Filed under: March 2020 | Tags: bittersweet, draft animal power, maple syrup, Suffolk Punch horses, Suffolks
March 21, 2020
Our maple season came to a close last Tuesday. It was a short, yet wonderful season. We made plenty of nice syrup. We sold our darkest syrup (in the right of the picture) to some candy makers.
I love this time of year. The late winter cold mixed with the promise of spring stirs my soul. Perhaps it is my childhood memories of my parents and grandparents making maple syrup that stirs me? Whatever it is, it is born into me. I will do this sweet job as long as the good Lord allows.
This picture was taken on the last day that I gathered sap in 2020. It is a bittersweet photo, because it was also the last time that I hitched Knight and Hoss. They have moved to their new home. I spent the next day brushing and grooming them. We shared conversation and I shed a few tears, as I told my big boys goodbye.
I used the new Suffolk mares to pull the sled while we untapped the trees. They drove well and will pick up where my boys left off.
The taps and bags have all been removed. The evaporator pans have been disassembled for final cleaning. There is much to do to clean, store and organize until next year, but we are off to a great start. I should finish that job in a couple days.
I continue to work with the new Suffolk horses. I even allow myself some playtime for just riding around hooked to the forecart or wagon. It’s good for the new red horses and me to continue to get comfortable with each other.
Hank, our yearling stallion prospect, continues to grow and learn. He is a good little guy. His training continues daily. We work on manners and all sorts of ground skills. I also keep introducing him to “scary” things. I do it in a safe place for him. He takes it all in stride, knowing that I will keep him safe.
Here I am showing Hank that the pressure washer is nothing to fear. He took it all in, without any panic. He almost quit eating hay while I hosed him, but showed no fear or discomfort. This breed of horse has a very good mind. He is used to me introducing him to “boggymen”. Generally, he pays me no mind. Once in a while he shows me some white eye, but calms down quickly as I speak to him. I am enjoying these horses more than any I have ever owned.
There are some exciting and interesting times ahead for us here at Riceland Meadows. Stay tuned for our exploits and adventures!
5 Comments so far
Leave a comment
RicelandMeadows 
Godspeed, Teamster! The horses know who to trust. Trust is difficult to earn, but very easily lost. My Dad said ” Let your stock pick your friends.”
Comment by Rick Ward March 21, 2020 @ 12:09 pmThank you!
Comment by ricelandmeadows March 21, 2020 @ 2:04 pmThere is much truth in your father’s words.
I really enjoy reading about your everyday activities; please keep posting. I grew up on a small family farm in southeastern Ohio. My grandfather used horses on our farm for logging and farming. My dad owned a small sawmill that he used for sawing mine props for the coal mines locally. What a great childhood I had! I know that now. God is good! Thanks, Rich from Smithville, Ohio
Comment by Rich Busche March 21, 2020 @ 12:13 pmThank you Rich for your comments. I will indeed try to keep everyone informed of the happenings here on the farm. You are right, you did have a great childhood! Thanks for reading along.
Comment by ricelandmeadows March 21, 2020 @ 2:06 pmThe pictures you paint with your words fill me with a longing for a simpler life, your farm is one place I would love to be at the moment x
Comment by jennyrecorder June 2, 2020 @ 1:47 am