[Robert MoonShadow]

Congratulations!
But remember: just because you’ll be busy planting & such doesn’t mean you get to duck out on your fair share of changing diapers! 😀

[Robert MoonShadow]

Good teachers have an impact long after the session is over… becuase they don’t just teach you how to do something – they teach you how to learn (to think).
That’s what I was taught is an ‘Elder’.

[Robert MoonShadow]

Simple, really, since it’s based off of your idea –> FJord + mUlE = FLULE
FRiesian + mULE = FRULE.
Good thing that mules can’t breed, or we’d get a lot more politicians: Fjules + frULES = FULES {FOOLS} :rolleyes:
If you hook them to the front of the wagon, they’d probably get a better workout.

[Robert MoonShadow]

Has anyone checked with ATTRA? They’ve been an excellent referral source for just about anything ‘heritage’ I’ve asked about –> poultry, veggies, pigs, etc.
http://www.attra.ncat.org
or perhaps try asking the landgrant university of one of the major grain-producing states such as Kansas?

[Robert MoonShadow]

I’d be interested in seeing that cross, too. Rudy is one fine looking stallion & these two… it just seems a natural idea, huh?
I bet they’d also make some awesome mules, too.

[Robert MoonShadow]

Jen, That’s a nice bunch of horses.

[Robert MoonShadow]

Dave; I didn’t know that about the Fjord registry being so tight… you’re such an outlaw!! How are those two good-looking Fjules doing in their training, anyways? Combine your Fjules w/ Manes’ two Frules in a four-up…!!! 😎

[Robert MoonShadow]

Well, it could be kind of cool… if the mule ended up with the long mane of the Friesian, but stiff, like the donkey = a mohawk mane!! 😮 (You’d just about hafta name it ‘Spike’) 😎

[Robert MoonShadow]

Elke & Vicki; Excellent idea! I’m gonna steal that idea & use it with my donkey! As you can see in the photo section, he’s a bit of a ham… maybe it’ll entice him to be on his best behavior ‘for the camera’!
{Or knowing donkeys… maybe not :p }

[Robert MoonShadow]

Does anyone here now have (or have had experience with) American Creams? I really like their looks – build and coloring (well, from what little I know about horses, they look strong & sturdy, yet alert). I’ve only ever seen one up close – its about 30 miles south of here & used in a USFS pack string. I know they’re pretty rare, just wondering how they are as workers.

[Robert MoonShadow]

Sanhestar: Personally, I hope you don’t shut up. It’s just a discussion… it’s supposed to have differing opinions & viewpoints – otherwise it’s just a monotone. A symphony of knowledge, just as in a symphony of music, needs to have different notes & harmonies. I tend to agree with you on this particular point you’re making – but that’s irrelevant. What is relevant, is that it is fairly obvious that on this site, diversity is not just tolerated, but welcomed. I’m speaking only for myself, of course, but if I wanted to have just one point of view or opinion, I’d buy one book & consider it a “bible” on draft animals.
As I said, this is my opinion, for what it’s worth.

[Robert MoonShadow]

Nope, sorry Dave… they’re obviously neglected & severely malnourished. You better go out & give them each a bag of carrots & 3… no, make that 4, large apples.

[Robert MoonShadow]

Donn, Erik ~ My grandma’s solution for the lost grain & rodents problems: quail and/or pheasants; seems like the pheasants drove off the rodents, and the rodents hated having the quail covey running amok around them (must seem like a cross between a roadrunner & a hawk x 10). I don’t know how accurate it was, but I know we ate a lot of game birds growing up.., and not too many rodents that I remember. that was in the midwest & out here in the mountains of Idaho. Just a thought.

[Robert MoonShadow]

I grow produce & take it to the farmers’ markets… I use Peaceful Valley – http://www.GrowOrganic.com & Seeds Trust – http://www.seedstrust.com & High Altitude seeds (don’t have their contact handy but vcan look it up, if you want me to) –> these last two specialize in short-season, yet tasty, crops; many from Siberia. If you’re interested in heirloom/rare poultry {including 6 turkey breeds, ducks, geese, etc.) and heirloom seeds, try Sand Hill Preservation Center in Iowa… http://www.sandhillpreservation.com I use them all; especially Peaceful Valley – they’re totally organic, very large selection & offer seeds from other sources including Turtle, Renee’s & Shephard’s seeds. They’re a bit pricey, but not too bad, considering it’s all cetified organic. I’m not, but like to start with good seed. All these companies (and Johnny’s) will refund or replace seed, no questions asked…
For the heritage/antique types, I’d go with Sand Hill (especially for sweet potatoes = 77 varieties!) or High Altitude.
>>> Just my opinion based on my own experiences so far = I’m sure there’s lots of other good ones out there. Have fun!

[Robert MoonShadow]

Rod ~ Ooohhh, I know what I want for my birthday, now!! 😀
That is one slick, professional-looking job there! Now you know we’re going to want to know how well it actually works, don’t you? With those colors & the quality workmanship (and paint job!), it looks like it came straight out of the 1928 John Deere showroom.
{Um, can you tell I like it? ;)}
So with that handle arrangement, can you operate it from the seat? Did you ever talk to your welder to see if he intends to market these? I’d be interested in knowing what the final weight of it turns out to be.
You know what? I was just thinking about a large landscape job I did at a hospital, once… had to move a lot of dirt to create sound-berms, and different features – all by wheelbarrow because of the noise factor around, well, a hopital zone… a trained team {horse/mule or oxen} & this device sure would’ve come in handy. It’s certainly has lots of possibilities.

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