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New to driving, when to go from single to team
Posted by Wendy V at 2015-01-26 08:00:43
Hi all,

Love this forum. I am 6 months into owning my first horse; an ex-Amish Haflinger, trained to drive, ride, experienced with most farm implements. I would like to pursue using him for farm work, but I think I might limited by a single horse. Should I get more experience before adding a team member? How does one make the transition?

Billy F., you might remember me from the sheep production forum. You inspired me to get my first Haflinger. I love the breed!
Response by Mptclincis in IL at 2015-01-26 21:44:26
We are only finishing our first year with our new team, but I say if you feel comfortable with horses, and are ready to proceed, go for it. I have very much enjoyed working with the team. We also work both our boys single from time to time, just so they know how, but there is actually an increased safety factor it seems, with the team. If one spooks, the other remains calm. If one acts up, you talk to the other and make him control the misbehaving one. It makes sense once you've tried it. The biggest downside I've found is the extra time and effort involved in grooming and harnessing a team vs. a single. But since I can get twice the work done in half the time, it makes up for it, I guess. On the other hand, I realized after several months that because my team was so efficient, I was struggling to give them enough work(still am)! They can do so much so fast when worked as a team, that it may only take an hour or two to complete farm tasks I had anticipated taking 3-4 hours (based on my experiences doing things with our previous ATV). That could be a pro or con, I suppose.
Response by arlee at 2015-01-26 22:39:55
i started with a team right away
Response by Peter Nielsen at 2015-01-27 03:23:12
What work needs doing? I had a pair of steers years ago because that's what you did. Now I get my work done with one, and there's half the feed and manure to pay for. I haul my wood out on a cart, one is more maneuverable in the woods, you need less road. But I use tractors for my field work, would want a pair to plow or pull a harrow.
Response by Howie at 2015-01-27 07:18:05
Peter
Would please tell us more about your single steer?
THANK YOU.
Response by Mike in MI at 2015-01-27 07:39:16
You're ready to add the second horse. As long as you're hitching correctly and go slow i.e. work them in an enclosed space like a round pen where they can't run off. You might want to get The Workhorse Handbook; lots of good info. It's also a good idea to find a mentor.

Good luck and keep us posted.
Response by Mike in MI at 2015-01-27 07:40:31
You'll probably have so much fun with a team you'll never want to drive single again.
Response by Klaus Karbaumer at 2015-01-27 08:38:23
It all depends on the work that needs to be done. There are things that one can do with single horse and/or team , there are others that can only be done with team or single horse. It also depends on the implements which are available to you. Lastly, it depends on how much money you want to spend to get certain things done, for example while cultivating with a team gets more work done in less time you also need a bigger implement, therefore usually costlier one, than if you cultivated with a single horse with a walk-behind cultivator. It certainly is a lot of fun to work with a team but I also always enjoyed the special connectedness with a single horse.
Response by Brian at 2015-01-27 09:42:16
I learned with a team, not a single. Like Mptclincis in IL said, one helps keep the other one in check and things just feel safer that way. As long as the pair get along, you'll be fine.
Response by Peter Nielsen at 2015-01-28 01:51:19
According to my wife, my "steer", Fern, is a Dutch Belted cow who thinks she's an ox. Fern enjoys pulling as much as I do, near as I can tell. She'll be 5 in March, weighs 1200, expecting in May. I brought her home to Maine from Vermont as an orphan calf in a dog crate in a Ford Focus wagon in 2010. We've been walking together pretty much since. Self taught to do C'mon, Haw, Gee, Whoa and Back. She knows now how to maneuver herself among the trees when things get close. I sell her calves to help pay expenses. Son-in-law and I milked her the first year before son-in-law had to leave. He was using it all for cheese, yogurt and butter for his family. The manure goes on four garden spots we use to grow veggies and gladiolas. She's using a 7" single yoke Tim Huppe in NH made for me. The cart is made from a Pontiac Sunbird rear axle with a stake body that we use to get out the five cords it takes to heat the house. I've had her drag a spike tooth harrow section around, but it's pretty crude work compared to what you can do with a rototiller. Fern has been adopted by the neighborhood, kids come to pat her, a friend drops off apples and cornstalks for me to give her. For the hobby farming I do, she's perfect. As I said elsewhere, it's fun to get something done without having to listen to an engine, and Fern reminds people of things we shouldn't forget as a society.
Response by T Payne at 2015-01-28 05:30:25
Your horse will likely be more contented with a mate.

If there is enough work, and you are motivated, inspired, committed and adequately funded, have at it!
Response by andy at 2015-01-28 07:24:13
Working one is a joy. Working two is twice the joy.
Response by Howie at 2015-01-28 12:14:21
Thank you, Peter.
I have been training and working oxen and working cows for near 60 years.
With proper management the cow is just as good as the ox.
P.S. I am a Milking Devon fan.
Response by Klaus Karbaumer at 2015-01-28 19:37:49
When I was a kid, there were farmers with very small holdings in our neighborhood who worked with a single cow or with a team of cows ( no yoke, but three-pieced cattle collars). I even remember one neighbor who hitched a horse and cow together. That was not uncommon in the hilly regions of Bavaria and I even have a picture of one such team.
Response by S D Mannies at 2015-01-28 19:55:28
One led to two , two to three , and three led to four. Not got to six , but it would be a blast. Go for it, I bet you won't be sorry
Response by Kman at 2015-01-28 20:06:13
I'd say go for it. Teams are easier to handle as a rule and can get a lot more done. Good luck, be safe and smart.
Response by Ryan Crist at 2015-01-29 20:37:20
The team def seems easier to handle, make up for each others inefficiencies, stand quieter together, walk straighter, etc… Go for the team. You can always drive them single.
Response by Billy at 2015-01-30 11:12:56
Hi Wendy, I sent you an email, sorry for not coming across this discussion earlier. This forum is such a great place for experienced information, like the sheep forum pick though it for info that is appropriate for you and don't be afraid to ask the "silly" questions. I like to look thought the responses I receive for commonalities, no sense in trying to reinvent the wheel here.
As I wrote in the email I sent you, I am so glad to hear you decided to get a horse, for the person that enjoys working with animals working horses is such a rewarding process. have you had an opportunity to find any teamsters in your area?
Billy
Response by Wendy V at 2015-02-01 12:57:11
I thank you all for your encouragement, however, I have given it a lot of thought, and decided to stay with one horse for now. Until I gain experience, as well as acquire the implements/vehicles that I need for working a team, a second horse would be just be sitting in the field. I also think that it might be best to purchase an experienced team, rather than put two horses together. Until I can see past my own ignorance. I think I will just take it slow.

On the other hand, my good friends and neighbors have a very nice team of Suffock Punch they may consider selling......
Response by Billy Foster at 2015-02-02 07:26:12
Lots of work that can be done with a single. My advice is to start using that guy for whatever work you can around your place. the more you work him the more you become familiar with many of the little details of working a horse. when the time comes to add another you will be much farther ahead than you are now. Great to hear that you have neighbors with horses, that is such a great resource.
Billy

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