Anybody who has ever used these old frameless style oliver plows knows they're dangerous as a cocked gun. These plows are notorious for turning over in the furrow with no warning to mind you. Well, I had it in my mind to start some spring plowing the other day and decided to use the old oliver riding plow instead of walking due to some back trouble I've been having. We greased it up good and drug it to the edge of the field. I eased up on the seat and called on the horses with a quiver in my voice fearing what might be ahead in my near future. Sure enough, on the 4th round the furrow wheel dropped in a low spot and tossed me in the plowed ground. My wife, who was standing to the side, rushed to help me and get the plow back on the wheels. She brushed me off and said to be careful. Once again I climbed back on and started back across the field. When I came to the end of the furrow my horses turned to the left instead of the right. Again, it tosses me to the ground. My wife comes running to help and says, I told you to be careful. I mumbled under my breath and walk behind the plow back to the furrow. I climbed on, pushed the lever forward lowering the plow to the ground and called on the horses. They take about three steps and you guessed it, I'm in the dirt again. I slid out from under it expecting Barbara to be on her way to help again. When I finally see her, she's just standing there shaking her head. She just laughed and said "why don't you jump off and wave to the crowd next time if you're only going to ride 8 seconds." The plow is still laying in the field and I'm lying in the bed with the smell of muscle rub stinking up the room. Has anyone ever tamed one of these plows? Every story I hear about them ends the same way. I sure am looking forward to getting back behind my walking plow.
