience working horses for draft. She is meticulous in the care and welfare of horses and has been a great teacher to me, although taking orders from your other half can be difficult at times :confused: haha. It has become my passion but has been a steep learning curve for me and horse, with mistakes that helped teach me what NOT to do! Luckily me and the horse have both bounced back unscaved and moved on from them successfully. I have read numerous books, information from here and asked many questions to horseman who work with draft animals.
I also got introduced to Equitation Science. This was fundamental in my understanding of how horses work. It helped train me to train the horse. It laid the foundation for Go, Stop, park, yield and head control, working in hand. In a very short time he was doing what i asked of him with very slight pressure. Learning the correct timing for releasing the pressure made him much calmer and willing. It changed our working relationship, its as if he trusted my leadership. This foundation then made the next move on to driving etc much more easier.
I do feel that not everyone has the competence to work with horses in any discipline. Off course we all make mistakes and hopefully learn not to repeat them. It seems when it comes to animal welfare some folks mistake this living animal for some kind of machine. There is livery yard not far from us and when my GF was pregnant she thought it would be a good idea to lend her sports horse out. A group from the yard suggested a guy, who had some years experience with horses would exercise him as he was at present without his own horse. This turned out to be not so wise. He was asked to bring him into work slowly and build his fitness up as he had not been out for a while. So on his first outing they all went away for 2 1/2 hours which included a beach gallop!?? Needless to say he was sore for a few days and hobbled about the field. He then started to lose a shoe which the chap decided he would remove, as seemingly he knew how to. He was asked to wait half hour as i was en-route with tools in hand to do it properly. Before i got down It appeared he had just yanked off leaving nails behind which caused a huge abscess. Horse out of work again. My GF gave the guy benefit of the doubt and another chance. So foot all better. Now remember build him up slowly. Low and be-hold same scenario as before only this time managed to pull bit through his mouth (it was the horses fault according to the chap! eh??) which has left him with a nasty scar. Now my GF beats herself up for lending him out. Thing is, since that episode we hear stories about all sorts of stupid mis-management from this group of horse lovers at that yard. Its these kind of people, that no matter how much you tell them the correct way they just don’t have enough savvy to see that this is a living breathing thing that feels pain, but yet somehow believe it has enough intelligence to reason and workout situations for itself. Although we are much more humane to horses these days, that way of thinking is a hidden danger to them.

[Billy Anderson]

Being green to working horses for draft i have spent hours reading older posts on here, which i came across via google. Then after meeting john (Jac) and speaking to simon Lenihan, I realised that being from overseas i can still get involved in this community and became a member. Along with the reading and watching videos via youtube i am slowly piecing info together but video posted are vague and miss detail and trying to visualize descriptions of posts can go a bit over my head unless backed with a picture.
There is a shortage of horsemen local to me experienced in working the land with horses, so the forum has been a godsend for information and help. I think this idea you have suggested would be great. Information at hand you could go back to time and time again for help and re-freshing the memeory

[Billy Anderson]

Hi Donn, He had been handled but that had been it. We have had our set backs, made mistake and got over them. He is a good honest horse and is settling in to work very well. I have enjoyed it no end and intend to continue training them throughout my life. I am green when it comes to working horses as a pair, although i feel competent in being able to do so. Its more me being impatient about wanting to start working a pair that’s giving me cause to ask opinions. That and some folks from here (Scotland) have said i would be giving myself a hard time working two inexperienced horse.
Over here trained experience horse’s can be from 2000 dollars and up more expensive than an unbroken 4 or 5 year old. I am vexed to pay so much more when i now i am capable to bring a horse on myself.
I have not posted a lot as yet on here, but have read so much info on older posts. I am in awe at the knowledge and the opportunity you guys get to work with draft animals. Where i live there is a shortage of experienced teamsters, especially when it comes to working horses on the land. Hence the reason i am seeking advice.
Thanks for your advice Donn. Much appreciated.

[Billy Anderson]

Kevin

That is tragic, i am sorry to hear of such sadness. There are no answers for such loss and pain. Be there for each other. Time can be a great healer

[Billy Anderson]

Tristian.
You made a comment about training them to step in. Could you enlighten on that please
Thanks

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