[Carl Russell]

Neal,
I can’t remember if I showed you, but my most used neck yoke is made of 1 1/2″ pipe, with a spread chain. I twist the chain over the pipe to shorten it up so the ring is right under the horses noses. If they can get their nose past the tree, the pole will pass too.

Also, I shorten the front hold backs so that I can just barely get the hook, or snap, into the lower ring on the hame where the market strap hangs. This way I have very little problems with the standard neck yokes, although there tends to be too much pole sticking out for my liking, and in certain cases the pole may be too low because of the extra length from d-ring to pole ring.

I really like the pipe yoke with the spread chain, I’ve used it since I bought my second horse in 1987, and only had to repair one weld since.

Carl

[Carl Russell]

We also installed 200′ of Elephant Trunk piping under the basement floor when we built, and connected it to air distribution system. We can pull warm air from the loft into the basement floor, or reverse. I also installed outlets that will be connected to a masonry heater, and a solar green house, both for convective heating which will create a thermo-siphon to circulate air without fans. Right now with limited off-grid power we run fan as little as possible, so the system doesn’t get much use.

I have a friend in South Woodstock who installed a much more elaborate system using 12″ pipe in sand under the foundation including a computerized zonal control. She uses it in combination with passive solar and wood the heat a very nice “South Woodstock” home without any petroleum back-up. She can leave the house in winter for extended periods and has no worries. The only requirement is a propane generator in case power goes out, ans the system won’t work without the computer. Costly to install, but very cost effective in the long run. I’m not sure about retro-fitting an old farm house.

Another person is Henry Swayze in Tunbridge, who has built his home somewhat similar to what Jason describes. I’m not sure of all the details, but he is in charge of The First Branch Sustainability Project in Tunbridge, Vt. I may be able the get more contact info soon. Carl

[Carl Russell]

Thanks Bonnie,
Great to see you here, and to learn about your effort. I haven’t had much time these days for surfing so I haven’t clicked the link, but will soon. Carl

[Carl Russell]

Yes Jean, it would be great to pass the word around. We also got the DVD yesterday, and I do think it was well done, and handled well. We may post it on U-tube and link it to the web-sites. Carl

[Carl Russell]

I have not had any success viewing the program on-line, but wcax.com is the primary site then enter the “Local Guide” on the sidebar menu, scroll down to “Across the Fence”, then “Watch Streaming Video”, Then “Animal Power on Vermont Farms (7/15)”.

Seems simple enough, but it just won’t work for me without a whole bunch of upgrades. Hope some of you can get access.

I don’t get broadcast TV either, so I haven’t even seen it yet. We are supposed to get the DVD. I’ve heard that it is “good”, but middle of the road. The supposition is that animal power is an option, IF people are inclined. So we will save our proclamations for when we have captive audiences. Carl

[Carl Russell]

I also have an old stoneboat head that I was going to bring along for moose pulling to fasten the head, antlers, and front feet to keep the load a bit more compact and to try to reduce the problem of antlers catching, etc. Carl

[Carl Russell]

I’m not sure that with the horses I’m working right now that I will be open to moose pulling this year. Also, I have already over-booked myself with other engagements such as a series of On-farm Slaughter Workshops thru NOFA-VT.

As I alluded to before, when I was contacted before, I was on-call, as it is impossible to schedule the event, and although you would be welcome to come along, we might find it difficult to coordinate.

Andre’ Palmer and Pat Palmer both have pulled moose in their area, and may be open to your accompanying them. You might just want to tag along with your friend while they hunt to get some idea of the terrain.

Great subject, Carl

[Carl Russell]

Also, contact Rob Flory at Howell Farm. Rob is a regular contributor to this site, and can be contacted through the member list. Carl

[Carl Russell]

Jennifer,
At this point I think it is a good idea to be thinking about the intricacies of real working situations, like pulling moose, because it will help you to visualize the enterprise, and I think it is important also that you are brave enough to seriously consider real work that will challenge both you and your horse.

That being said, I have never pulled a moose, but have been contracted before to do so. I have shot several deer in the woods, accompanied a friend who shot a bull elk, and I have come across many moose in the wild. In none of those experiences have these animals been in terrain that was easily accessible, and quite often I found myself in areas where I had never been, or been very few times.

The challenges to pulling moose are not merely issues of power and weight, but more often terrain, obstacles, and orienteering. These contribute to significant challenges to the teamster/animal relationship.
I know many people who use one horse for a moose because ease of moving around, but end up over-working the horse because of length of skid, or other terrain issue.

I have always agreed to pull moose with two horses because of my experience of working regularly in the woods, I have just as much confidence driving two as one, and I know that the obstacles will be more easily overcome with two. I have nothing to prove about the power of any of my animals (“Go light and go often, gets a day of work done”)Also I am inclined to find my own route out of the woods if I don’t like the choice of the hunter.

I have set a price of $200 before I open the trailer, and $50/hr after that. This is why my last client shot his moose 800 feet from the road and called 10 of his best friends to help him drag it out. I did get some steaks though, just for being on call for the 10 day season.

Also just for conversation, if the animal is shot on National Forest, you will need outfitters permits, and possibly the same on some State-Owned Wildlife Management Areas.

You will know by then, but you will want to have challenged you animal significantly, if you want it to be a certain success.
Carl

[Carl Russell]

Elizabeth, I’m not sure where you are, but you may get a good start on your search if you contact Tim Huppe, or Colin Cabot at Sanborn Mils Farm in Loudon NH. 603-435-7314 or colin@sanbornmills.org

Check out the calendar on this site, as they are offering a beginning with oxen workshop soon, and may be a good way to get acquainted. I think they have been working with some apprentices lately. Good luck, Carl.

[Carl Russell]

Thanks Jen, I’ll pass your contact info onto Kristin Gage our Vol. Coordinator. She will be working on organizing everyone’s efforts. Thanks, Carl.

[Carl Russell]

What do you mean by cellulitis? I’m not sure that I have heard of that. Carl

[Carl Russell]

Sounds like a plan. Maybe as casual as gathering at the gazebo, or as formal as part of a round-table discussion on “Community of Interest; Networking, outreach, and education.” We’ll make it happen. Carl

[Carl Russell]

Rod, I keep tie stalls for my animals, but they are outside 24-7, except in freezing rain, or when the paddock gets really muddy in the spring. They sometimes come in during the days, if they aren’t being worked in the summer.

I have fed hay from dry round bales, by the portion like loose hay. Gotta store them inside, good and dry. Some times if they have to be inside for a few days I make sure to turn them out for a couple of hours, to roll, and maybe eat a leaf of hay, drink, etc. At the very least lead them to the water tank a couple of time a day. I keep a tank warmer, and turn it on an hour before I water, so they don’t drink from an icy tank.
Carl

[Carl Russell]

I once patched a tire like that with a sheet of heavy duty gasket material, and once with another inner tube, pasted to the inside of the tire wall. It held for a long time. At least it kept the balloon from forming, until I fund a replacement.

“one mans junk….” At my farm it is referred to as the “Gold Mine”. Some times it takes a few hours to find the left hand inside reverse square O-ring, but I know it’s there somewhere!!!
Carl

[Author]

Posts