[LaNette]

Well I’m impressed. One week later and my mule is moving out fine and with gusto. Must be that hybrid vigor. Looks like I’ll be able to put him back to work soon. And here I was getting all bummed out for nothing.

LaNette

[LaNette]

Here’s the contact number for Mascot Sharpening: 717-656-6486 ext 1. This is a father/son operation. The do not have a web site and you will have to call them to get a brochure, price list, and place an order. Or you can see their advertisements in any issue of Rural Heritage magazine. Calling them early in the morning seems to be the best time to contact them. Also, I would advise you to not call them on Sunday. With a little give and take you can get your item shipped fairly close to you. Rod posted a link to an e-bay spreader. The green one is exactly like mine.

One more thought, I hook the spreader by myself. When empty, pulling the spreader to my forecart is no big problem, but when load down, its a back breaker to lift and move forward (because you are bending down in an awkward position). I have a jack lift on the tongue and simply back the forecart to the pin holes. So don’t skimp on the jack.

LaNette

[LaNette]

With my draft cross horse, I can get just about any job performed with or without blinders on the bridle. He’s a willingly worker. I have experimented with and without blinders to see if having a larger field of view has any effect on his performance. And with this horse I honestly can’t see a difference. Any more, I routinely use the bridle with the blinders as it does provide some protection from the thorny bushes. My mule on the other hand, has a lack of willingness to comply with my requests without blinders on. He’s sluggish in his transisions (from stop to walk, walk to trot etc.) and more inclined to stray off path. By using the blinder bridle I clear up these problems. If at first he does not readily comply with my request then the second ask is accompanied with a properly applied whip. I never need asking a third time. I also have no further need for carrying the whip for the remainder of the day. This is not the case with an open bridle. He can anticipate the whip and perform as he chooses. For this mule, the blinders help him focus on his job. And as with most things, equipment choices should fit the needs of the job and animal in question.

LaNette

[LaNette]

I have a 25 bushel manure spreader I pull with my single draft cross. I got it shipped from Mascot. Their accent is very different from mine so it took us awhile for us to understand each other but they were easy and professional to work with. It works well and the beaters are more heavy duty than the beaters you get off of the build it yourself kit types. Pulls good too. I’m suppose to keep the chains oiled better than I do but I don’t. Still works fine. Spreads decent enough for what I need. I use the rubber tires as its all rocks out here.

LaNette

[LaNette]

I can go to my local fire department and get their used hose for free. I use it as a sleeve to protect my ropes.

[LaNette]

For single horse use, it is heavy on the front end. Meaning it will put weight on the back. I have the implement seat positioned as far back as it will go and I have guesstimated that I’m putting about 20lbs on the harness saddle while seated. Attaching implements (manure spreader or dump cart) that are wheeled do not effect the balance in any way. I have seen where others have added weights behind the axle to relieve some of the down pressure of the heavy front end. I have not gone this route as my horse is in good condition for the short span of work I put him in while hitched to the Pioneer forecart. I also use a very wide harness saddle with supplemental thick padding. For just driving around I use a different cart and the Pioneer is strictly for work related chores. Overall I like it and I get a lot of work out of it. It will last a life time.

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