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Robin
ParticipantParticipantHave you been in touch with Howie Van Ord? He is not all that far from you.
Believe me, you will not be sorry you contacted him. He’s a wonderful ox guy.ParticipantHappy Birthday! The big “50” isn’t so bad. Wait ’til you catch up to me. Wish you all the best. See ya in October.
ParticipantThanks for the reminder. I will send something shortly. Would you mind a blurb on some other local (NewYork area) horse websites about the Draft Animal Power weekend in October?
Happy Holidays to all. See you in October.
RobinParticipantWhen we go events with the oxen, if folks really seem interested in learning I invite them to my farm. Over the years a few have come out. One has returned many times, others come a few times and that’s it. Granted, there are no oxen in my area other than me and we are now surrounded mostly with city folks that commute to NYC to work. There isn’t much land left for draft animals in this area. A few pockets here and there. I do try to educate all the folks about draft animals, how hard it was to settle this country, etc. Do they remember or have a real interest?!! Maybe, don’t really know. If I can touch one person with some history or knowledge it will make a difference. The people have a million questions and always want to pet the “big boys”. I usully have books, pictures, etc on display so the folks know there are ways to learn. Most folks are facinated. Truthfully, I don’t know what else I can do. Not so young, Robin
ParticipantI am about to celebrate my 42nd anniversary of my 25th birthday….you can do the math.
I call my oxen adventure Senior Citizen 4-H. I’m have lots of fun with them along with the opportunity of meeting so many nice folks.
We do some work and some local events.ParticipantIt would be great to have more oxen folks at the Animal Power days next year. I haven’t seen Drew in several years. He must have many stories about his trip to Africa. Perhap he could do a talk about his travels at next years event.
I have been pulling logs with my oxen for several weeks now, trying to get all our firewood in before any real heavy rain/snow hits the area. I just pull a few a day to our “landing” where hubby cuts/splits for the fireplace. It’s very enjoyable.
The Hudson Valley Draft Horse Association is planning their spring plow. Most likely it will be at the Tilly-Foster Farm in Brewster, NY. Check out the place on their web. This could be interesting! All welcome.
So far, I will be the only one there with oxen. RobinParticipantHey Vickie, do you remember that was the weekend I met my Jed & Grey?
I never dreamed they would be in my paddock. I just love them….more every day…..and they still work at 14 years.
I’ve been back to Brooklyn several times. Everyone always has a good time.
come on out East! You may be able to hitch a ride with Howie.
RobinParticipantHas anyone read “The Cowboy and his Elephant”? Great book about a Rancher in Colorado who acquired an elephant.
Also, there is an Elephant Sanctuary in Tenn. I am sure they have a website with lots of information.
This thread is great. I haven’t thought about elephants in awhile. There is one housed here in Orange County, NY along with several camels, zebra, etc. A fun place to visit.ParticipantI haven’t heard from Sandy Eggers lately, but her oxen group from Brooklyn, Ct was fairly active. They maybe interested. It would be nice to have something closer than Michigan.
ParticipantWill we meet you next week at the Draft Animal Power weekend?
I will be coming from the Middletown, NY area. It’s always a fun/learing time.
RobinParticipantI have distributed all my current fliers. Hope we see a few folks from the Hudson Valley,NY at NEAPFD. Looking forward to seeing everyone.
RobinParticipantIf you are a farm, why does the planning board have any say at all?
We have an open manure pile for four steers, so far no problem from the town.
Why are you covering it??? Just curious.
Thanks.ParticipantI would NEVER loan out any of my items as most people are not responsible enough to return them. I have had the experience before…..never a lender or a borrower be!!!! It took me a long time a acquire these items, plus lots of cash.
I do have several books, videos, magazines, information that I have gathered over the years. I know exactly where it is, when I need it.
Copies of things are a different story. Good luck with this project.ParticipantRE: Heavy oxen yoke for Rod. I can handle my yoke alone to yoke my big brown swiss. I was told by the young man who made my yoke “if you can’t yoke them yourself, you will not enjoy your team”. So my yoke is about 40#’s as I am not going to compete or do very heavy work. I can yoke my team myself, they are taller than I am. I enjoy them very much. We use a stone boat, ox cart, pull logs, do odd jobs around the farm. The team is well trained, thus fairly easy to yoke. By the way, should you need a nice custom made yoke, just ask the young man who made mine…..Mr. Howie!!!
A great guy to know!- AuthorPosts