Farming with Horses

Some draft horses are born for the show. Bred to slip into sleek, patent leather harnesses and dance with a polished wagon, tossing ribboned manes and flashing glossy hooves before an audience of city boys and dreamers.

Kandy and Jess were born to such parents, wrapped in their previous owner's high hopes. Not quite prissy enough to make the show circuit, these two are learning a new trade for which they are better suited---the honest hard work of farming.

They got their first taste of it when we helped our friend pick up bales.
Kevin's four horses pulled the flatbed easily through early evening's long shadows. They had worked most of the afternoon when Kandy and Jess replaced them. The new kids pranced and danced; they wanted to trot; they blew through the stops. Not accustomed to work, they were sweat-soaked in fifteen minutes, while Kevin's horses had barely noticed the effort after four hours.

Fatigue is a good teacher.

In short order, Kandy and Jess learned to appreciate "whoa". They stood, quiet and still, while their passengers weighted first one side and then the other, so that bales could be loaded. They walked up the hill for unloading, no longer eager to race off.

These girls are going to be just fine.