Filed under: January 2020 | Tags: change, Draft horse, Mares, Suffolk Punch, Work Horse
January 31, 2020
Well, I did it! I bought a pair of Suffolk Punch mares. These gals are registered, six years old and in foal. The photo above was taken on their first day on our farm yesterday. I am pleased with them. It will be bittersweet to say farewell to my Percheron pals, Knight and Hoss, but these ladies will power our farm just as well.
We are making this change after thirty years of working mostly Percherons. I do really like the breed and have had some wonderful horses. I am simply getting old and throwing the harness up on my black gentle giants, takes too much effort. The Suffolk Punch horse is a chunkier and shorter work horse. These are just two of their attributes.
They are “easy keepers” meaning they make efficient use of their feed…much like me. They have been bred for stamina and gentleness for centuries. The powerful horses are known for their great attitude, willingness to work and calm disposition.
I am continuing to be amazed by this breed. Today the mares got their feet trimmed, bridal path clipped, dewormed and fitted to harness. I guess that is the equivalent to a day at the spa…am I right ladies? In any case, they took it all in stride. They look nice tonight all cleaned up and shining in the barn light.
Big changes for the farm for sure, but the future looks bright! Oh by the way, their names are Abby and Amee. Their DNA tests revealed that they both are unrelated to our little guy Hank.
Filed under: January 2020 | Tags: Eyke Sovereign, Farm horses, Jason Rutledge, Suffolk, Suffolk Punch
January 11, 2020
Our youngest son just took the plunge and bought a young pair of draft horses. He settled on the breed known as Suffolk Punch. These are an old breed dating back to the 1500’s in England. The breed became more defined in the 1800’s and came to Canada and America around the 1880’s.
They were bred exclusively for farm work. They are a chunky powerful horse with stamina and gentleness. They are of moderate size (16-17 hands) for a draft breed. They are easy keepers and willing workers. I have known about the breed for years, but never really gave them much thought. They are a rare breed. Thirty years ago, when I bought my first draft horse, none of these were available in my price range. I settled on Percherons and have had them since.
Recently, I was reintroduced to this breed on the internet and in person. My son has been researching the breed and a few other breeds that are smaller in stature. Not many of the other breeds can match the easy going, yet willingness found in the Suffolk breed.
My son bought a pair of full sisters, a weanling and a yearling. I went with him to haul his team home. While we were there, I met a weanling stud colt who followed me home! The stud colt is unrelated to my sons fillies. He may just become a great gelding, but the potential exists.
Our saga may change as I look more serious at this endearing breed. I am very impressed so far.
Ridgewind Aethling Hank of Indian Mound … Long handle for a youngster, but “Hank” is a bit of a celebrity. His daddy is from Virginia, owned by Jason Rutledge, named Eyke Sovereign. A horse imported from England in 2010, I believe.
Hank is a handsome fellow. We shall see if he grows into his name. Born last April, he is a growthy colt. He is a quick learner with a trusting manner. We are becoming fast friends. Who knows what the future holds? Stay tuned.
Filed under: January 2020 | Tags: Blacksmithing, creativity, dreary days, forge, hobby
January 6, 2020
Our current weather can be explained in just one word…mud. The temperatures have been mostly warm (40’s F), but very unseasonable. We get frequent rain showers instead of our usual winter snows. Some folks are happily saying, ” at least we don’t have to shovel rain.” As for me, I am ready for colder temps and frozen ground.
We work horses when we can doing odd jobs and monkey business. It helps make the doldrums of the dreary days pass. On other days, I have been working in the forge shop. I get enjoyment in creating things. I am working on a set of shelf brackets in the photo.
I have a few other projects ready to go. The steel has been cut to length and my crude drawings litter my workbench. I enjoy this hobby very much. It is nice to have a place to work on these winter days. After all, who doesn’t like sitting around a fire?
Filed under: January 2020 | Tags: beef, home butchering, meat processing, sustainable
January 3, 2020
What a fast and furious holiday season! Happy New Year to all!
We spent part of a day butchering a beef. The new cooler is working out great. I was worried about the rail system. I wanted it to be easy to get the meat into the cooler by using our skidsteer. The new system worked out well.
We butcher the animals outside, using the skidsteer to lift up the carcasses. Once the animal chills outside a bit, we transfer them inside. The new rail system allows me to pull up close, insert a hook and roll the quarter right inside. No lifting or yanking involved.
The rail is also high enough that hogs, lambs or deer can be transferred just as easily, all in one piece. We welcome this addition to our sustainable way of life. Having a secure, cool place to hang meat until further processing takes place is wonderful. The cats may not be as happy, but we sure are!
RicelandMeadows 