The Farmer and the Horse Doc.

[gwpoky]

Wondering if anyone else has watched “The Farmer and the Horse” documentary, and if so what you thought? My impression was not that great, I wished they would have talked to Carl a bit more. I don’t want to get too down on it, because I have no idea how hard it is to put something like that together, but I think it could have been allot more up beat. Just a few thoughts, I’ll see what comes about to add more.

Thank you,

[gwpoky]

in reply to njfarmer: As I said above I thought the film wasn’t very upbeat, I went from farming with tractors to farming exclusively with horses and haven’t looked back the joy and peace I feel while working my teams, even on our bad days, can narrowly be put to words, for me at least. I was glad to see Carl on the film I wish they would have talked to him a bit more. For a film titled the farmer and the horse I didn’t see enough horse in my opinion, I thought it was more: do I want to be a farmer and maybe included horses? I am not saying it should have been all Rah Rah for ecstasy of farming with horse, though that’s what I feel. In a nut shell I think I came to the film with the wrong expectations due to the title and my thought process, hope it would show the progressiveness of our craft and its growing place in the sustainable future of agriculture and small diversified farms. Just my three cents looking forward to see what others thought. It’s time for me to go out and hook some horses. 🙂

[Carl Russell]

Yah George, I wished Jared had talked more with me too!!!:cool:

I also was a bit misled by the title…. I expected that it was based more on a commitment between the farmer and horse…

But that is probably because, like you, I saw the horse in my life, made the move, and never looked back.

That being said I think Jared did a great job on several fronts. First, I think it was an important act of faith for him to portray what he found without editing it to be more palatable. Second, I think he unearthed the reality among young wannabees that it is really hard to make the kinds of transitions they are considering.

The film had a lot of really good historical reference, which I guess was appropriate, but it also could have had more present-day contextual reference as well. In Jared’s defense, the film could have gone on and on. I think including interviews of working teamsters was a good touch, but rather than spelling out how things used to be, more time could have been taken showing examples of people who have successfully made the transition, even if in the end those followed by the film had not.

The problem of course is that we all have different circumstances that lead us to these choices, and when I watch The Farmer and the Horse, I see a few kids with wide-ranging preconceptions…… it was no surprise to me that there was no definitive success, although I was seriously struck by the certainty expressed by Matt Schoffield. I expect that he will be making a successful venture.

Over the years I have met, and heard of, a lot of new horse-loggers, or horse-farmers….. “Oh you must know him, he logs with horses”…. They make a big splash, get a lot of attention, make grandiose statements about what they intend to do, buy every piece of new equipment before they even know how to harness, and then they just seem to fizzle out and disappear. As much as I think we should be sharing the craft and the power of draft-animals, we also must be realistic about the broader society.

We have to remember we are on the fringe, virtually an afterthought, and as we glean new teamsters from that resource pool, we must realize that they bring a lot of misgivings, and misconceptions, and incomplete backgrounds. Their failed attempts are real. Those examples do not shine well on the rest of us, but if we just blindly forge ahead espousing our successes, we will lose even more, because it just isn’t that easy.

Thanks George for starting the discussion, and thanks Jared for your creative journalistic capabilities.

Carl

[brigle]

Where is this film you are talking about ?

[njfarmer]

I will agree to some extent the movie wasnt upbeat. However, I think that was more his unhappiness with his current situation. He wants to farm, but didnt have the means or the experience. It is tough farming side by side with another person especially if they arent related. His situation was unique I guess. Most dont manage a farm and get sidelined by the “owner”. I guess it is kinda a big deal to me because you just dont see this kind of thing happening in NJ. The stupid comments one has to deal with when they explain what they want to do as far as farming with horses. It gets frusterating and I am sure it happens everywhere not just here. I can agree it would have been nice to see more actual ” horse farming” and not so much of the drama side. But I think the drama side is what the more reality is. Farming in NJ is awesome and I really enjoy it. That being said it is in no way a trouble free easy going way to make a living. Its nice to see the “garden state” getting a little aknowlegdement for something to do with farming.

[gwpoky]

Just wanted to say again that I commend all who where involved it putting this film together, I have never done such a thing, but I am sure it takes allot of work and determination as do most things worth doing. Maybe we will see a sequel that gets a little deeper into the everyday ins and outs of farming with draft animals in this fast paced world:-)
Starting a small business, in most cases, is hard weather it is farming or not. I, and I am a bit biased, find farming with horses to actually be easier financially and spiritually than farming with tractors. Though it may be a bit more physically demanding, especially in the beginning, I have found as time goes on I am able to afford/fabricate better equipment for my farming practice so it get a little less physical as well. Anyway I know its hard to get going but its worth it in the long run.

[near horse]

The film was different than I had expected too but that’s not uncommon in my experience. Sometimes I’m pleasantly surprised and others, disappointed. I assume a film maker has to take a broader view so as to appeal to a wider audience of viewers but I’m no film maker.

We have to remember that there are many prisms through which to view the use of animal power. IMO – some of the issues with the film related to young folks trying to start farming in a growing and expensive area. That can be frustrating enough on its own. No money to buy, trying to find some sort of amenable arrangement that still allows you to move towards your goal …… All these are tough steps in the process and, while not uplifting, they do portray how it can be. That can still be good film.

But my prism would have liked to see more horse/farmer relationship, turning some soil and watching those young people build their dream. I did get to learn of the song “Old Tyme Mem’ry” that they used. That was a bonus for me!

Thanks for your work Jared.

[Carl Russell]

@brigle 32850 wrote:

Where is this film you are talking about ?

Sorry your question got sidelined… here is the link

Farmer and the Horse; by Jared Flesher

Carl

[Carl Russell]

@brigle 32850 wrote:

Where is this film you are talking about ?

Sorry your question got sidelined……. here is the link to the info about the film

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1480255348/the-farmer-and-the-horse

Carl

[gwpoky]

Brigle,

If you message me your mailing address I will send the film to you, as long as you promise to pass it on again. 🙂

[Author]

Posts