Howdy from S. Vermont

[The Goat Man]

Hi Folks…….

My name is Gary. The Goat Man thing came honestly because I couldn’t think of anything else right at that moment, and I manage a Goat Farm in Williamsville, Vt….got 150 or so…..I stare at Goats, I talk to Goats, Hell I got one in a cage next to my woodstove right now.

It’s a long story how I ended up here. It started out being afraid of heights. I worked at an Airport once, on the Runway Maint. Crew. I was plowin snow one day with a bucket loader when this guy came in and landed, and fell out of his Cessna…..I figured if that guy could fly an Airplane, I could too. I paid the $ 50. and took my introductory flight lesson. Did the whole thing, and at the last of it was flyin a ’41 Piper Cub. A Flyin Farm Tractor. Today I’m more comfortable at 5000′ than drivin up 91. Anyhow……when I was a kid I got thrown off of, then stepped on by this big old Draft Horse. It scared the Ba’Jesus of of me, and I’ve stayed a good distance from them up until a couple of years ago. I met this Awesome Belgian Draft Mule that belongs to the Save Your Ass folks over in Ackworth NH. Somethin clicked, and I had to have one. Figured the same logic might apply to Equines as it did with ladders……..so far, so good.

I found a Sweet Draft Mule at a Rescue down in Ct. Went to meet him and we clicked…..from the get go. My little Donkey came along as a “bonus”. I knew about as much about Mules, or Donkey’s as I did the first Airplane I got into. And it’s been fun, frustration, and pure joy ever since. Nick, (my Mule) has worked……he had marks on him from bad fittin harness when I got him. He’s been ridden too, and takes a saddle ok. Gettin him to move is another story…….

I knew even less about Driving, Working, or even how to put on a Harness on an Animal than I did the Airplane. I figured out where the Engine was on my own. I knew of The Bailey’s at Fairwinds Farm as my folks lived on the same road when they were alive. I took their Draft Horse Workshop, and it was worth every penny! Good People, with Great Animals. I found an Awesome Harness for my Mule, handmade by Russell Bigelow in Winchester NH. It was made for a Percheron Horse, but he tuned it up to fit Nick. It Shines……

I grew up on a Dairy Farm, did a hitch in the Army, drove Truck all over the US, run Equipment, been a mechanic, bought a Skidder and Logged for 5 years, and learned to fly. Now I’m raisin Goats, and tryin to figure out a Big, Old, Mule who I think might be smarter than I am sometimes. So I came here to find out how the rest of you make it look so easy. And how to convince Nick his tongue goes under the bit.

So Howdy…….

[Eli]

Howdy and welcome. I also grew up on a dairy farm. I had 3 miniature goats does that count.

[Jean]

Goat Man, good to have you here. Great to get some more mule stories. Your mule sounds like my percheron. Great to harness, takes a saddle no problem. Get her to move her feet, well that is a whole different ball of wax. I grew up in Brookline VT, very familar with the Williamsville area. We all love to see pictures, so please start posting!

Jean

[Donn Hewes]

Once a mule has been putting it’s tongue over the bit for a few years, it seems to me it is something to work around; you won’t most likely change it. I have one of these, and I try to pay him no attention. Since I have had him from birth, I must have created it. Any way, welcome. I love mules and would be happy to help if you have any questions or we would just enjoy seeing some pictures. Donn

[The Goat Man]

Thanks Folks.
I actually tried to attach a pic of my Mule when I first said Howdy. Guess I got to figure this out too.

Jean, we’re just a little bit up the Willaimsville Rd. off of Rt. 30.

Don, seeing this guy came from a Rescue, I have next to no information about his upbringing. He’s 15 or there abouts according to the Vet, and supposidly Amish trained……..I’ve tried 3 or 4 different bits on him, a couple of snaffles, 1 curb bit, and now am using a straight bar Liverpool. He seems best with the Liverpool. The others he’d fight, and stick his head out etc, but with the LP he just kind of accepts it, (tongue over it, of course). He steers pretty well, backs up and comes to a stop. I was taught “Come up” or “Step up” to get him movin, but realisticly, a good smack on his butt with the drivin line gets his attention. I don’t like doin it. Maybe i gotta learn Amish…..

[Andy Carson]

It’s hard to say what sort of directions he’s used to, and it will be interesting to find out what works for you. I have seen Amish use gentle ways with their horses and some can be very harsh. They are individuals, just like the rest of us. I will be looking forward to hearing about your progress with your mule. Donn is our resident “mule man,” so you are in good hands. Welcome to the group!

PS. Let me know if you continue to have trouble posting photos. I can walk you through it if you cant get it to work.

[The Goat Man]

Hi Andy, & thanks…..

I don’t think Nick has been abused……in a physical way anyhow with the exception of almost being starved to death. He’s pretty mellow. Not the least bit scared of a chainsaw, tractor, or other machinery. He’s barefoot too, and that might have something to do with his reluctance. Last week I took him off out in the deep snow just ground driving, and he was fine.

I’ve tried the image/attachment thing a few times and it doesn’t seem to upload, or at least doesn’t get to the point to drag anything as there is nothin to drag listed or to click on. I’m sure it’s pretty simple and I’m just doing something wrong.

[Andy Carson]

Hi Gary,
Some people have been able to simply drag photos into the post, but that never worked for me. Here’s what I do.

1. Post your photos on facebook or photobucket or a similar website. This allows you to reference your photos by thier URL address (you are allowed a certain number of photos on this site, but it fills up fast and there is no limit on these other sites)

2. Find the URL address of the picture you want to add. Right click on the photo, go to properties, then you will see “address:URL.” Copy this address.

3. Write your message on DAP.com and when it’s time to enter your photos type [IMG]add the URL address, then type[/IMG] again. In the end, you should have just the URL address flanked by [IMG]and[/IMG].

The image should show up when you enter the message. Like I said, some people seem to be able to just click and drag photos over. If that doesn’t work for you, you are probably in the same camp as me.

[The Goat Man]

Testing, Testing 1,2,3……..

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/424428_4981279404298_1890400132_n.jpg

“If” it worked…….this is Me & Nick. i’m the one with the Beard………

[The Goat Man]

Thanks Andy……..

[Eli]

Nice mule I like it.

[The Goat Man]

Hey Eli…….

Thanks…..He’s a Good Boy.
3 Goats and a Dairy Farmer……It Counts.

[menageriehill]

Welcome Goat man. You sound like you fit in really well. I joined with a Large donkey, 2 goats (Nubian),3 dogs and a duck. Masterplumber with a CDL from Arkansas. And a rather large beard.

[Eli]

I also have a beard I trimed it back about one inch now but I’m usually pretty woolly this time of year. I should buy a mule to team up with my curly horse. Or better yet a curly mule.

[Andy Carson]

That’s a good looking mule, Gary. Looks like he can do some work. What jobs would you like him to help with?

[Author]

Posts