Chief and Commander
Today would be my Dad’s 101st birthday, He’s surely smiling down as Eamon and the boys harnessedup this team to feed the heifers. We have a lot of snow, but it’s been warm, making the snow “boggy.” We got tired of stuck tractors, so Eamon found this beautiful team of Percherons, Chief and Commander. We still have harnesses from the days when we used to feed with Fran and Chub. Eamon, Bubba, Chandler, Tiarnan and Rhen harnessed them, hooked them up to the sled, and fed the heifers, just like in the old days. They didn’t get stuck! Happy birthday, Dad!
Chandler and Bubba harnessing, Rhen supervising.
Commander
getting ready to go to work
Chief
Eamon driving across the Battle Creek bridge
heifers following the sled
outriders Chandler, Rhen and Bubba
Rhen
Ladder Ranch
Martha
March 6, 2022 at 11:17 PM
I love this. Now I have another reason to head north!!!
Martha Kennedy
March 7, 2022 at 10:30 AM
P.S. My grandparents’ two Percherons were the main support of the family. They were the motor in front of the local school bus my grandmother drove; they pulled the plows and did all the other horse work at the farm. One of them — Fred — died on the way home from church one Sunday and fell off the bridge into the ditch presenting a philosophical and ecclesiastical problem for the family and, most important, a practical problem. They told me this story thousands of times, but all I remember about the end is something about a neighbor and a block and tackle.
Jennifer
March 7, 2022 at 9:02 AM
That is entirely awesome and a most lovely birthday present!
Steve Weakland
March 7, 2022 at 2:25 PM
Such a special tribute and family legacy. It’s what makes our country great!
murisopsis
April 26, 2022 at 8:07 PM
Sometimes the “old ways” are the best ways… Glad you were able to get the job done!!