Description

Stories in this issue:

• Choosing Work Horses: enifer Morrissey visits with Daryl and Ruth Woolstenhulme to talk about their choice to farm and breed work horses in the high desert of Idaho. Daryl tells us of his progression in learning to work with more horses, larger hitches and all the required implements. He goes through their annual work schedule. He also talks about their breeding of Spotted Drafts.
• Man’s Best Friend: Chiara Dowell writes a poignant story about a beloved elderly dog her family adopted and the adventures she had on their farm until her last day.
• A Member of the Herd: Philip Henderson tells of how he got involved with oxen, the oxen he has worked with and their individual personalities. He tells of the psychology he uses when working with these massive and intelligent animals.
• The Black Cow with the Red Eye: Dick Courteau writes a short essay on his short experience with a special cow he and his wife bought.
• Context and Small Regenerative Gardens: Jenifer Morrissey uses quotations from the book Soul of Soil, to emphasize the experiences of three gardeners who use its principles and practices to grow increasingly healthy plants. There are great practices that we can all incorporate, no matter the size of our gardens.
• Old Lilly-Part 2: Jerry Hicks continues his stories about an old Percheron and the couple who thought they could handle her. Happily ever after…?
• Of Milk You Can’t Drink, Horses That Can’t Walk and Crops Gone to Pot: Dick Courteau tells of his family milk crisis when they lose their milk cow. As always, he adds some extra tidbits to his well told story
• 2021 US Plowing Contest:  We have the results of this annual event held in Olympia, Kentucky and attracting many teamsters competing in various classes. As always, there are lots of wonderful photographs.
• Pasture Safety Lesson: An accident involving an old well in his pasture and a young, newly weaned filly give Ralph Rice reason to look anew at his property. He reminds us to inventory our pastures for any possible obstacles that could lead a horse, or child, into trouble.
• Market Wallet: he last article in Jerry Hicks’ series on making a reproduction of an 18th century pack saddle. This installation details how to make the bag in which to carry goods thrown over the saddle – like panniers.
• NMDHA Field Day: Northern Minnesota Draft Horse Association was held at the Don Coppa farm, a special event due to his extensive collection of unique and vintage horse drawn implements. Joe took some amazing pictures; Mel Klein gave harnessing demos. And there were ponies, draft horses and even oxen to watch.
• American Brabant Association Rendezvous: he annual American Brabant Association gathering was held at the Julian farm in Wisconsin. The event allowed all attendees to meet Brabant owners and even work the horses hooked to several different implements. A little horse pull completes the day.
• Skid Barn Building Basics: John Coley continues his series on skid barns, this installment is geared towards the actual construction and includes dimensions, materials list, and rough costs. Photographs help instruct us on the building process.the horses hooked to several different implements. A little horse pull completes the day.