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.
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RicelandMeadows 
Good looking team. Can’t wait to see them. Will ride to Austinburg with my wife when she goes to work. I’ll call you first.
Comment by Rick Ward January 31, 2020 @ 11:35 pmSounds good Rick
Comment by ricelandmeadows February 1, 2020 @ 9:26 pmI never got de-wormed at the spa, thank you very much.
Comment by Aunt June February 3, 2020 @ 12:12 pmBahaha, maybe you are going to the wrong spa?!
Comment by ricelandmeadows February 4, 2020 @ 2:31 pmWould like to communicate with you. I farm with horses, grow spelt , produce vegetable oils..even log with the horses. my email is mat@matsfineoils.com
Comment by Mat Redsell February 6, 2020 @ 9:55 pmWell now, getting serious about Suffolk Punch horses. I’m looking forward to meeting those ladies in person.
Comment by Bill Hudson February 13, 2020 @ 4:17 pmYes sir. Between my son and I, we now have 5 of them. We have some very good breeding stock and horses that will work to power the farm. Big change, but we are excited for the future.
Comment by ricelandmeadows February 14, 2020 @ 9:42 am