[Donn Hewes]

Kristan, Great addition. That is one of the reasons I always encourage people to do some ground driving as they are learning. The teamster is responsible for choosing the speed. So obvious when we are walking. Donn

[Donn Hewes]

George, congrats on getting the fly wheel off. I am not sure which rivets you are trying to reach. It sounds like it will be a great machine when you are done. Maybe NEAPFD material? Good luck, Donn

[Donn Hewes]

Hi JL, Did you work with the four abreast over the weekend? How did it go?

Hooking to a mower for the first time is a classic case for what some have called having a bag of tricks. By that I mean I haven’t done it exactly the same for any of the last three I started in the last three years. Before I feel they are ready for a mower they have already done some work for me and I have a good idea of their temperament and how they go about business.

George, the mule in the photos, walked along side his mother on almost everything I have. spreading, mowing, raking, tedding as a yearling. In the photos you can see how he picked up the photographer (my neighbor standing quietly in the hedge row with his dog!) before I did. As long as Jim stood there George never stopped watching the suspicious character.

Last year I started Suzie. Suzie is turning into a great horse but she is much more “up” than Connie or George. Much more animated in her responses to new things. I took her for a walk in hand so she could watch and listen to another team mowing. I was probably using a buck back strap with her at that time.

Connie didn’t get any of that and didn’t need it. I don’t know if it is the breed or the individual, (probably a little of both) but she is the calmest young horse I have ever been around. She has a couple little things she doesn’t like, but even then the way she tells you she doesn’t like some thing is so quiet; She usually stops. For the mower, and spreader too, one of my favorite tricks is in picking my ground. Far enough to let them walk with the machine for a few minutes. Than a long open field with a slight up hill to it.

For my money that slight up hill is the best safety feature. Hope to plant some potatoes, leeks, shallots, and onions today. Talk to you soon, Donn

[Donn Hewes]

Hi Ed, That is interesting about backing him up. Good to identify the thing that is getting him excited rather than focus on what he does when he is excited. When I back a green animal I go very slow. I will stop every few steps and let them settle. I do this for a few reasons. One, backing isn’t natural and they are unsure about were they are going. Two, for me backing is almost always precision work of trying to put something in a shed or such. To keep stopping is easier than having to pull forward a bunch of times. Finally, stopping while backing can be a hard signal to learn; and by stopping often I make sure they will stop just were I want them. Perhaps you could try backing him this way. Just a thought. Donn

[Donn Hewes]

It looked like the right time to me. Oz thought so too. Nice work, Ed.

[Donn Hewes]

Thanks Larry, No great hurry. I watched the video after I opened the thread form the event, and found the link in one of Jean’s posts. They look great. I am guessing the stud was in hand with the only man in the ring; if he was there. Donn

[Donn Hewes]

Rod 44, I agree with you, more every day pictures. Unfortunately I am usually going out by my self; and I have a lot of pictures over the butt! My wife usually laughs at me if I ask her to take my picture again. Tested a new mowing machine today – great day with horses. Donn

[Donn Hewes]

It is like when they added the keyed start to the automobile. These things are so smart they scare me. Thanks for the help Carl.

[Donn Hewes]

Larry, Do you have any pictures. How big are his siblings. Donn

[Donn Hewes]

Great thread, Jason, I don’t know when you will all get to together for a cart pull off; but you need to look for a farmer for a judge. I volunteer! I have skidded a lot of logs on the ground and I know there is an easier way than that. Donn

[Donn Hewes]

JL, I wish you were near by. Seems like we think a like. Here is a picture of a percheron and a halflinger with a spreader. Donn

[Donn Hewes]

Hi Carl, I was just joking around. I thought my article needed some comment on DAP. Just an old mule that likes his ears scratched I guess. Hope things are blooming up there. Donn

[Donn Hewes]

Hi Carl, I am only joking around. I just thought my article needed some comment here. Just an old mule that likes his ear scratched I guess. Donn

[Donn Hewes]

I am really sorry my article on page 21 of this winter issue of the SFJ brought up so many strong feelings. I will try to tone it down in the future. I did think the pictures were good though. Donn

[Donn Hewes]

Hi Ed, Glad he is settling in. It just takes time. As far as the collar goes. I have found my collars with pads can fit a little closer than what you usually see in collars with out pads. The test I use for a collar that is too tight at the sides is; when the collar is full on the shoulders ( like for work) try to lift it from the bottom with one hand. It should slide up and away from the shoulder without any drag. Drag like the friction of the compressed neck is holding it back. It should lift freely.

If there is enough room to breath at the bottom it is probably a good fit. Many horses carry there heads differently; up, down, extended or not. Talk to you soon, Donn

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