[HeeHawHaven]

Here’s some pics! Had some great fun yesterday even though it started snowing!

Dave

[HeeHawHaven]

They’re pretty cool alright! The young ones are just getting started. But, I like their personalities. They’re both really kind! I think I’ve posted pics here before, but I can again. Also, you can check out my picture gallery at http://gallery.me.com/heehawhaven and look for the Fjules album. I also think there’s a cute video there too at the bottom!

There is an Iclandic mule for sale here near Boise. His name is Snorri and he’s cool! Kind of small, but built well. http://www.dreamhorse.com/show_horse.php?form_horse_id=1383423&share_this=Y

I’ll attach a pic of Sven. He was the best! He’s next to the appy mule 2nd from left.

Taylor, you can come see them anytime!

Dave

[HeeHawHaven]

Sven was 14.3 and 1100 lbs or so. The 2 year old is 14.3 ish now and the 2 year old is around 14. Probably around 1000 lbs each.

[HeeHawHaven]

Any possible way this may work for me? Any thoughts? What should I ask? Or, do I just get it and make landscape art if it won’t work?

http://boise.craigslist.org/grd/1454525477.html

Dave

[HeeHawHaven]

Long story: Got harness and it looks great. Had uppity driving club friends come over to help us set it up and try it out and they say there’s lots wrong with it. Too narrow of saddle, wrong side blinders.

Then, we get busy with hay and living and don’t bother with it for months. Then, I call up St. Paul’s and tell him my concerns. He says the size of the blinder are appropriate for carriage driving and if we want a wider saddle, he’ll send us a wide pad to attach underneath it.

He sent us the pad immediately. Now, we just haven’t had time to put it all on and give it a go. We’ve just been driving him in his work harness.

So, very soon, we’ll get it on him. Hopefully, this weekend.

The quality seems good for the price. The workmanship is great and his customer service is great as well.

He also made us an awesome combo halter/headstall for our 17 H mule that is great for only $40 in nice harness leather.

So, as long as the harness works out, I would probably order from him again!

How’s that for a story?

Dave

[HeeHawHaven]

I’lll get out in the next couple of days and put the saddle of the harness on him too for your opinions. I think we’ll be just fine, but it doesn’t hurt to ask!

BTW – we’ve been riding him this summer. He’s only been a driving horse. He’s doing well, but it’s funny how he first started turning as if he was in between the shafts and he kind of moves his head like he’s looking around the blinders that aren’t there anymore!

D

[HeeHawHaven]

I’ve got my harness, but haven’t used it yet. We have some “mentors” from the local driving club and they weren’t happy with it.

They said that the saddle is too minimal for pulling the wagon we have. They also say that the blinders are too small.

Today, I phoned St. Paul Saddlery and he says this is a 100 year old pattern and that it will work fine. He is willing to send us a wool pad that velcros to the bottom if we want it.

I sent him a picture of Duke withe the bridle on with a work bridle next to him to get his opinion of the blinders. He says that the size he put on should be fine as long as you center it over his eye.

I’ll attach a picture here to get the “experts” opinions. I can also take pics of the saddle later to get your opinions.

We bought the harness for him to use on a light weight 2 wheel cart and to pull our small wagon. We were trying to have a light weight harness so that we didn’t have to use the heavy work harness in all situations.

Thanks for your opinions!

Sorry haven’t checked in lately. Too busy doing hay, training, riding, living, etc….

Dave

[HeeHawHaven]

I didn’t get out there fast enough to buy it! Wish I did. It would have made a great project and goal for my animals and me.

Dave

[HeeHawHaven]

You are in mule country! You should be able to find draft mules in Missouri. I think it would be best for you to look up draft horse/mule clubs and find some folks who drive. Then, learn what you can from them. They will also know of available animals. I am new also. We’ve had mules for 6 years. You can start with mules. Just make sure you have the right personality for them. They don’t forget anything – good or bad and need patience from their owners. We also have a fjord gelding horse and he is the one teaching us about driving.

Good luck!

Dave

[HeeHawHaven]

I found a No. 7 and am planning on getting it tomorrow. I would love to use it at some point. It looks to be in good shape and am told the gears work.

Can it be used with a single horse? Would my 1200 lb. fjord gelding be able to pull it? If not, I’m working on a team in the future. My fjules are getting started or I might be able to get my 16 year old mule to team with the fjord.

Can you tell what is missing and can I get the parts or make the parts that are missing?

Here’s some pics.

Thanks,

Dave

[HeeHawHaven]

Yep, Ed!

Still hoping to have it the week after Father’s Day. Not sure how many we’ll get. We can narrow down exact days once we see how much interest there is.

If there are any on this forum that would love a few days in the Idaho Mountains, we’re having a get together the week after Father’s Day. We will be camping and riding at Stolle Meadows which is near Warm Lake, just east of Cascade, Idaho. It’s an easy gravel road drive in from the paved road to a nice big meadow that can accommodate many campers. There is also an outfitter nearby that has outfitter tents and sites for rent. They might even come up with a horse or two to rent. The area has many trails of various difficulties, but a good trail horse/mule would be needed. There are also many natural hot springs in the area to ride to and ease the muscle tightness from riding.

I’ll set up another thread for forum members to respond if they’d like to join us.

Yes, the herd is back up in numbers again. We thought we had it down until Duke (fjord gelding) came along. He is really training us to be drivers/draftsmen. He is very willing and does what he’s told without any drama. If he messes up, it’s because of our mistakes in our signals. We’ve improved immensely in the time he’s been with us. He also has had the fjord mules alongside him and led by the wagon. Our goal is to get them really working this summer. If they turn out like I hope, we may be able to move a couple others elsewhere (only if the market gets better)

Dave

[HeeHawHaven]

The extra DVD I had is sold.

Dave

[HeeHawHaven]

Albert,

I need more info about coming out for a week of training in Spain sometime! My wife and I would love to save up and come out!

Please email or private message me more info…

Dave

[HeeHawHaven]

Hello Ed from your neighbor to the south near Boise.

Love your online name. My favorite Andy Griffith show is him singing Whoa Mule.

We got 5 mules ourselves including 2 fjord mule sisters that will be teaming up before too long.

We are new to driving, but have recently got a nice fjord gelding that drives nice. We will probably get into working him slowly as we get more secure.

Welcome to the forum.

Dave

[HeeHawHaven]

I ordered a harness from St. Paul Saddlery and should get it in about 2 weeks.

Also, took Duke for a wagon drive on Friday. He did great. We also lead Svana (fjord mule) behind the cart. She kept wanting to be up in front with him. I ended up walking her right there with him so she could get used to the wagon following her. No problems at all! She even slowed down a little and got hit in the legs with the wagon….just taught her to keep moving!

Is there a way to tie her up with Duke, but not have her harnessed up? I’ve seen people with phillies tied up with their moms while working. Any dangers that I should be aware of? Duke takes everything in stride and likes this mule.

We plan on speeding up training on the fjules soon with the nice change in weather. The summer will be our concentrated training since we’re both teachers and have free time.

Dave

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