I came upon a heifer struggling to deliver her calf and I tried to help her and had no pulling chains anywhere near by. I was pulling with my hands but those legs are so slimy I couldnt get much of a pull in. All of a sudden I thought of the spare nylon hame straps that I keep behind the seat of the pickup. I looped them over the calfs front feet and the other ends around a shovel handle. I was able to ease the calf out without the soreness that they seem to get when I have used chains to pull them.

I've used bridle reins, twine, lariat, etc.
Whatever it takes.

Glad you got it.

Great idea Dave, We usually end up using baling twine as it's always close at hand. It is also rough on the fingers after a long pull.

How come behind the pickup seat? I always had them hanging on the harness. Never knew when a horse would fall down and choke and you need to cut a hame strap to give one air in steep country.
I like to have things handy so the work don't get interruped.

Dale, I do keep a spare on the harness. The ones behind the pickup seat were there as spares from when I was driving teams for a sleigh ride dinner outfit. I guess not cleaning your pickup has its advantages.

Dale,

How far are you from Delta, Utah. I am there this week. If you are not terribly far away, I would like to come see you.

I'm not sure about where Delta is but I'm 850 miles from Salt Lake. Go up I15 to I90, west to Spokane. I'm west of Spokane on US2 at Wilbur. Drove that route many times going to the National Ram Sale. Just a one day trip.