[gunslinger598]

Draft horse 92″ shafts
Horse 82″
pony 72″

[gunslinger598]

I do not have a problem with anyone who is a producer aka farmer.

My concern is a middle man breaking the back on both ends while they get fat in the middle.

Alfalfa is generally unavailable around here. When it can be found it is double to triple the cost of “good” grass. The reasons possibly that very few irrigate here and a blister beetle problem.

At present most hay growers can’t use or sell all they grow around here. Bermuda & native grass’s. It’s very common to see a lot of hay go to rot around here.

A few years back we had what was said to be the worst drought ever recorded for this area. Hay that was normally say $20.00 for a 5×6 round bale went for $125.00 if a person could find it. I got through 2 years feeding mostly alfalfa pellets and what little pasture I had.

I have an established relationship with regular hay suppliers and pay $3.00 for sq grass hay behind the baler. The round hay I feed is $20 to 25.

Very reasonable compared to what I see advertised in other areas, some of those just across the river from here in N E Texas.

There isn’t much farm land for sale here. Much of the land is heavily wooded. Of course there is a market for the wood so clearing and developing it for hay meadows is always an option.

[gunslinger598]

I just don’t think I want to give the rates here for someone to come in and buy it all, so it would limit whats available for us local folks.

I prefer buying direct from the person who is producing an eliminating the middle man.

[gunslinger598]

Although at this point in time I am only diving light horses to a cart and wagon most of the time I keep them shod. I do all my own farrier work and have for many years. I also apply drill tech or the borium from tubes to the shoes. I travel on country gravel roads & some asphalt. A couple of times a year I’ll drive in a parade. 1 town in paicular has very slick streets so the drill teck gives me added traction. I can reset these shoes many times. Often the nail holes wear out before the shoe.

I do when I can get away with it drive & ride them barefoot. Depends on the terrain and the horse.

I have to do just about everything myself from an economic stand point from shoeing my own to building my own wagons & carts. Some of the harness is even home made.

[gunslinger598]

Welcome aboard

[gunslinger598]

Welcome to the fire

[gunslinger598]

Welcome to the fire !
[/IMG]

[gunslinger598]

I have a paint stallion that didn’t drop the second one until he was 4. At first it was a bit smaller but within a few months it is as equal to the other as a person can tell from the outside.

I have generally been waiting until sometime well in 2+ years of age to geld my colts. Many haven’t dropped both at 18 months yet.

[gunslinger598]

Great pic, thanks for sharing

[gunslinger598]

Welcome aboard

Very interesting about the dog.

[gunslinger598]

LoL ………… sampling a little to much ethanol…

With a little thought I was able to decipher the jist….

I’d much prefer to read absorb and move on. I do have other things to do.

I did get a few chuckles out of it though ….

[gunslinger598]

Update on parade:

Well all I can say is it went great. The little horse couldn’t have been more perfect. He did have to work harder to keep up with my friends Tennessee Walker that was going single in front of us. Anthoer local man I know had a matched pair of Spanish Mustang blue roan ponies and was behind me.

After the parade we had made 2 trips across town. Stopped at the Sonic ( for thhose that don’t know, it’s a drive in with car hop girls that bring the food orders) for a root beer float.

[gunslinger598]

For the most part I drive for transportation using quarter horses and a few paints.

I have been breeding these 20 years and stand 4 stallions.

Today I’ll be driving a small QH gelding on the cart in the Rodeo / Homecoming parade.

I started this gelding last year and had him in his first parade on his 29th hitch

Todays parade will include some elephants. The town where I will be in the parade is the headquarters for 3 national circus’s.

I’ve been reading over this site as often as I can pickin up ideas and thoughts to ponder.

[gunslinger598]

Welcome,
I’m looking forward to hearing more about your work and way of life.

[gunslinger598]

I apply borium with a torch. It helps keep traction on slick surfaces and the shoes will last most of the time until the nail holes get to big to hold a nail.

My little cart horse I have been resetting the shoes every 6 to 7 weeks for over a year now.

[Author]

Posts