Do the logging horses hate going to work? You decide

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 2 жов 2024
  • Getting ready for a day of logging. #horselogging #logging #draftteam #logginglife #horses #horsetraining #logger #homesteading #horsewhisperer

КОМЕНТАРІ • 729

  • @jeannerogers7085
    @jeannerogers7085 8 місяців тому +913

    Horses are creatures of habit, and like their regular schedule. My great uncle had a milk delivery business in NJ a century ago - one of the horses got out, and walked his usual route on his own. Then came home.

    • @downthetraillogging
      @downthetraillogging  8 місяців тому +108

      That's an incredible story and that's awesome 😊

    • @Gail1Marie
      @Gail1Marie 8 місяців тому +109

      My dad (born 1913) said the ice man and milkman both used horse-drawn vehicles. The horses knew the route and would stop at each customers' house. But when the customers were on vacation, it was hard to get the horse to skip that house and on to the next one.

    • @Jaynes-Path
      @Jaynes-Path 8 місяців тому +62

      My great grandfather used horses to move his cows from pasture to pasture. If they ever get out he would find them and the cows lined up and ready to move at the first gate they couldn't open. He used rotational grazing and the horses knew they moved to the next pasture and which gate to use.

    • @alfatbear
      @alfatbear 8 місяців тому +55

      They are creatures of habit and I think most of them like having something to do. I once heard a wise horsewoman say “if the work is right, they’ll meet you at the gate” referring to the horse meeting you the human at the gate. That goes for any animal and any discipline. If your animal isn’t meeting you “at the gate” then maybe ask yourself what it is you’re doing wrong. Obviously these horses like their job and have good humans taking care of them. 👍👍

    • @darceylopez6065
      @darceylopez6065 8 місяців тому +5

      That’s so cute

  • @klauskarbaumer6302
    @klauskarbaumer6302 8 місяців тому +418

    I'm in my 61st year of working with horses and I can most definitely say that horses if you treat them with love, respect and consideration like working for you. They show that in their eagerness in whatever we do, may it be plowing, mowing or logging etc, but also in their patience and loyalty. If they wanted to they could fight every step along the way and we wouldn't get anything done. Even most previously mistreated horses can be won over after some time with the proper treatment.

    • @luciaconn6788
      @luciaconn6788 8 місяців тому +15

      I grew up in a quaint New England Village that used plow horses to clear snow from sidewalks. Spring revealed curb-stones scattered lawns and drives the horses loved pulling so much.

    • @DarkCelestialConsciousness
      @DarkCelestialConsciousness 8 місяців тому +5

      Facts!!! XD 💖💖💖

    • @FOX007-um1wr
      @FOX007-um1wr 8 місяців тому +14

      I think this concept works well with children as well. I know it works with dogs.

    • @klauskarbaumer6302
      @klauskarbaumer6302 8 місяців тому

      You're right.@@FOX007-um1wr

    • @VickieV1333
      @VickieV1333 8 місяців тому +9

      I love horses better than most people!

  • @kristinetrott5087
    @kristinetrott5087 8 місяців тому +230

    I used to log my firewood with my Morgan stallion. Trails were to narrow to ground drive him so I rode him in, hubby hooked up the tugs and log cinch and By then Willie was so eager to go, I'd be holding him in with give 'n tske on the reins while he danced in place. I had to be sure ground msn was out of the way cuz when I gave the word, Willie would lunge forward into the traces and pull like a son of a gun. He loved the work. I used an open bridle because I needed him to see through the trees, but he'd go all day. And he'd stand just like those two big guys when tacking up. They like having a job.

    • @GetToTheFarm
      @GetToTheFarm 8 місяців тому +12

      Classic Morgan's are amazing!

    • @samuelhowie4543
      @samuelhowie4543 7 місяців тому +14

      The brushing he's giving them before putting on their harness is to lay their hair down so they don't develop a sore from the hair standing up, but I doubt people who haven't worked with horses don't know how something that simple is just looking out for the animals.

    • @bugman9787
      @bugman9787 7 місяців тому +4

      @@samuelhowie4543I was wondering about that. Thanks for explaining what they were doing. I figured it had to be for some reason! There is a lot to know about horses, or any animal for that matter!

    • @samuelhowie4543
      @samuelhowie4543 7 місяців тому +4

      @@bugman9787 No problem. I used to rent from a coup,e that had four horses and picked up w few things about them. Plus growing up we had a guy that lived down the road that would let you ride his horses but you had to brush them down and make sure they had food and water after.

    • @Jason-cm6uh
      @Jason-cm6uh 7 місяців тому +2

      ​@@samuelhowie4543I thought he was brushing off dust so the harness wouldn't rub on his skin like sandpaper

  • @brendacooper5729
    @brendacooper5729 8 місяців тому +287

    I once took my kids to see the Lippizans in an Arena in Winnipeg, the horses came out in the intro doing an intricate dance around the Arena, I noticed that one of the Stallions had a wrap on his ankle and I could see blood seeping through, I was enraged that they had put the horse in the show with an injured ankle, but I didn't want to wreck my children's enjoyment of the show, so I decided to wait until it was over before raising a stink.When it came time to do the Airs above the ground the MC explained that they were going to try with one of the younger stallions because the one that was their star had slipped on the plywood earlier and cut his hock. The started up the music and brought in the stand in who tried his best but was obviously still in training. Meanwhile I could hear a lot of loud crashes and equine swearing in the background, the stallion with the injured hock came bursting in dragging a handler clinging to his lead, and proceeded to perform the routine on his own. He obviously loved his job and was not about to share it with a young upstart, I decided that keeping him out of the intro would have upset him enough to possibly further injure himself and revised my opinion of his trainer.

    • @IcicleFerret
      @IcicleFerret 8 місяців тому +25

      Great story! I'm a fan of horse racing and I've lost count of the number of times I've had to explain to people how whips, blinkers, and/or tongue ties aren't "cruel" but are done to help the horse. It's just something people don't seem to understand without first-hand experience.

    • @TrappedinSLC
      @TrappedinSLC 7 місяців тому +42

      Where I first took riding lessons they had a horse who they couldn’t retire. Every time they tried he just went off his food and got depressed and started doing poorly. So they kept him in the lineup and just adjusted his workload as appropriate. He mostly did the very first lessons for kids/teenagers where you’re just kind of sitting up there while the horse walks around, so it wasn’t too challenging for him.

    • @patrickshaw8595
      @patrickshaw8595 7 місяців тому +39

      @@TrappedinSLC 60 years ago I read a then-old true story about a thoughtful horse farmer (I mean he plowed with horses) who had a mishap plowing (buried rock or log or something) and he was thrown in front of the disc harrow his team was pulling. In mid-air without even thinking about it he said "Ho" and the gentle giants froze and then set their hooves down in place. The ground had burrs and some thorny plants and he landed on some of them and scrambled to get back up on his feet. In so doing he he gave himself a nasty cut on a glittering sharp harrow disc. The plow had halted like one inch from his head! In the early days of gasoline farm tractors with their hand clutches and the enormous momentum stored in large iron (sometimes double) flywheels it was just known that plowing with a good team was slower, more work, more expensive what with off-season upkeep - but infinitely safer. The man stanched the bleeding with a hankie under his hat, shivered to think about what definitely would have happened with a gasoline tractor - and said a prayerful thanks while resuming his cultivation. I had forgotten that until just now watching this video - it made the old story worth remembering again.

    • @thechumpsbeendumped.7797
      @thechumpsbeendumped.7797 7 місяців тому +12

      What a wonderful story. Thanks for writing it.

    • @EternallyGod
      @EternallyGod 7 місяців тому

      So as you have stated, women are always the problem.

  • @katanaki3059
    @katanaki3059 8 місяців тому +31

    Did y’all see them load in the trailer!? Just followed the man right in. That’s dedication and hard work, gentleness and cooperation !

    • @SamWalker-xr5vg
      @SamWalker-xr5vg 8 місяців тому +2

      yep

    • @bonnie448
      @bonnie448 7 місяців тому +2

      The only thing I did not like was the trailer tie hooked to his bit, A dudden stop or bump could hurt the mouth.

    • @SamWalker-xr5vg
      @SamWalker-xr5vg 7 місяців тому

      looks bad but is not@@bonnie448

    • @ms55938
      @ms55938 7 місяців тому +1

      @@bonnie448 I noticed that too. If they were to get in an accident in the trailer, that bit could end up breaking a jaw or ripping out the corner of the horse's mouth or cutting the tongue. Not a very wise thing to do. Tying a horse in a trailer is sometimes a necessary evil but should never be tied by the bit.

    • @downthetraillogging
      @downthetraillogging  7 місяців тому +2

      For those concerned about the clip...it's a lead especially designed for this purpose with a lot of stretch and give to it, no ripping or tearing if something went wrong. Clipping them in place is safer because standing side by side they give each other stability when traveling. Thanks for the concern.

  • @brokenvampyre
    @brokenvampyre 8 місяців тому +142

    I am in awe of the fact the horses haven't gone insane from that unstopping ticking noise.

    • @rookiefarmer702
      @rookiefarmer702 7 місяців тому +22

      Gotta love the electric fence. He needs to put it in a box or in another part of the barn. Mine did the same thing.

    • @JDSFLA
      @JDSFLA 7 місяців тому +17

      First thing I thought of was that ticking would drive me insane.

    • @Kraken_Mybutt
      @Kraken_Mybutt 7 місяців тому +11

      Reminds me of that giant clock my mom had in the living room when I was a kid....

    • @diamondjim7560
      @diamondjim7560 7 місяців тому +9

      @@rookiefarmer702You’re right it was the electric fence charger. I forgot about that. I haven’t been on the farm since my parents sold in 1973. Thank you for the reminder from my youth.

    • @kittyzigzag
      @kittyzigzag 7 місяців тому +14

      They probably love going anywhere to get away from the ticking!

  • @sandrasmith16
    @sandrasmith16 8 місяців тому +83

    What good boys they are. Putting heads down so collars can go on and then to come down further for their bridles. They know its time to get ready for work and standing parked waiting for the next step. My uncle had a clydie mare that as a 6 or 7 year old child would do that for me. That is how I learnt. She was the first horse i ever sat on and the first one i ever drove. She gave me my lifelong love of horses. Keep up the good work boys for your human😊

  • @anneterry3660
    @anneterry3660 8 місяців тому +73

    More interest in reviving use of draft horses for conservation, work far better in woodlands and other terrain than machines. Some draft horses are excellent for general riding, very solid personalities and good character plus gentle.

    • @teresahiggs4896
      @teresahiggs4896 8 місяців тому +6

      So are mules. A big draft mule can do what these horses do. My dad had working mules when I was a little girl and they are awesome. Mules are smart, maybe too smart for their own good!
      My dad said when asking a mule to do somerhing , especially something that the mule had never done before , you couldnt order a mule to do something, you had to persuade the mule and allow him to think it over a little.
      Some folks use mules for trail riding too, very sure footed and good on difficult trails.

    • @TrappedinSLC
      @TrappedinSLC 7 місяців тому +11

      @@teresahiggs4896I recall hearing that one of the reasons they prefer mules to horses at the Grand Canyon is if you tell a horse to do something that might make them fall off a cliff, the horse might trust you and do it anyway. The mule is gonna say “f u, I don’t have a death wish, you do that on your own.”

    • @catherinehubbard1167
      @catherinehubbard1167 7 місяців тому +1

      I’ve been watching the Homestead Horsemanship channel, where I learned (among many other things) that there is now a strong and growing interest in draft horse crosses for riding, carriage pulling, and other work for which a bigger, stronger calm horse is well suited but a truly massive one isn’t required. They have a beloved Clydesdale stallion they rescued and now one of their mares (a smaller breed) is in foal by him.

    • @silent1967
      @silent1967 7 місяців тому

      But Greta does like all the animal farts.

  • @Lauren-vd4qe
    @Lauren-vd4qe 8 місяців тому +21

    Never seen that mode of bridle blinker before; so much better than the thick side square flaps which often rested ON the horses eyes, causing them to close their eyes! much better design that keeps the flap AWAY from the eyes.

    • @M.KathleenDougharty
      @M.KathleenDougharty 8 місяців тому +1

      I noticed that too! All I’ve ever seen are the flap kind but when you think about it these would be so much better when working in the woods. Less to get caught on but still offering some protection.

    • @Lauren-vd4qe
      @Lauren-vd4qe 8 місяців тому

      But bridle blinkers are NOT used for equine eye protection in woods or anywhere else. they are used to prevent a horse from suddenly becoming afraid and bolting and running away, endangering the people in the cart/wagon and wrecking the wagon and injuring/killing the horse if it happens to run in front of traffic. If a horse cant SEE a potentially scary object, it wont run away generally. @@M.KathleenDougharty

  • @deborahflack9958
    @deborahflack9958 8 місяців тому +149

    What a lovely pair ✨ The only thing that I thought is for the chap to have a little chat with them, some kind words, I think horses appreciate that sort of thing 🐴

    • @joyellis5331
      @joyellis5331 8 місяців тому +26

      He spoke a little but words are often not necessary when they know and feel you. I don’t talk much either. My hands say most of the words.

    • @1packatak
      @1packatak 8 місяців тому +12

      Horses like many animals rely on body language. Same with dogs. That’s how the communicate.

    • @mondob2867
      @mondob2867 7 місяців тому +4

      I was thinking the exact same thing! If it had been me I would have been having a nice conversation the entire time starting with a good morning and continued praise as we went along. Such beautiful animals!

    • @michaeladams2644
      @michaeladams2644 7 місяців тому +3

      I talk to mine , do they listen 😂

    • @CraigerAce
      @CraigerAce 7 місяців тому +3

      Life ain’t the movies.

  • @J_LorraineK
    @J_LorraineK 8 місяців тому +42

    Wow, they'd put the harness on themselves if they could, I think! They're beautiful and really fit.

  • @monicapdx
    @monicapdx 8 місяців тому +49

    This reminds me of a pulling contest I was at once. In the lighter-weight horse division, the last teams competing (pairs) were a team of purebred Belgians, and two draft-riding breed crossbreds. (I can't remember their crosses any more, it was ages ago.) They were a logging team too. Quite a lot lighter than the Belgians. But at the end, the Belgians gave up. One horse actually lay down. The crossbreds dug in while their driver encouraged them, struggling hard, but they kept going, and the crowd went crazy. We were all screaming, and when they crossed the line, you never heard such a roar. We loved those horses. And they and their driver loved each other. One of the most moving things I've ever seen.

    • @thirzapeevey2395
      @thirzapeevey2395 5 місяців тому

      Nothing like a loyal, honest horse to move you to tears.

  • @whatsup5791
    @whatsup5791 8 місяців тому +40

    This reminds me of using draft horses in the sugar bush in the spring, making maple syrup. Also reminds me of a story in a book about logging in the old days. There was a log still attached to the stump along side the road and every time this horse was driven past it, It would stop and the driver would tell him to go on. So one day the driver hooked the horse to the log and the horse pulled and pulled with all his might, then gave up. After that, when the horse would go by that log, it didn’t stop, but would give it a dirty look as he passed by.

  • @biddydibdab9180
    @biddydibdab9180 7 місяців тому +39

    Horses love doing a job. Yours are well taken care of and I watched carefully to see that you gently waited for them to take the bit without clunking their teeth. Nice.

    • @downthetraillogging
      @downthetraillogging  7 місяців тому +13

      Thank you. Appreciate you noticing details like that. Hope you have a great day.

  • @missingmac7104
    @missingmac7104 8 місяців тому +45

    Two beautiful kind gentle fur babies doing the job they were bred for and a caring owner ❤

  • @CraigerAce
    @CraigerAce 7 місяців тому +40

    Thank you for letting us hear the sounds of the morning routine and not jabbering all the video like some knuckleheads do. I loved it.

    • @downthetraillogging
      @downthetraillogging  7 місяців тому +4

      Thanks for the comment. I've done some jabbering in other videos but usually try to keep it to a minimum. 😅😊 Hope you have a great day.

    • @codymoe4986
      @codymoe4986 7 місяців тому +1

      As opposed to the knuckleheads in the comments, always "running their mouths" about how they prefer others to go about their own business?

  • @LesaGraham-k1f
    @LesaGraham-k1f 7 місяців тому +26

    I rescued a beat up Belgian off a slaughter truck. He is blind and unsound, but what a monster he must have been in his day!! Huge horses and massive powerhouses!! Gentle and obedient work partners!! Beautiful team of Belgians you have!

  • @elizabethburnham4692
    @elizabethburnham4692 8 місяців тому +38

    They are happy to go to work. This is what they were bred for! ❤

  • @sassafrasstree7449
    @sassafrasstree7449 8 місяців тому +44

    Wonderful how they walk in unison into the tunnel . They look happy and keen. Both put their heads forward into head gear. Don't see that often .their body language says lets go!! I want to work. Beautiful.

    • @downthetraillogging
      @downthetraillogging  8 місяців тому +11

      They really enjoy the process for sure.

    • @kristinetrott5087
      @kristinetrott5087 8 місяців тому +8

      That is a stock trailer, not a tunnel!

    • @dpeter6396
      @dpeter6396 8 місяців тому +1

      @@kristinetrott5087 And a very noisy one at that!

  • @SamWalker-xr5vg
    @SamWalker-xr5vg 8 місяців тому +29

    i like how he doesn't have to tie them

  • @billvan5219
    @billvan5219 7 місяців тому +21

    😊 any morning with horses is a good morning

  • @equestanton1017
    @equestanton1017 8 місяців тому +5

    I really cant say after watching this, bless their big hearts, though, they sure know their not going to frolic in the pasture..

    • @downthetraillogging
      @downthetraillogging  8 місяців тому +7

      They had just come in from pasture to have breakfast in their stalls. 😊 They get lots of pasture time on work and rest days.

    • @equestanton1017
      @equestanton1017 8 місяців тому +3

      Thats such a relief to hear. I respect working horse hugely, sadly so many live miserable painful lives then abandoned by being sold at auction. These two have the cutest four eyes on the planet. @@downthetraillogging

    • @MegF142857
      @MegF142857 8 місяців тому +1

      @@downthetraillogging Lovely video. My first to watch of your channel. This is a nice detail to read about their lifestyle.

  • @silentotto5099
    @silentotto5099 7 місяців тому +2

    I've never been around horses much, but my wife likes to ride. Once she talked me into going to a stable with her and riding a horse. It went OK and it was an interesting experience, but a huge damper on it for me was that it was obvious that the horse didn't want to be there. I kind of felt like "If the horse doesn't want me riding it, then I don't really want to be riding it".
    We talked on the way home, I told her how I felt and how I found the experience somewhat exploitive toward the horses.
    She knew I came from a hunting family. I personally didn't like killing game, but I did enjoy getting out in the field with the dogs and letting them do their thing. She countered with "Well, you use dogs for hunting. What's the difference?."
    The difference was that when I showed my dogs the leash, they'd go insane with excitement and anticipation. I told her that if the horse had similarly responded when shown a saddle, I'd have felt differently about the experience.
    Now, these were horses in a stable and I'm astute enough to recognize that the experience I had with them might not be typical of horse/rider interactions.
    I've often wondered if horses that someone owns and have something of a relationship with respond more positively to the prospect of going for a ride than than the horses in the stable did.
    The horses in the video might think it great fun to get out in the woods and check things out, don't consider hauling a few logs a big deal and well worth it for a chance to get out of the stable.
    The same with riding horses.
    Any horse owners care to weigh in?

    • @SamWalker-xr5vg
      @SamWalker-xr5vg 7 місяців тому

      a lot of it is in the breeding. and how they are treated those two like getting gear up

  • @chateaupig826
    @chateaupig826 8 місяців тому +3

    Beautifull , gentle well behaved creatures ❤
    This was Very relaxing to watch

  • @MissEAG
    @MissEAG 8 місяців тому +15

    One thing I would say, is that whatever that ticking sound is, would drive any sane being mad... if they have to hear that everyday while in their stalls... I would consider addressing that.

    • @michellem.8443
      @michellem.8443 8 місяців тому +4

      Electric fence box

    • @sharksport01
      @sharksport01 8 місяців тому +3

      That's why they're so happy to go to work!

    • @MissEAG
      @MissEAG 8 місяців тому +5

      @@sharksport01 I mean... I was going to say that lol, ..I've definitely been kept awake by a dripping tap...& I definitely wanted to get away from that sound and go to work in the morning too, haha! I remember lying in my bed and thinking that waterboarding is one of the cruelest tortures.

    • @IcicleFerret
      @IcicleFerret 8 місяців тому

      After a while, you just stop hearing it, like a running refrigerator (might want to catch that before it gets away.)

    • @MissEAG
      @MissEAG 8 місяців тому

      @@IcicleFerret Maybe, ..maybe not... considering horses' hearing is so much more sensitive to ours, we can't just assume that... It may really bother them. I know I would not be able to ignore it...and it was the main thing I noticed in the video, so much so that I couldn't concentrate on anything else while they were filming in the barn.

  • @tomcoon9038
    @tomcoon9038 7 місяців тому +2

    I can't say I had a horse. TBH we had a pony when I was young. 10-17 Y/O. I must say that this video shows what it's truly like.
    I knew the horse, and it knew me. Very well, good and bad. But there is a unspoken calmness to being around one. It's a silence that is only a silence of sound. Inside you both are understanding whats going on through body language. It was mostly a very peaceful comfortable time. Like the wordless video. This vid brought that back to me. The deep peacefulness.
    Thank you for reminding me. 40-50 years later. 👍

    • @SamWalker-xr5vg
      @SamWalker-xr5vg 7 місяців тому

      wow cool

    • @downthetraillogging
      @downthetraillogging  7 місяців тому

      It is something only the few who actually work with horses day in and day out can fully appreciate. Thank you for sharing. Hope you have a great day

  • @sue5242
    @sue5242 8 місяців тому +4

    Wow hooking them up is quite the ordeal! I’m going with they are happy to go to work

  • @EC-lq3qw
    @EC-lq3qw 8 місяців тому +12

    I've never been with any horse as long as this without speaking to it, giving it a scratch, just generally 'being' with the animal. That's the only thing that seems oddly missing here.

    • @Alex-ft1df
      @Alex-ft1df 8 місяців тому

      Well, maybe their owner was just wanting to get right to work, just like his horses are. I'm sure at the end of the day, after the whole tree logging is done that they will be given attention and love and petting from their owner.

    • @dionlindsay2
      @dionlindsay2 7 місяців тому +1

      Maybe they take time to "get up". I wouldn't thank anyone for even a kind word until I've had my coffee. A scratch though, now...

  • @rhondamc3642
    @rhondamc3642 7 місяців тому +2

    They are GORGEOUS!

  • @arribaficationwineho32
    @arribaficationwineho32 8 місяців тому +15

    Thank you for leaving their tails. Docking is cruel and not necessary. It was a trend last century and before that

    • @downthetraillogging
      @downthetraillogging  8 місяців тому +6

      Agreed. I've never understood a purpose for docking

    • @Alex-ft1df
      @Alex-ft1df 8 місяців тому +1

      Yeah, did you know they do this to dogs still.

    • @Alex-ft1df
      @Alex-ft1df 8 місяців тому +2

      They still crop and cut off the ears and tails of dogs, and it's all for fashion. But I think it is downright awful and cruel 😢 😔 to those poor dogs.

    • @arribaficationwineho32
      @arribaficationwineho32 8 місяців тому

      @@Alex-ft1df agree.

    • @arribaficationwineho32
      @arribaficationwineho32 8 місяців тому

      @@Alex-ft1df of course I know and hate it. I hate those that say it is for “safety” of the dog. Well…..a pet breeding kennel has no need to cut tails for pet Australian shepherds.

  • @helenscoffield
    @helenscoffield 7 місяців тому +1

    Adorable horses and their friends. How interesting to see how they gett rigged up so calmly, with number two son curious about the cameraman. Ive seen grooming, in my part of the world, with the broom part of a short bristled broom used gently to cover more area than an oval brush and they lean into it and love it.

  • @lindaschweitzer5349
    @lindaschweitzer5349 8 місяців тому +15

    Wonderful animals! Ppl should only be so willing!!!

  • @sophiawish9772
    @sophiawish9772 7 місяців тому +2

    Precious, sweet horses!

  • @josephbailey4463
    @josephbailey4463 7 місяців тому +2

    Horses that work cattle are the same way. They love to move the cows. When you’re on that horse you can feel the energy come into him.

  • @BazilRat
    @BazilRat 7 місяців тому +1

    We bred these big horses to work. They are literally born for it - treat them right and they want to pull.

  • @onestrongarm
    @onestrongarm 8 місяців тому +12

    It appears more than ready for duty.

  • @thekatt...
    @thekatt... 8 місяців тому +19

    Beautiful animals.
    Can't get better for the environment than using these gentle beasts.
    👍❤🇨🇦

  • @tonyalways7174
    @tonyalways7174 8 місяців тому +11

    My grandfather had a grocery delivery business using horses on a regular route. My Dad told me you didn’t really need to steer the horses because they knew exactly where to go and where to stop. He also said after they made the last delivery the horses just set off for home whether you wanted them to or not and nothing or nobody would stop them. Anything but dumb animals.

    • @Gail1Marie
      @Gail1Marie 8 місяців тому +2

      My dad (born 1913) recalled the milkman, ice man, and coal man all used horse-drawn wagons (and, in the winter, sledges or sleighs). The streets were left unplowed for them, but the sidewalks were plowed for pedestrians. Dad said that if someone was on vacation, it was tough to get the horses to skip that house, because they knew where to stop.
      Minneapolis was one of the last cities to change from horse-drawn fire equipment to pumpers with internal combustion engines (because it was so hard to start vehicles in the winter). As a child, he lived half a block from the firehouse. When they heard the fire bell ring, they'd run to the firehouse to watch the action. The harnesses were suspended over the horses, and they could drop them on their backs and quickly fasten them. The horses were troikas (teams of three) and always perfectly matched. (They were probably black or gray Percherons from his description.) Dad recalled seeing the horses' horseshoes striking sparks on the pavement as they galloped to the fire. Up in Fridley, Minnesota, they always used white (gray) horses to pull fire equipment. To this day, Fridley has white fire apparatus to continue the tradition!

  • @LOL-Can
    @LOL-Can 8 місяців тому +13

    Gentle and very willing giants. Of course they love their job and trust you to take care of them as they take care of you. Great video. Thank you.

  • @stardust949
    @stardust949 8 місяців тому +12

    You have very well trained horses---and I bet they enjoy the grooming and care you take, as well as being 'productive'. I would think it beats the heck out of standing around in a stall all the time.

  • @lynnes11
    @lynnes11 8 місяців тому +10

    What a good looking team! This is the first video of your's that I have watched and I can't wait to watch the rest. Clipping the trailer tie to their bits made me cringe at bit, but that's just me. This is a great looking team, and I can only wish my horse loaded as easily as these two!

    • @downthetraillogging
      @downthetraillogging  8 місяців тому +4

      Thank you for the kind comments. The lead they are clipped to is a bungee especially designed for this job. Very safe. Appreciate the concern. 😊

  • @robertqueberg4612
    @robertqueberg4612 8 місяців тому +10

    Thank you for the trip back to the early fifties. That is a nicely mannered team. It shows trust. My grandfather’s hired man, and our third grandfather Archie Bailey got Dick and Dolly brushed and curried as you do. When the harnesses were on and they were ready to head to the field, or the woods, Archie, Dick, Dolly, and Sheppy the dog all got a “chew” My brother and I rode across the fields, with the squeak of the harness.
    I thank you again.

  • @VickieV1333
    @VickieV1333 8 місяців тому +2

    Horses are the most remarkable creatures!

  • @SamWalker-xr5vg
    @SamWalker-xr5vg 8 місяців тому +9

    you can tell they don't dread any of that

  • @belindapoplin5439
    @belindapoplin5439 8 місяців тому +1

    Oh wow, what gorgeous animals ❤❤❤

  • @jeannerogers7085
    @jeannerogers7085 8 місяців тому +10

    Boy, those three are a real team!

  • @DonnaScarpa
    @DonnaScarpa 8 місяців тому +3

    I know my horses, ( I still have 3 minis), always wanted to ‘work’, unless there was something medically wrong. If I had a halter, (head collar) and went into the pasture, all the horses would hope it was for them and try to put their head in it if given the opportunity. If they are treated well and fairly, why wouldn’t they want to? They look forward to the opportunity. Honestly.

  • @Ranchorita
    @Ranchorita 8 місяців тому +5

    They are beautiful creatures! :)

  • @prissilou
    @prissilou 8 місяців тому +3

    I just had a thought, we have a neighbor who was a farrier for years but has Parkinson's disease, and is getting rather ill, but he still has a horse. It has just occurred to me that they will need someone to take the horse. We will talk to his wife and find out what is going on.

  • @timkaldahl
    @timkaldahl 8 місяців тому +2

    Humans are about the only creatures (perhaps with the exception of cats) that just want to sit around and do nothing. That's why training and regular exercise are so important to a dog's happiness. I'm sure horses are the same.

  • @kagnewmp12
    @kagnewmp12 7 місяців тому +8

    Thanks for allowing my old childish memories to resurface. I used to spend as much time as possible helping but mostly watching my wonderful Grandfather hook up his Big work horses named Dick and Molly to different pieces of farm equipment and especially to a hand built sap wagon with wooden runners during the spring maple syrup season. I loved my Grandfather like no other Man alive and he in turn Loved all of us and his horses which he took excellent care of. I know there is always someone to scream animal cruelty but Grandpa never had a cruel bone in his body. I'm 71 now with Grandkids of my own and only wish I could share the love of a good horse with them. I'm a new Subscriber and Thanks

  • @jamescorry63
    @jamescorry63 8 місяців тому +2

    fricking awesome ,,, back to basics,,,,beautiful

  • @elizaj4431
    @elizaj4431 8 місяців тому +9

    Lovely teamwork and horses❤

  • @DeliahAyala.2.14.91.
    @DeliahAyala.2.14.91. 8 місяців тому +1

    Drafts have the best minds ❤

  • @lindadority1056
    @lindadority1056 7 місяців тому +2

    Well I was hoping to see them work some

  • @hyselwatchandclockrepair1874
    @hyselwatchandclockrepair1874 8 місяців тому +5

    So awesome and so very well trained! Thank you for sharing your beautiful horses and your amazing skill and trust with them.

  • @joledo2264
    @joledo2264 8 місяців тому +5

    I know nothing about horses, but these horses appear to be very well looked after and look extremely fit.❤

  • @MikeWhiskey427
    @MikeWhiskey427 8 місяців тому +7

    Horses dont mind working hard if your good to them. Easy to see these guys like you. Not the slightest evasiveness accepting the bit. We have a couple 18hh 2400 lb boys that are just so easy going, willing and a joy to work with. They are a blessing.

    • @SamWalker-xr5vg
      @SamWalker-xr5vg 8 місяців тому +1

      2400lb is massive cool

    • @patrickshaw8595
      @patrickshaw8595 7 місяців тому +2

      @@SamWalker-xr5vg Yep. That's a base model 2016 Nissan Versa to you and I !
      Four hooves like coffee cans and self-driving = WOW. Horses that size were tested in 1926 at their moving maximum effort for ten seconds and found able to generate 1750 pounds of pull apiece and calculated by their speed when doing so were making SEVEN HORSEPOWER. EACH...

  • @lindaaphillippi7015
    @lindaaphillippi7015 8 місяців тому +2

    Such sweet horses!

  • @7thMack
    @7thMack 8 місяців тому +4

    They’re lovely. I have an Arabian, but I’ve always wanted a draft horse (well, a draft mix will do) too. A gentle giant. Just love them.

  • @davidyetter5409
    @davidyetter5409 8 місяців тому +5

    Watching this brings back memories of my youth. I grew up farming and logging with horses. 1950's and 1960's.

  • @stevegabbert9626
    @stevegabbert9626 8 місяців тому +2

    I don't know if they like to work, but I bet they like that rub down with the brush. I'm retired now, and I sure wish that someone would have done that for me before I went to work. Maybe I would have liked it better.

  • @KennyDodge-of2sp
    @KennyDodge-of2sp 8 місяців тому +8

    I'm 63.at 7 in Ogden,Ut. we had 2 Belgians and an iron wheel '38 Case tractor,which my brother buried up to the frame.
    Our horses loved pulling it out.
    I made bridles for our 2 600lb.pet pigs and rode them.the 2 Belgians woiuld watch and snicker like they were laughing,and step up to push our pigs away each time i got thrown to protect me.
    I loved them

    • @debramedina5756
      @debramedina5756 7 місяців тому

      It's wonderful to have animals in your life. It's an honor when they like/love you in return.

  • @frednone
    @frednone 7 місяців тому +2

    If a horse doesn't want to do something, one guy is not going to drag him/her there.

  • @elizabethburnham4692
    @elizabethburnham4692 8 місяців тому +7

    They are Belgians, correct?

  • @carmenpalacios8416
    @carmenpalacios8416 8 місяців тому +4

    Horses are hard workers. Those I know are treated with love and patience and like to be busy

  • @johnburgess5534
    @johnburgess5534 8 місяців тому +3

    If the horses didn’t want to go, they wouldn’t go.

  • @roysnider3456
    @roysnider3456 7 місяців тому +1

    Given the choice a horse would rather be outside generally speaking.

  • @mary-ruthflores4107
    @mary-ruthflores4107 7 місяців тому +3

    If the horses didn’t want to work, you could not bridle them or hitch them!!!

  • @williamdavidson9009
    @williamdavidson9009 7 місяців тому +2

    Friend was logging with a horse and it decided it was done for the day and dragged the log into the barn to the stall. Another time the horse decided to take a shortcut to the landing went down over a bank in the deep snow and got stuck in a brush pile. Horses can certainly think for themselves!

  • @vickigraham1543
    @vickigraham1543 7 місяців тому +3

    Looks to me like they have a routine that they're accustomed to. Plus the man treats them with respect.

  • @silent1967
    @silent1967 7 місяців тому +2

    Gorgeous

  • @McCormickfarrier
    @McCormickfarrier 8 місяців тому +4

    They look a little like me, when I´m getting in my truck in the morning, heading for shoeing horses...😂 but as soon as I hold the first hoof in my hands, I know I love my job 🤠
    Congrats, really nice guys! 🐴🐴Hey, love your videos man! 👍

  • @SirFloofy001
    @SirFloofy001 8 місяців тому +3

    Ive never dealt with pulling horses but id imagine they are a bit like sled dogs. They're never truly happy till they're using their muscles.

  • @sgtrock68
    @sgtrock68 7 місяців тому +2

    Only when they have a hangover....new years day, 5th of July, what ever comes after Memorial Day.
    OH, that was me!

  • @lornadoell
    @lornadoell 8 місяців тому +1

    Better than standing in a stall all day. I think it's why prisoners are so buff.

    • @downthetraillogging
      @downthetraillogging  8 місяців тому +1

      They are stalled twice a day for their food and out at pasture the rest of the time. Guess again. 😂

    • @lornadoell
      @lornadoell 8 місяців тому +1

      @@downthetraillogging I'm really glad to hear that they are out at pasture most of the time.

  • @DanielMosle
    @DanielMosle 8 місяців тому +3

    Thanks! Hopefully
    This is the future of vermont logging

  • @PeteDavidson-yl3ps
    @PeteDavidson-yl3ps 7 місяців тому +2

    I always MAKE the time to give my mares a good brushing before I harness them up and if weather permits a wash down at the end of the day along with apples carrots and oats…..Muck their stalls fresh bedding bale of hay and once their all tired washed and have a belly full of food I can kick back pop open a beer in the shop, sharpen my chainsaw blades, lube, fuel and all is calm …haul in some firewood for the wood stove …myself wash eat and LIGHTS OUT….. hopefully I get 8 hours sleep and repeat in the morning lol…. Farm Life is routine lots of City Folks don’t adapt easily….only horses dogs farmers get the life….no stress as you know what tomorrow brings..

  • @calicoasting
    @calicoasting 7 місяців тому

    The only thing they hate is that continues hammering sound.

  • @mjaimez9303
    @mjaimez9303 8 місяців тому

    While I don't hear him, I'd be talking to them...good morning, it's going to be a great day, etc

  • @aloberdorf4579
    @aloberdorf4579 7 місяців тому +2

    And for a 12-15$ bale of quality hay...you get a 2 horse power skidder /loader that is designed after the one that built a Nation......w/out petro fuel..Winner winner Chickin Dinner !!....

  • @givmi_more_w9251
    @givmi_more_w9251 7 місяців тому +2

    Horses, just like dogs, are domesticated animals, with centuries of selective breeding. And I fully believe that just like a German Shepherd is bred to be a loyal, watchful working dog, it's the same with those draft horse breeds (ESL, please don't kill me if draft horse is wrong for those lovely animals).
    These horses do what they were designed to do. As long as they aren't overworked and treated well -- I'm here for it. There are a hell of a lot better for the forest!

  • @Sophiecjp
    @Sophiecjp 8 місяців тому

    My question is what does he do with them when they are to old for the job? Nice retirement for all the work they have done or off to the slaughter house🤷‍♀️ I sure hope he gives them a great retirement.

  • @TheSuzberry
    @TheSuzberry 7 місяців тому +4

    Maybe animals, like humans, like having a purpose.

  • @ericmiles6413
    @ericmiles6413 7 місяців тому +2

    I used to see BUDWEISER CLYDSDALES @FARM of grandmothers brothers. What a treat. There was a Budweiser donkey too...

  • @rdhawke
    @rdhawke 7 місяців тому +2

    Horses love having a job. How would you like standing around in a jail cell all day with nothing to do. And even if you were allowed outside in the grass in the sunshine all day, eventually you’d get bored. Same with our equine companions. Think of the workout these beautiful guys get. Their muscles are toned and look in great shape. They are definitely loved and cared for very well.

  • @nicholasmurrell7904
    @nicholasmurrell7904 6 місяців тому +3

    Thank you for making and posting these videos. I looked at the other comments before I typed anything. I don't work with horses but I am familiar with dogs and know those horses love their job. They look happy and like they have a purpose. God Bless You and the Horses.

  • @GetToTheFarm
    @GetToTheFarm 8 місяців тому +2

    course they hate it!!1 look you opened the door and he jsut stood there !!1 LOL Great training - sweet Belgian

  • @dogsbyfire
    @dogsbyfire 7 місяців тому +2

    What magnificent animals. They are beauty in movement. Thank you so much for the video.

  • @johncampbell9120
    @johncampbell9120 8 місяців тому +2

    Maybe they can't wait to get out of those jail cells😊.....nope looks like you are correct....I like how you were careful when you put on the equipment....you got nice horses😊

  • @christopherprince3250
    @christopherprince3250 7 місяців тому +2

    We logged with a pair of mules in places we couldn't get our skidder. I think they would have rather been working than just standing around waiting.

  • @sandramelvin7123
    @sandramelvin7123 8 місяців тому +4

    What lovely gentle souls.

  • @shawnaweesner3759
    @shawnaweesner3759 7 місяців тому +2

    It would be a good thing to train the horses to work with NO BIT! The horses look really well cared for! I liked how you interacted with them. That ticking sound in the video 👎.

  • @PsychicIsaacs
    @PsychicIsaacs 8 місяців тому +2

    I've just come in from a 4 1/2-mile training ride on a mare that I am training as a Cross Country/Trail/Hunt/ "Bush Riding" horse. She is my Lily, and I began riding her again in May of 2023, following a two-year break, after a serious accident I had with her (my fault, not her's). I start off on the "Cross Country Circuit" track with a one-mile walk, then a two-mile trot, then a one-mile walk, (total of 20 XC laps) before we "Go Bush", riding trails on my farm. Every time we pass the gate that leads to the bush tracks, I feel her asking, through the reins, if we can "Go Bush Now, Mum?"
    When I steer her for another circuit of the XC track, she dutifully obeys, but then we pass the point again and she asks again!
    Also, I often ask for a trot at a certain point, and I feel her speeding up her walk, anticipating a trot, every time we pass this point. Mostly it doesn't happen, but I almost always start our trots at this place, and she knows it! She used to be very hot and forward and I have had to put a lot of effort into training her to keep to her assigned gait, but I believe she's about ready. She'll have a rest day tomorrow, then another day of this training, then a day off, then her next work-day after that, I'll ask her for a canter...
    If Lily didn't enjoy her work, she'd raise Hades rather than comply! She works for me because she loves me and I work hard for her, because I love her as well! When I'm out and about doing work on my farm, and she's in a nearby field, she'll nicker at me and trot on over, just to say "Hi!" And do I take a few minutes out of my workday, just to rub noses with her and say "Hi!" back?
    You know I do...
    BTW, we took a new Bush Trail today, one that she'd never been on before, at least not under saddle. There was a steep section where the track ran almost on contour on a 45-degree slope, down to a dip then up a bit of a rise. There was a wire fence on one side and a deep dam pond on the other. If it had gone wrong, there'd be nowhere for us to go, but it's a thing of trust. Training a bush riding/hunt type horse, you have to take them through these kinds of situations, because that's how they learn. When she came through it, with flying colours, mind you, all she wanted to do was eat. I know that this is how she relieves her tension after a stressful situation, so I let her eat.
    And did I tell her what a GOOD GIRL she was?
    You know I did!!!
    My point is, horses know their work, they know their humans and they come to trust their humans as they become better and better at their work. It really is all about a partnership of trust, whether it's a logging horse, a trail horse, a dressage horse, a showjumper or even a racehorse! They know what they are meant to do, and when they have a relationship with knowledgeable and loving humans, they literally do paw the ground and chomp the bit to do what they know they do best!
    God Bless You All,
    I'll Speak With You Soon...

  • @DenvaProbablyDraws
    @DenvaProbablyDraws 8 місяців тому +2

    Dude those horses follow him like a tame in Ark Survival Evolved. What good honses

  • @msmccorm1
    @msmccorm1 8 місяців тому +2

    Can't really tell from this video. Now if your horse was out in a pasture and came running up to you whinnying at you when you arrive like my horse does, that might be a different story. Of course, I use positive reinforcement to train and work with my horse. I can tell you it never gets old to see him running up through the pasture to me.

  • @Dukes13littleone
    @Dukes13littleone 8 місяців тому +4

    I would say they love their job and their handler! ❤ Beautiful to see when someone works with an animal rather then force!

  • @cs7717
    @cs7717 7 місяців тому +3

    You're so mean and cruel to those horses!!! 😉 😉 😉 wink wink. Such sweetie pies they are!!!

  • @FrankH-d6x
    @FrankH-d6x 7 місяців тому +4

    You can tell you really love your horses. Well kept and such a nice place, good job.

  • @pamelamartyn5460
    @pamelamartyn5460 8 місяців тому +3

    I would think as long as they are taken care of, like their hooves. Not whipped and treated fairly they would like working.