Moving from concept to reality using implements.
When we’re driving around with our horses we will frequently get the question, “what are you doing with them?” We explain that we’re farming with them but then I sometimes notice a look on the faces that makes me wonder if people even know what that means. Maybe they just associate farming with tractors, and can’t imagine how horses fit into that. Maybe its the western paradigm that working with horses is more the province of cowboys on the cattle drive rather than farming.
So I thought it might help if we shared a few pictures of our basic collection of horse drawn implements along with a brief description of the work each accomplishes.
Tandem disc
In 2023 we relied on our tandem disc the most for primary tillage for incorporating cover crops back into the soil. The tandem refers to the fact that there are two rows of discs. This was modified from a John Deere KBA tractor drawn disc by the talented fabricator Marvin Brisk of Oregon. Marvin reduced the overall working width, and added a driving platform. The “angle of attack” can be adjusted to make it more or less aggressive. It works pretty sweet and is less invasive than using a plow..
Cultimulcher
Following the initial work of the disc we usually turn to the cultimulcher. We obtained this from Noah’s River Run farm in Sequim, WA. Also fabricated by Marvin Brisk, it does a great job of breaking down clods, tilling with its spring tooth harrows and leaving a smooth seed bed with the fore and aft rollers. Its height is adjustable at the front and the back to help determine depth of the harrows. It sometimes will get clogged up by a mass of cover crops & weeds then we have to raise the spring teeth and have the boys step forward while the machine lurches its way over the pile. It has a tight running radius and is highly maneuverable in tight spaces.
Spreader
Typically before or between discing passes we load up the spreader with composted manure/bedding (using a pitchfork, not a loader or skid steer. Oof.) This unit is a Moline LS200, probably 1930’s vintage that we got from Boots’ farm in Stanwood, WA. I had to buy a new drive tire. And we put in a new deck. The sides have a few holes but the unit seems to work passably. The boys don’t seem to mind pulling it. Except they, like me sometimes feel a bit indignant when manure flies through the air and lands on our heads! Otherwise this thing’s fun to drive.
Coming soon, we’ll discuss the …