RicelandMeadows

July 20, 2023

Years ago, I watched a horse walk on an Athens Treadmill. I watched the power supplied from that machine split wood, run a washing machine, pump water and even make ice cream. It was neat to see an old technology revived and put to use. I have seen these in action several times. I am not sure that they are efficient, but they sure do work.

Late last winter, I was able to buy one of these machines. It was in a neighboring state. I needed to figure a time frame to get it home. The gentleman who owned it was kind enough to hold it for me. It didn’t fit his plans anymore and was just sitting outside in the weather. I managed to bring it home last week.

Clearly, I have some work to do. My plan is to remove all the wooden parts and replace them. The mechanical parts are in good shape, but need lubrication. I have enlisted the help of one of my friends and we are tearing into this project like two excited boys.

We are well started.

My plan is to have a tread mill to walk our stallion and young stock on as part of a fitness program, especially in bad weather. The fact that this machine will turn a PTO shaft at 540 rpm, makes my imagination run wild. I am not sure yet how I will utilize that part, but the options are many. Stay tuned as I mull things over and over, as the tread mill turns!