Round after grueling round this sturdy pair dragged a log-filled skid from dead stop to a full pull, showing what even the smallest equines can accomplish.
Innovations at the ready, experts from across the horse-powered farming world assembled in early July for Horse Progress Days 2021 under a bright Ohio sky. Over the course of two jam-packed days a throng of more than 30,000 gathered to learn the latest about this mode of crop and woodlot management. Moving constantly between the barns, arenas and fields was a contingent of at least 400 horses, mules and donkeys. Massive hitches were everywhere, but a crowd favorite was Saturday’s pony pull. These teams topped out at just 38 inches but were all business all the same. In a test of strength and steering finesse, logs were slowly piled high between five-foot skid rails. As the weight grew navigating inside the narrow drag lane got harder. Rest breaks drew short as contenders dropped out. Eventually the winners walked away from a load that reached an astonishing 1,400 pounds. Onlookers could not help but take the point: even tiny teams can earn their oats. It was just one lesson among many from Horse Progress Days, setting the standard for what is possible, practical and profitable when forward-thinking farmers truly tap into equine energy.
A crisp November morning put pep in the step of Meg as her human partner ponders the start of his job: feeding freshly harvested sorghum into the bright red press overhead.
Each fall since 2013 Cinder Ridge Farm in Surry County has opened its doors to showcase the timeless role of horse power in making a prized regional specialty: sorghum molasses. A staple in settler pantries, this full-flavored sweetener commands a pretty penny to this day. The process starts as long purplish stalks catch and crack between deeply grooved metal cylinders, rolling together as Meg walks. Her rig triangulates between a precisely angled log anchored to the top of the press, her singletree hitched to the log in back, and a “tie branch” controlling Meg’s head in front to hold her on a circular path. With Meg’s every step juice spurts from the press, collects in a galvanized tub and then flows by gravity to a vat set over a gentle wood fire. Tended for hours in an open-air stone cook house, the juice slowly thickens enough to merit new status as molasses. Meanwhile Meg, 25 years old and reliable still, went back to the barn – her work well done yet again.
Of all the teams in the field at a recent plow day demonstration this pair of powerfully-built Haflingers was the smallest in stature but more than up to the job. Originating in Italy, the breed offers extraordinary strength relative to its size – making it a favorite for agricultural assignments.
In they rumbled, trailer after trailer. From them unloaded seven teams, ready to be hitched in four two-up, one three-up and one six-up configurations. Hosted on March 30 by farmer Bobby Trip for the North Carolina Work Horse and Mule Association, this plow day featured a gentle breeze, bright sunshine and the loamy soil of Pitt County’s flat coastal plain. Designed to showcase the talent of highly-skilled teamsters and their 17 carefully harnessed partners, the mix included one team of ponies (above, driven by Robert Myers of Bertie County), one team of mules and five teams of the day’s predominant choice, Percherons. They pulled a variety of rigs, including walking plows, sulky plows and one forecart/gang plow combination. As equine ears flicked to catch commands from the drivers, each team adeptly muscled into its work as a crowd of admirers watched from the fringe of the huge field. Roughly three hours later the grass gave way to acres of neat furrows – a productive start to the spring planting season.
The perils of a poorly-fitted harness add up fast for both horse and driver. An uncomfortable harness makes for an unsafe outing – with potentially serious consequences for all involved.
Some jobs go best with pint-size horse power, but this pony won’t be able to pull anything until her backstraps can be lengthened. To work properly the hip assembly should rest along her croup, indicated by the blue line. Good harness fit is essential and will be included in clinics offered by The Sustainable Stall.
