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Satisfactorily Exhausted!
Posted by Mptclinics in IL at 2014-12-20 15:03:11
This winter season resulted in a big decrease in work for our team. We decided to get creative to keep the boys in shape, and bought a vis-a-vis carriage. Granted, a team of 18 hand Belgians look a little disproportionate hitched to the 900 lb formal carriage, but seeing as how there is nothing to compare to around here, nobody seems to care. Once word got out, demand was almost overwhelming. The boys have pulled the carriage (and occasionally our 12- passenger wagon) scores of miles in the last 2 weeks. We live in terrain that is just hilly enough they have to work quite a bit on the uphill. It seems to be keeping them in great condition, both mentally and physically until we can start up our log skidding again.

We've also had the benefit of performing some community service via a local make-a-wish type event. A little girl with Down syndrome dreamed of being a princess, so the community rallied together, and turned her into Princess Elsa from the movie "Frozen." We provided the transport for the princess and her family for part of the day. That was a really neat expeIrience. At another ride, a grandpa wasn't able to bring his grandkids to ride, so he "paid it forward" by handing us a wad of cash and asking us to find a family in need and give them a ride. Once our event was over, we drove a few blocks to our local community supply building where poorer folks can get free clothing and other resources. Hubby saw a young mother with some kiddos, and told them a donor had paid for their ride if they were interested. He said her smile couldn't have been any bigger and it was almost sad to see a grown woman acting like a little girl on Christmas Day as she shared the experience with her children.

As of this morning, for one of the first times, the boys actually walked from the pasture down to the barn for their grain, rather than their usual frisky trot. I think they are as tired as I am! We finished today's event around noon, and are looking forward to a couple days off before next week gets going. It feels great though. It's not hard-core "draft" work, but this little experiment has turned into a great way to keep the horses stimulated, working, and healthy, keep increasing our experience, get the word out about our main farm business, bring some extra holiday cash, and most importantly, bring smiles to many faces this Christmas season.
Response by Dris Abraham at 2014-12-20 21:44:46
Good for you! It's not all big hitches and 16 hr farm work with the heavies. Good will ambassador is important to our industry as sustainable farming. Good work great news!
Response by T Payne at 2014-12-21 04:08:01
The act of kindness by the grandfather is very touching.
Response by Klaus Karbaumer at 2014-12-21 08:43:02
Way to go ! What a joy when we can share our horses with others who enjoy them!
Response by Vince Mautino at 2014-12-21 08:50:57
How about an update on that horse that was injured?
Response by Barb Lee at 2014-12-21 11:09:16
Thanks for the wonderful story!
Barb
Response by Dale D at 2014-12-21 11:42:24
Being able to bring some joy to folks is very rewarding. When folks come to our place I'll make some time to visit and then get back to work, but if there is a kid along I'll drop the work and make time to make him smile. Great job keep up the good work. Dale in so. IL
Response by Mptclinics in IL at 2014-12-21 14:43:12
He's actually doing incredibly well. He has surprised every vet who has examined him. Upon seeing the severity of the wound, most were shocked he was standing, let alone walking, trying to run and buck! He never did agree with the idea of calming down and letting things heal. I'm not sure he was ever convinced he was injured. He just learned to become very protective of the leg that caused pain upon being touched.

Long story, but he is in FL for the moment, being treated by an excellent vet in Ocala. Because the folks caring for him aren't very experienced with horses, they have hired a trainer to help get him back on track with being handled, lifting feet, etc since he became so nervous about it all during treatment. He is coming around. He has gradually been allowed increasing amounts of pasture area, and with the wound almost completely closed now, he is even allowed some limited gallop and play time in the field. He's also getting spoiled and flabby since he hasn't worked in so long. I hope he takes to the harness again:-)

The vet is convinced he will work again--possibly by next summer. The big question is whether he will only be capable of light work, or if he will ever be capable of good solid pulling and heavy loads again. We still don't know. The knee is still swollen, and they are also waiting to see if that goes down much as it finishes healing.

I'm sure I will be on the forum in a few months looking for thoughts on how to get him going again. It's exciting that I might get him back. We've certainly missed him. His replacement is a good horse in his own right, but he will never fully fill Nick's shoes!!
Response by Lee in West Jefferson, N.C. at 2014-12-21 15:56:20
It's people like you that make this country such a great place. You are typical of the people who frequent this forum. Have a great Christmas and a very happy and prosperous New Year.
Response by Dris Abraham at 2014-12-22 01:36:53
You get him healed I will start him again. He is a great horse easy to train willing to work.
Response by Mptclinics in IL at 2014-12-22 08:01:08
Thanks Dris! We'll keep you posted when the time draws near.

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