Belgian horses Mowing Hay at the Horse Progress Days

[PinkBelle2006]

Not much if you keep them healthy and in shape...

[DancingHorses26]

So, is that a mechanically powered mower? Because it kind of sounds like it's gas powered, which would make the horses kind of redundant.

[Bra1nDanGeR]

бедные лошадки...ну и упражь у них...пиздец просто...

[kaysandesses]

This is interesting but I fail to see the logic behind pulling an engine powered piece of equipment (the mower and the swather/conditioner) with a team of horses. Anyway, those are some very nice hitches!

[Smrobs84]

I am kinda suprised that they weren't using a sickle-bar mower. They were used before the really mechanized equipment came out. Nice team though and I wish that I could go up there to that.  We used draft mules for farming up until just a few years ago.

[rabbitboy56]

I have 8 belgians :)

[HvensFury]

How much hay and or grain does it take to keep a belgian fed for a year? Thank you

[paintpaches]

bad on horses back legs

[wsteven82]

Why's that? These horses barely look like they're having to pull. You should see a pulling contest!

[Smrobs84]

Not really. These heavy drafts are designed to be able to pull heavy weights for long periods of time. That is why so many of them are bred to be cow-hocked, it helps prevent the joints from getting into a bind and causing injury. :D

[midnightalastor]

this guys are awesome.

are drafts only for pulling or can you ride them too?

[SCZim]

Many breeds of drafts can also be ridden. Right here at youtube you can find clips of people riding both Percherons and American Creams - both were originally bred as draft horses.

[Nilyentaraka]

I can't wait to go to my first Horse Progress Days Day! ^_^ I heard it's in Indiana this year?

[wsteven82]

Thanks Bob

[bobz195270]

horse progress days will be in Mt Hope Ohio July 4/5 2008

[11BSFC]

Horse Progress Days rotate annually between Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana, normally. They are usually held over the Independance Day holiday for 3 or 4 days. They are typically hosted by Amish farmers and showcase most of the implements that are available to make draft horse farming a *little* bit easier.

[dipping11]

where is horse progress days going to be in 08?

[11BSFC]

I'm sorry, I don't. My subscription to Small Farmer's Journal (highly recommend) expired last fall and since I'm about to move when I retire from the Army next month, I haven't yet renewed. Maybe someone else can fill us in?

[dipping11]

well, if you find out can you let me know..i am really intrested in going and i greatly appreiciate your help.thanks again

[maevemealone]

That's a team of four that knows it's good looking. Very handsome gang...

[wsteven82]

Arcola, IL

[pinkfeathers2006]

the four a breast team is very classy. where are horse progress days?