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  • From: Bunjov AT aol.com
  • To: homestead AT lists.ibiblio.org
  • Subject: Re: [Homestead] Draft Horses
  • Date: Sat, 11 Oct 2008 17:54:12 EDT

James, you are a constant source of amazement.

"Bloviate"? I had to look it up. Shame on you, on the one hand for talking
over my head, but plaudits to you on the other hand for offering such a
Medieval challenge. It's an old, OLD word!

I am back now from a monthly meeting, where I found myself narcoleptically
(new word?) nodding off. I thought only old men fell asleep at meetings, but
I
guess Morpheus knows no gender-bias. Particularly embarrassing, if anyone
noticed, because I have to sit up front where I am the subject of close
inspection by the membership, and I am just now home and recovering from the
fact
that my left-foot bootlaces were not evenly knotted up. What an excruciating
two hours.

When I get started on the fourth-quarter Property Owners newsletter, I have
made mental note that the term 'bloviation' is used somewhere in one of the
articles.

And I think I know where. Our former First District Supervisor did not run
for re-election to his post. He chose instead to go for the job as County
Assessor. Then he got himself appointed to the AQMD. These two posts now put
him
in control of land and air. The only thing left is water, and he's probably
working on that.

And he's taken a good chunk of time off, now, to go into re-hab. I picture
him re-habbing in a hotel somewhere, with or without wife and kids / and / or

mistress - while his humungous salary and his bills continue to be paid.

Please send any other 'new' words that you have hanging around, because I
don't foresee this guy hanging around much longer.

I didn't mean to get off the subject thread - just had to vent and share.
Please continue with the draft horse information. I am particularly
interested
in the mules.

Sandy




In a message dated 10/10/2008 3:16:20 P.M. Pacific Standard Time,
Clansgian AT wmconnect.com writes:


> >I would imagine that James would be your best bet in this regard.

Maybe not, because here is what I'd say:

Homesteader types get too wrapped up in the minutia of breeds as if raising
South Albanian Flathead ducks would make or break the flock rather than East

Slabovian Blue Foots. What applies to all ducks is 98% of it and that is
what
makes or breaks the operation.

Same goes for draft horses. While it's a lot of fun to bloviate over this
or
that breed, what makes or breaks the experience with the horse is not the
breed. For that, really any horse will do. Any horse that you train to
the
harness will do all anyone needs done around a homestead. If the horse is
small,
you will need two or more.

I have a Belgian. He is a wonderful soul, but he is an overkill. He weighs
2000 lbs and scarcely bats an eye at hauling oak logs out of the woods, much
less be concerned in the least with a plow or forecart. I have him because
he
cost me very little. By the bye, it does not cost twice as much to keep a
2000lb horse as a 1000 lb horse. The feed and pasture they need for
maintenance
is scarcely different.

Especially if you are starting out, don't split hairs over the breed. But
that's what I say about all farmstead livestock.

Also don't limit your possibilities to horses. Mules are generally more
expensive but donkeys, especially Mammoths, are less expensive than horses
and are
wonderful and flexible draft animals.

If you've got a deep purse, have fun mulling over breeds. If you haven't,
keep your eyes open for whatever. Any horse is a potential draft animal.

James


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