[Rod]

This is a serious issue and needs to be dealt with effectively. Some time back when I was raising Dexter cattle I was using a Bulletin board dedicated to Dexter cattle. This board was very popular with the Dexter crowd and eventually contained vast amounts of valuable dialog and information about raising Dexters. As the board grew, it was quite large, the person who ran it appealed a number of times for financial support also trying advertisements, donations, ultimatums and subscriptions. It was suggested by yours truly that the site be turned over to the Dexter Cattle Association for safe keeping and operation but he just shut it down with out notice and wiped it from his hard drive. Ouch. It was a treasure chest of information and was tossed out and lost forever. Better than any book about Dexters than any single author could create.

This site is getting to be of the same value and needs to be secured and made sustainable at least. Carl and Lisa I am sure have poured many hours and dollars into this endeavor and need to be under girded in order that they don’t burn out on this as they carry the load for us all.

Is a Draft Animal and Sustainable Farming organization possible answer? Such an entity could have membership with dues, fund raising responsibility and oversight of the web presence as well as in development of the existing and potentially new programs and events. The web site could remain free as a service of the organization but the work load could be spread out more among the members. Many hands make light work and also mean resources to grow in effect and program beyond the energy and time available for individual operators. Something to think about.

One temporary suggestion which will not solve the problem but can help a little. I have had great success using the buy and sell category and would not think it an imposition to pay a listing fee for the use of such a targeted audience.

[Rod]

I was thinking about getting some Swiss Boots with removable studs for winter use when I need it and if I take them on pavement etc where I would need shoes. Mine are barefoot and I am going to try and keep them that way if I can. I am careful where I walk with them so as to protect thier feet as much as I can.

I wonder if anyone has any experience with this type of boot?

[Rod]

Nice photos of Halfingers and nice job on the restored equipment. Are the Halfingers barefoot?

[Rod]

Not a response to your question but as I have a pair of Halfingers also wonder how big a spreader you are pulling. And is it a direct drive model or behing a forecart?

[Rod]

I would like to see the plans for the dump cart. Thanks.

[Rod]

I had some additional strap made for my draft harness. The shaft loop straps clip onto the saddle pad and the hold down straps pass through a loop which I added to the girth. For brichen straps I used a loop strap through the lower britchen ring. Works great and easy to put on or take off.

[Rod]

Hi Neil

Oh boy what a thing to happen. If I can help in any way let me know. We will be praying for you.

[Rod]

That’s interesting because previously this pair had that type of harness which put the tongue weight onto the collars. It could be they developed this habit before I switched them to the “D” ring.
Do you think any type of checks would help? Since it’s always to the inside that they rub and toss around I was thinking about a rope on each outside halter worn under the bridle, that I could yank on when they did it, sort of a training device? Or do you think they will stop the habit eventually now that the neck load is off?

[Rod]

Since this is a “need advice” thread I think any type of question along these lines is appropriate. In fact I have a new one. My horses have a bad habit of rubbing their bridles on each other and on the draw bar and lines when stopped. I don’t like it because they can easily get tangled up doing that and it’s just not good manners. It’s not the bridle fit or flies because they don’t do it when tied up separately only when tied together. Any comments, observations or advice?

[Rod]

Nice job, I love to see stuff folks build. They usually contain a new idea or two which often comes in handy.

[Rod]

More questions. How do folks tie the horse team up when in bridles? Do you tie by the bit or slip a halter over the bridle? Use a combination halter bridle? Is it advisable to tie them up when out working if it’s necessary to leave them for a while?

[Rod]

Brings up the question about line material. Is their a difference in “feeling the bit” between the leather, bio-thane, and beta line materials?

BTW this has been a very informative thread, thanks to all who have contributed. I am going to print the thread out and paste it in the back of my Steve Bower’s book, there is so much good advice here.

[Rod]

I like that Idea. I have been reading about buckback lines (Steve Bower in A Teamsters View, good book mostly about lines BTW )not only for alignment problems but to help prevent runaways. Anybody want to comment.

[Rod]

Good thoughts , all of them. I will work on all those things. I need to lengthen my lines also so I can get farther away from the vehicle. My head gear came with pretty short ones.
What length do you folks use?

[Rod]

My hay wagon would not accommodate larger wooden wheel because of body clearance. The rubber tires and wheels are under the body and even if the body were cut away at the wheels the turning would still interfere with the frame. The wagon could be modified in front with a lot of cutting and welding to allow the larger diameter wheel to turn without hitting the body but it would be a major undertaking.

On way to make it look waggonish is to use smaller diameter wheels and/or tires in front, not the same but does help a little.

The nice thing about the rubber tires is it’s easy to add brakes,they ride nice and don’t bog down as easily.

[Author]

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