Some Old-Fashioned Horse Fun
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to partake in a type of horse fun most people never get to do nowadays. As they've done every summer for nearly 40 years, George and Iola Hatley hosted their annual "Sunday drive" and picnic for folks with horse-drawn vehicles. Horseback riders were welcome to attend as well. I found a spot on George's four-seater wagon with shade roof, drawn by his team of Belgians, and settled in for a 2.5-hour tour of his ranch's woods and meadows.
Turnout was smaller than in years past, but there still was enough of a crowd to ensure a great potluck lunch, complete with ice cream and homemade fruit toppings.
There is something really, really relaxing about sitting back behind a harnessed horse or team, chatting with fellow passengers, passing the snack basket, and letting the world go by at a measured clip-clop. It's a wonderful antidote to electronic multi-tasking, that's for sure.
By the time I got home, my mind was so happily slowed down that I had to catch a snooze before starting in on my evening chores. Refreshing!
posted by Juli Thorson @ 11:58 AM
4 comments
4 Comments:
I've been lucky enough in years past to partake of some 'old-fashioned horse fun' as well.
I'm not sure if they still do it but there used to be old-fashioned threshing demos. They'd have local teamsters bring their horses and show crowds (sometimes not very big crowds lol) how it was done when horses WERE the horsepower. It was awesome!
The best time I had was when my friend was plowing with his Percherons and I was giving the "job" of driving the wagon horses. I got to pick up the visitors from the parking lot and give them a wagon ride to the demo site, then I'd return to the parking lot for more people.
I haven't driven a lot (although its something I'd like to learn how to do). The wagon team was a nice change from the Percherons that I usually got to drive.
The Perch's were used for horse-pull competitions and b/c of that were physically much harder to drive. Their weight and mouths really pulled on the driver.
I love getting to drive a team of horses. It's a wonderful way to find out how individual horses differ in terms of "feel" on the lines, and you can't beat that sense of power in your hands!
Now THAT'S something Mr. Fry would enjoy! He has an artificial hip and can't ride -- heck, there's a lot of stuff the poor guy has never been able to do. But he would LOVE that!
BTW, enjoyed your stuff in this month's H&R. I liked the little piece on Dun Mclean. I live right down the road from McQuay Stables, where there is an actual memorial to Hollywood Dun It, his grand sire.
Sounds like a great time! Do you have any pics? Would love to see them!
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