[Donn Hewes]

Hi Lizzy, I have used a short piece of rope before. or your might have a check rein or riding reins that would go in there. anything to fill the gap! d

[Donn Hewes]

Carl, when you say you mounted it vertically, is that fluid below the pump or above the pump? Do you have a picture of that? Is the battery attached with clamps or clips? Does it come off separately? I like the solar panel idea too, but might just start this season with the charger. What is the best type of battery and size? I want to raise and lower a rake 20 times? D

[Donn Hewes]

There are really three options for hydraulics. If you have a motor for PTO or other use then adding a hydraulic pump is simple. if not electric with a good battery may be cheaper / easier. I am hopong / planning to build a hydraulic pack that slips onto a cart. It will be battery powered with solar panel. There are also carts that use ground drive to run a pump and a device called a hydraulic acccumulator. Any of these ideas will work, just need to figure out which is best for you. What do you plan to use the hydraulics for?

[Donn Hewes]

To jury rig something you just have to be creative. I would keep asking around to see who has a harness. Usually someone in your area will want to get rid of one or lend you one. Watch for the spring auctions too.

[Donn Hewes]

I think it would be hard to make those materials durable enough. A collar needs to be tough enough to hold up to a lot of pressure being dissipated through the collar. A pad can spread it out further, but can also be disposable after 2- or three years depending on the miles. A good collar will there for last that much longer.

[Donn Hewes]

Jared, you can send them to me. We should also check with Daniel to see what can be done to make it easier to post photos. Donn

• This reply was modified 7 years, 2 months ago by Donn Hewes.

[Donn Hewes]

Her is a picture from a couple years ago?

• This reply was modified 7 years, 3 months ago by Donn Hewes.

[Donn Hewes]

Definitely worth a day. Both days are laid out about the same. DAPNet will be there sharing a both with “Carl Russell” and Donn’s Mower Shop. Hope to see you all there. Donn

[Donn Hewes]

I think Erika’s ideas above are like mine would be; but I want to hear more about the new horse. What did you get? Where did you find it? Donn

[Donn Hewes]

A 5′ bar is not a bad idea for Haflingers. They can also pull a 6′ bar, but hills or long hours might be a little tough. I have found in some circumstances folks have soured these good horses by constantly giving them equipment built for bigger horses just because they were willing. I try not to abuse their natural good nature and work ethic. I believe you can find a bar closer to you, but I would look for an Amish community near you and ask them where the closest mower shop is. I am sure Master equipment will send you a bar.

[Donn Hewes]

Is the Lespideza bar set up on two inch centers? It would be interesting to see [pictures of that. You can buy bars complete with guards and parts from a number of places. Shipping will be the expensive part. Do you live near any large Amish communities? Most have a mower shop. You can check with BW Macknair (central PA). Or Master Equipment (OH). Why switch from six feet to five?

[Donn Hewes]

I have always used pads and like them, but I know horses that work fine in good fitting collars without pads. I also often recommend adjustable collars, but many don’t like them. Collar fit is the most important part, and tight is no good. I think of them like hiking boots. You won’t go far unless they fit and are good quality.

You usually can’t really add pads to collars that already fit right.

[Donn Hewes]

At some point I realized that there were a small number of people and things I could say share my desire for a better world for work animals and teamsters. The Small Farmers Journal and Lynn Miller have been just that for 40 years. Don’t let them stop. Donn

[Donn Hewes]

There are a few variables here. What type of horse is it? Stud? For his own healthy you may want to manage this weight gain to some extent, although this can be very difficult with some horses. In my limited experience with wood hames they don’t always fit collars as well as metal. Switching to a metal hames and possibly shorter, will not require custom bending. Shortening a hames (either with a different length or by adjusting), while extending the hames straps makes a collar a little wider and shorter. Are you using a pad? I will run a good pad slightly tighter than a collar with out. When you seat a tight collar on the neck and then lift it, it should not be dragging to lift it. Up close photos?

[Donn Hewes]

I have a pair that were made by a local blacksmith. I won them! But I have never tried using them and don’t know how well they work. You would be welcome try them, but shipping them would take some doing! might not be worth it for the unknown pair. Donn

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