i got a 14.5 & 15.5 hand quarter horse type mules.i am wanting to plow (break ground)with them.i have never used a turning plow before,but determined to try.any suggestions on brand of plow,size,left or right hand?do you need gauge wheel 0n plow beam?does it matter if the tallest or shortest mule is in the fur to get the draft adjusted correctly?i got a little bottom land but mostly ridge tops(little bit of clay type soil but not bad) to turn over.any suggestions will be appreciated.

We started out plowing as novices a bunch of years ago with the Pioneer walking plow---probably a 12" bottom would work well for your quarter mules in clayey soil---some don't like this plow because it is a bit heavy compared to older gooseneck models, but for a beginner plowman it is pretty easy to set up and stays in the ground. The gauge wheel is a big help both in setting your share depth and for keeping the beam riding level. We found that putting a chain with a swivel between the evener and the plow helped us play around easily with getting correct draft simply by adjusting the chain length and also acts as a bit of a shock absorber between plow and horses when we strike a stone.

I am starting plowing soon, I have done a bit before.
Over here (France) we use either the walking plow or more likely the Brabant.



the Brabant allows for loads of adjustments, they are available 2nd hand for between 50-150EUR

I very strongly suggest you obtain a copy of Farmer Browns "Horse Drawn Plowing" video. If you can't have an experienced plowman there with you, it's the next best thing.

Jim Brown's video also includes a lot of other good information about collars, harnessing and driving horses in general. It is a great resource.

http://www.mischka.com/shop/product.php?productid=16717&cat=&page=1



Joe

Also meant to add, if at all possible, start out with someone you trust on the lines and you working the plow handles. That way one person can school the mules to get them to understand what is being asked while you can focus entirely on learning how to steer the plow. Once the two of you and the mules have got all that working reasonably well it won't be such a big step to handle the mules and the plow by yourself.

I enjoyed seeing the 2-way walking plow at work in Simon's video. Thanks for posting!

I hope you will keep us informed on your activities, Simon De France!