Logging with Draft Horses at Riceland Meadows Farm

Рет қаралды 295,053

7 жыл бұрын

Logging with Horses with Ralph Rice on his diversified small farm.
Woodlot management plan is discussed including maple syrup production, firewood gathering, and using and selling wood for lumber.
In this video we tour Ralph's horse barn and harness shop.
We follow him while he harnesses his Percherons three-abreast for logging with the draft horses. He discusses his choice of nylon harness.
Ralph uses his Amish made wood sled for gathering maple syrup and firewood gathering. He uses his logging arch when logging large trees in his woods.
Ralph explains his the gathering and moving of parts of an ancient oak tree that fell in his woods. This immense tree is a multi year project for the draft horses and Ralph to clean up.
Ralph is an expert teamster with his beloved Percherons. His finesse with the draft horse logging is amazing.
Logging with draft horses is still being practiced by farmers all over the US. This video is a great example of how draft horse logging is accomplished.
Watch other videos of Ralph Rice on KZfaq - Horse Drawn Farming at Riceland Meadows Farm

Пікірлер: 96

@robertodebeers2551 9 ай бұрын

This is beautiful. I hope there are some young people out there learning these skills.

@LostCaper 2 жыл бұрын

Man what an awesome guy and video. His gentle demeanour around the horses is the same as my fathers.

@BumbleBee-vj3np 4 жыл бұрын

We live right by this place. ❤

@Doxymeister 4 жыл бұрын

Neat idea, a compilation of farm stories. Even chickens can be source of humor--one of my funniest memories of childhood is about chickens. I'd be working in the barn, and laughing at the chickens that would follow me in there, then they'd get distracted by sunlight coming through empty nail holes in the metal wall--they'd stand there forever pecking at those "lights" on the wall! Much later in life, I had acquired a miniature horse stallion and a couple of mares. He had such great conformation (old Quarter Horse-style) and straight legs, I decided to start him under harness by having him pull my firewood up from the canyon--smaller loads of course. Mr. Rice is right--if you have a good relationship with them, horses work hard because they enjoy it, mine certainly appeared to love a challenge. One of the mares never produced very nice foals, so I broke her to saddle so that she'd be useful in some way, and she seemed to love carrying the small kids around. She even did well in parades. Anyway, I loved the logging demonstration, thank you!

@kingkrokofox4300 4 жыл бұрын

I'm definitely buying his book. What a wholesome man. Honestly I've never been won over so quickly by hearing someone just talk outloud before. You touched my heart. Thank you.

@lindalakota38 3 жыл бұрын

Love watching a guy like him hes like a dad whith his kid you can see the horses love and realy trust and like him a stranger can see the bond just see how melow they are their relaxed getting ready

@valeriepowell1736 4 жыл бұрын

I watch so many of these and Ralph you and your team are like a smooth gravy.... you can go over lumpy mashed potatoes like butter..... amazing, Love you all..... wish I lived another life in my heart... I truly want to cultivate memories. am I too old, in the last 2 years I learned to ferment, can, bake, make a sourdough starter and grind and bake the bread and pickle a dang good corned beef on the porch for almost 2 weeks.... no fridge and it's time again it's march and will ferment some sauerkraut for the corned beef! you make me happy

@MrBroomy 5 жыл бұрын

The series centering around Ralph is amazing. What a wealth of knowledge and experience. Thoroughly enjoy the conversation about his experiences.

@ralphrice9195 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you Dickie B I hope that you continue to follow Rural Heritage and me as I share what I have been taught. I am very hopeful that it is helpful for you and others.

@Stubbykca 4 жыл бұрын

What a wonderful video. I was born and raised on a farm 75 years ago, and watching this brings back so many great memories. Thank You for sharing!

@abrahambennett4656 2 жыл бұрын

sorry to be offtopic but does anyone know a tool to get back into an instagram account..? I somehow lost my login password. I would appreciate any tricks you can offer me!

@curtislandon9611 2 жыл бұрын

@Abraham Bennett Instablaster :)

@abrahambennett4656 2 жыл бұрын

@Curtis Landon Thanks so much for your reply. I found the site on google and I'm waiting for the hacking stuff atm. Looks like it's gonna take a while so I will reply here later with my results.

@abrahambennett4656 2 жыл бұрын

@Curtis Landon it did the trick and I now got access to my account again. I'm so happy! Thank you so much you saved my account!

@curtislandon9611 2 жыл бұрын

@Abraham Bennett You are welcome =)

@livelife4471 4 жыл бұрын

I enjoyed the vidieo. It was nice to see how Ralph handled his horses. The sound of the bells was nice too.

@MrBroomy 5 жыл бұрын

What a wealth of knowledge Ralph has. I really enjoyed seeing him (and his horses) on TV.

@ralphrice9195 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you Dickie, more are coming soon from the folks at Rural Heritage.

@mikehurricane5767 4 жыл бұрын

Very informative video. So nice to see a man who loves and cares about the horses in his life. Draft horses have always facilitated me . This team absolutely will do anything for the love that they have for their keeper . I will pass this on . No need for desert oil here . Great thanks to all who put together this video!

@ruthferguson7438 6 жыл бұрын

Enjoyed this so Much! 1945 after WWLL, my dad had to get back into farming. So, he bought a farm, but discovered there were no tractors to buy because no new were being made and not even iron for repair parts, so Dad bought two teams of Percherons. We farmed with them for two years before we could buy a tractor. I was 7 years old. Oh how I loved those horses. When winter and cold outside, horses in their stalls, I would climb on a big broad back and maybe take a nap. You are such a nice man!, I enjoyed watching you work the three, like telecommunication --- yes they are working for you perfectly, because you respect them so much, Thank you!

@ralphrice9195 6 жыл бұрын

Ruth Ferguson Thank you Ruth for your kind words. I appreciate you sharing your memories with me. Keep an eye out for more videos. Rural Heritage finished filming here again this very afternoon. I'll introduce you to a young filly that I have been training. She is a sweetheart.

@robertocorradi6318 6 жыл бұрын

You have great way with you Ralph ........ calm and understanding . A lot of people could learn a lot from you and I am sure they do . . . Your ethics are spot on . . . Would love to visit one day . All the best from England .

@ralphrice9195 6 жыл бұрын

Roberto Corradi thank you for your kind words. If you get to USA, I'd gladly show you around the farm. Thanks again.

@ralphrice9195 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you! For watching.

@chipkyle5428 3 жыл бұрын

Aunt Carrie blew a Conch Shell when it was time for Uncle Henry to stop plowing and come to the house to eat dinner (noon meal in the south). The mules knew the blowing of the Conch Shell meant that they too would get feed, water, and time to rest. My 86 year old cousin Rodney, son of Henry said you'd better hold on to your team because they were coming to the house. My cousin told me this story this weekend at family reunion. I remember when Aunt Carrie and Uncle Henry had no running water or plumbing. Aunt Carrie cooked on a wood stove. They had an outhouse. The boys slept outside in beds or on the front porch. Great people. Rodney's brother is in his ninety and still ranches everyday. Aunt Carry played the piano and the family sang beautiful harmony. I remember eating Aunt Carrie's divinity candy and homemade grape juice.

@chipkyle5428 3 жыл бұрын

I'm 72

@ericlakota6512 3 жыл бұрын

What a gorgious crew team all three look amazing never see 3 horse team and it is amazing teem

@mmanut 4 жыл бұрын

VERY IMPRESSIVE‼️ Amazing how accurate Ralph & his Beautiful horses work, I thoroughly enjoyed this video, Thank You‼️👍👍. Vinny 🇺🇸

@roysam3577 2 жыл бұрын

Very interesting!

@haroldtunich8809 4 жыл бұрын

I really enjoyed this video, you are great with the animals, a pleasure to watch and listen to.

@lindalakota38 3 жыл бұрын

Wow look great all 3 together their huge but cute at same time

@joenadeau4419 5 жыл бұрын

Amazing video......solid dude here, we need more like him...!

@ralphrice9195 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your kind words Joe.

@johannengelbrecht2168 6 жыл бұрын

Very nice God speed. best wishes from South Africa

@ralphrice9195 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching!

@robertmarker6282 6 жыл бұрын

Inspirational!!!!!! Good job bro !!!!

@ralphrice9195 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@itsallgood4093 4 жыл бұрын

Absolutely beautiful big boys. I've driven some decent size horses, but not that big!

@ericcorse 5 жыл бұрын

Beautiful team.

@ralphrice9195 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you Eric

@MrTinicke 4 жыл бұрын

Wow! The size of this tree!👌

@olavmsonge7552 7 жыл бұрын

beautiful horses...all the best from norway

@ralphrice9195 7 жыл бұрын

olav m Songe thank you! Ralph

@geoffoutdoors 4 жыл бұрын

Great video... local here near Charm . Great farm. Thanks for posting!

@shanelamell2229 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing !!

@ralphrice9195 6 жыл бұрын

Shane Lamell thank you for watching! Stay tuned for more from Rural Heritage.

@bluetoad2001 5 жыл бұрын

excellent communication with the boys, they seem to enjoy working timber. 😎👍

@ralphrice9195 5 жыл бұрын

Yessir, the horses like to work. When we work together, all of us build each other's confidence and trust.

@toddavis8603 3 жыл бұрын

A real American Pioneer!! TY Ralph☆☆☆I love the tack room! How many horsemen could properly match 3 horses? Ralph has managed to do so.Chainsaw work on that 400 year-old oak is a plenty, but only goes back to the Dutch arrival, not Columbus---- 1492. Log skidder---LOL♡♡♡

@JayJay-sf2wn 4 жыл бұрын

Gorgeous horses!

@duanehenson5199 5 жыл бұрын

Great Husbandry Thank You.

@ralphrice9195 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you duane

@kenhurley4441 3 жыл бұрын

You can tell he uses the horse all of the time. Hitch'em up and away they go!

@billy19461 5 жыл бұрын

You and your horses are GREAT!

@ralphrice9195 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Billy!

@johnnydtractive 5 жыл бұрын

I mean. That border collie sneaking into every shot, lol. S/he's clearly running the show. Loved this video.

@ralphrice9195 5 жыл бұрын

Yes, Cinch the dog stays close

@br927 4 жыл бұрын

Hey, Bud! I'm a meat cutter for over 35 years now- was a farmer and logger before that!

@hugolopezc5637 Жыл бұрын

Seamos sanos y feĺices.

@thomasme9676 4 жыл бұрын

Dad would save those big log for the 4th of July and get out the powder wedges for some fireworks farm style.

@herdingcats3850 5 жыл бұрын

Beautiful triplets.

@ralphrice9195 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you

@LostCaper 2 жыл бұрын

My father and I worked in the woods with a horse. His harness was heavy leather. He had a 2000 pound Clydesdale. He was a beautiful kind horse but kind of skittish. Never wanted to walk. He always wanted to run. Dad made his own bunk to haul 8 foot wood.

@sanjaybariya1554 4 жыл бұрын

I like dhe horses 🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾

@ericlakota6512 3 жыл бұрын

3 horse makes sense to me not over kill thats funny if one gets left in the barn they get upset i love how ihis horses are his famaly and he is the dad .great job what u have done with 3 anamals .their not dummies

@skunkmonkey2010 6 жыл бұрын

so cool

@ralphrice9195 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@jimkaipanen6577 4 жыл бұрын

Good job with the horseharnes. Remember the leather one for your pony ?

@lowellmorse6723 4 жыл бұрын

Gotta love 'em up. Too bad the ole lady don't understand. Perch/Belguims are great. I wished I learned more when I had the chance. Bells are good for predators as well.

@sethtucker3326 4 жыл бұрын

"They will do it cause you asked them to " . My Dad always said a good horse would drive off a cliff if you asked them to

@trythinking6676 3 жыл бұрын

Growing up, I knew one. Got to know me well enough that didn't need a bridle or a saddle. Now I know why my knees are worn out.....

@markdudley3831 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Ralph do the horses come from the factory with reverse as standard or is it an optional extra ? Cheers from new zealand ps cool vid ... love how they work for u .

@1975197512ful 4 жыл бұрын

Muy buen equipos y buenos caballos

@johnshackelford5610 2 жыл бұрын

I would like to see how you meet their nutritional requirements given the facts they are working horses. Im not questioning that you take good care of them. Just wondering how you meet those needs. Do you give them vitamins???? Etc.... Thanks for sharing.

@henrykoester6770 4 жыл бұрын

cool

@gerrimerrick3488 4 жыл бұрын

BLESSINGS IN CHRIST JESUS

@LostCaper 2 жыл бұрын

I don't think my 47 horse power tractor would move these big logs any easier. I have some videos of my logging.

@walterpalmer2749 6 жыл бұрын

You talk to your horses. They do understand you. Great noble animal - the horse. Man's history would be much different without the horse.

@ralphrice9195 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks Walter, yes, I talk to them often. There is much wisdom in your comment.

@steliannistor1878 5 жыл бұрын

You are using everything with a good purpose,why not using mares instead of geldings?u can sale every ear 3 youngster,overall very good farming

@ralphrice9195 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you. I recently purchased a filly. She is in training now. It is my hope to raise a good farm team out of her.

@bbryant245 5 жыл бұрын

HE LOVES TO HEAR HIS MOUTH RUNNING

@midnitewaterchief 6 жыл бұрын

Columbus most certainly did not discover anything

@thundersforge8867 5 жыл бұрын

The bells are not too loud for them? They hear like dogs and its too loud for me.

@ralphrice9195 5 жыл бұрын

My microphone makes them seem louder for sure. It's a softer chime in person. Thanks for watching

@darleneworks3397 4 жыл бұрын

Don't like the bells.

@deerepower337 4 жыл бұрын

Good grief use a tractor it's cheaper more efficient faster and lasts forever

@mervjb809 4 жыл бұрын

Horses have been around much longer than tractors

@midnitewaterchief 4 жыл бұрын

Columbus did not at all discover America

@shawnaweesner3759 4 жыл бұрын

This man trusts his horses so much that he got between the back legs of one of them and the front legs of the other while putting their gear on. And yet a bit and snaffle are needed for horses that will do anything for their owner. And you are saying that a bit is o.k. It is absolutely NOT COMFORTABLE for these horses to have a bit in their mouths. How would you like to be pulled around by a huge piece of metal pushing down on your tongue, all day long. Learning from the Amish, how to care for horses, is a big mistake. The Amish are known for their neglect and cruelty to animals. Finally, if you take all the huge tree away, the soil will have nothing to regenerate with, and animals will have fewer places in which to make a home. You certainly are misinforming your viewers! What is it about farmers. They are constantly neglecting and abusing their animals , and then try and justify it to the city dwelling people, who the farmers think are too stupid to know the difference.

@midnitewaterchief 4 жыл бұрын

Shit the fuck up you dont know shit about horses and never been around one in your life. He's practicing good animal husbandry and his horses love and trust him as much he does them. Go spew your hate elsewhere.

@olegvolchanskiy6367 5 жыл бұрын

Too noisy ! Very hard to watch ! VERY LOUD !!! And horses years much much sensitive !!!! TOO LOUD! Why, why did people put bells on horses ? Its driving nuts , really !!!

@smudgegrudge 5 жыл бұрын

Traditionally the bells are put with driving equipment to be calming for the horse. A lot of people believe that the constant sound of the bells relax them and keep them focused. The bells have also been used to let other people know where the horses are to avoid accidents.

@ralphrice9195 5 жыл бұрын

@@smudgegrudge thank you Cherry. I think my microphone intensifies the sound. They are not so loud in person.

@steliannistor1878 5 жыл бұрын

You are using everything with a good purpose,why not using mares instead of geldings?u can sale every ear 3 youngster,overall very good farming