[Hoss]

Donn,
Are you still working Connie in an open bridle? I can’t tell on the picture.

[Hoss]

George, Have you had any trouble keeping the bead around the tire and rim from rusting? I have an arch like yours and seems like I’m at the tire shop every month trying to keep air in the tire. I may have to replace the rims, but they both still look fairly good.
Thanks

[Hoss]

I appreciate the replies! All those mule logging and farming stories were usually told, around a pot-belly stove, at my Dad’s community store. Those old-timers would get together and let the BS fly. I have heard all about the Great Depression, run away mules, breaking wagon axles and how they would walk to school up hill both ways. What an education! Those memories will be with me for the rest of my life!
Several of those old-timers would talk about how good their J hole horse was or how he got killed trying to learn. Just wanted to see if anyone was still using any of the old logging practices.
Thanks Again!

[Hoss]

Hey Red, You might try the East Tn. Draft Horse and Mule Assoc. They done a really good job at the Southern Draft Animal Days this past Sept. Maybe Jason Rutledge(Biological Woodsman) can get you a contact. He and the Healing Harvest Forest Foundation sponsored the event. I live just across the state line near Marshall NC. Hope this helps!

[Hoss]

Hey Donn, Be careful or you will be talking like the rest of us mountain folk, no one will not be able to understand your new accent once you get back home.:eek: Just kidding! You will take home some great knowledge!

[Hoss]

We have a David Bradley 75 bushel that we use behind the forecart. I agree about the backing and tongue hitting the tires in tight spots. In our mountain terrain, manure spreading usually consists of a team, sled, fork and strong back. From what I have seen from your pics, you should not have a problem with any spreader.

[Hoss]

Have you tried working her single. This is what I do to reconnect with my horses. I find a chore around the farm like hauling fire wood or a sled of manure, just some task that creates work for her and gives you time to evaluate performance one on one. My gelding will sometimes try to get speedy and this always works for him. Just a suggestion.

[Hoss]

Nice looking reindeer Rod.:D

[Hoss]

Nice looking outfit Jean. It looks like they are getting off to a good start.

[Hoss]

Oldkat
Thanks for the reply. My neighbor gave me the drill a few weeks ago (now I know why). He said he used the drill a couple of years ago, but it need the axle gears replaced. I was hoping for an easy fix, but seems like things never go my way. I will keep looking. Thanks again!

[Hoss]

Cane River Harness & Buggy
Cane River School Rd.
Burnsville, NC
828-208-4004

[Hoss]

Growing up in the burley tobacco region of the Appalachian Mountains, I was exposed at an early age to animal power. My grandfather and many of our neighbors used mules or horses for several farm tasks. Most all the tobacco ground was plowed, harrowed and cultivated with draft animals due to the steep slopes and poor road conditions around the feilds. My favorite memories are those days of helping him and neighbors work in the tobacco or doing simple farm chores using horses. I would watch the men work their animals. Some were gentle and soft spoken, others not so kind. Even as a young boy, I noticed how the animals were reacting to their work partners (Soft spoken and gentle always made the most progress). I tried to take in as much knowledge from those guys as possible. Most would mentor and answer my questions and others just wanted to get the job done. My grandfather was my hero. He would answer any question I asked and gave me every oppertunity he could to take the lines. As I gained more experiece, he expected my skills to improve. If I was having difficulty, he would show me what I was doing wrong. If I was doing good, he would let me go foward with my work. For that, I am very greatful. His knowledge is what I am passing on to my two young sons today.

[Hoss]

Thanks Donn for the info! My mower does have a rod that attaches to the mower head. A support spring is also part of the assembly. These mowers were popular in our area, as well as the MDs. Most are long gone to the scrap pile. This mower belonged to my neighbor’s grandfather. I have asked the oldtimers around here about the doubletree size and they all reply “We just used what we had. Don’t Know”. Thanks again!
By the way, I am assuming the tongue length is 14′ ? The tongue was missing.

[Hoss]

Thanks TBigLug! I would like to see more old photographs if possible. Maybe others can contribute. I’ll try to round some up.

[Hoss]

This is great! Just 50 miles away from home. You can count on us to be there.

[Author]

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