Last Wednesday on a rainy afternoon, Kate and I hitched up Billy Bob to the wagon for the first time and took them up the road and back a few times. The wagon had come with Pete and Paint, but was in pretty rough shape, so a friend and neighbor of ours in Montana had rebuilt it for us. Thus this was actually the first time any of us had used the wagon. (Billy Bob: "Oh, brother. They're practicing just about everything on us!") This was obviously a lot heavier than the forecart we were using in that original blog post, but it's tough and sturdy and if all goes well, this will be what we use to haul hay and water out to pasture until serious snow arrives.
Since Kate took that photo on Wednesday, we've had some snow, but not enough to try out the boys' work sled (on runners, like a sleigh). It will be the mainstay for the winter. So while part of me -- the one who has to shovel ramps and gates and snow-rake the roof) wants the serious snow to hold off as long as possible, the other part of me wants to get a foot or more so we can hitch them up to the sled.
Billy Bob, meanwhile, just wanted to get back to the hay they were eating before we hitched them to the wagon.
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$1,000 Weekly Winner Again -- Thank You!
Because of all of your votes, we were the weekly winner for week 3 again in the Shelter Challenge -- and that brought in another $1,000 gift for the animals here! Thank you so much!
The new Shelter Challenge started October 3rd and ends at midnight on December 18th. Grand prize in this round is $5,000, plus $1,000 for weekly winners and $1,000 for state winners. There are also other categories ... please see the Shelter Challenge website for details.
And remember, you can vote every day, so consider bookmarking the voting page to make it easy.
You can vote in the Shelter Challenge here.
Please note: Use Rolling Dog Ranch for our name and NH for the state and our listing will come up. [Yes, we are still listed as Rolling Dog Ranch for the purposes of the contest, not Rolling Dog Farm.]
Please help us win more money for the animals here by voting every day, and by encouraging your family, friends and colleagues to vote every day, too. Thank you!
Steve,, looks like your having a very enjoyable time.
Posted by: Glen Johnson | December 13, 2011 at 10:56 PM
You could post photos of Billy Bob every day, and I wouldn't tire of them. I'm so looking forward to seeing the boys in the snow. They are wonderful!
Posted by: Chris | December 12, 2011 at 10:54 PM
Wow, Liz D. thanks for sharing those memories with us ~
Posted by: Lynn (in Louisiana) | December 12, 2011 at 09:15 PM
They are so handsome. Next picture of the work sled with runners, could you please add some festive Christmas wreaths and lights! Thank you so much :)
Posted by: Dee's Mom | December 12, 2011 at 02:34 PM
WHAT A NICE LOOKING TEAM YOU HAVE. THE WAGON IS BEAUTIFUL & SO ARE THE BILLY, BOB BOYS. ENJOY!
Posted by: FELICIA | December 12, 2011 at 01:34 PM
Your team has brought childhood memories to my mind. The two Belgium teams of my childhood were Maude and Nell followed by Lucy and Fly....all girls, no boys. When I was pre-school age my father would place me on their back while he did barn chores. I would spread out my doll's blanket across their back and sit down and play with my doll while my father cleaned their stalls. When he finished I'd jump down in his arms and move to the next "safe haven" spot.
We also had a large hand-made flat sleigh with four runners. We would put hay bales on the sleigh to use as seats and invite the kids from neighboring farms over after chores for a winter sleigh ride. These were always best after a new snow and when the moon was full. We'd ride through the woods and fields for hours. We had a set of bronze bells that would be attached to the harness so we'd have "sleigh bells" to listen to on our ride. After the ride we'd go inside for hot chocolate and cookies. My father had a John Deere tractor in addition to the team. Depending on the ground conditions the horses could work where the tractor would just get stuck.
My mind's nose can still smell the horse/leather and my mind's ear can still hear their low whinnies and rumbling snorts.
Good luck with your Billy 'n Bob Team. In no time they will be a working extension of you.
Posted by: Liz D. | December 12, 2011 at 01:10 PM
I've really been enjoying seeing the pics of Bill and Bob. They are so handsome. I'm glad that they are properly trained, as that much muscle could do some serious damage if incorrectly handled.
Warm hugs all around,
ginger, Tobias and Tlingit
Posted by: ginger | December 12, 2011 at 12:59 PM
I hope you all got a good rub down after being out in that miserable rain! I wonder if "The Farm" could take in xtra money giving sleigh rides when (shudder) Winter comes???? A farm somewhere around here sells them and they make a killing. The paramount wish in my Dad's bucket list was a sleigh ride. When he came out from Illinois the last Winter he was alive, I was able to share it with him. I made some hot apple cider and took it with us. He looked like a darling little boy. It was his last Christmas present from an adoring daughter. Billy and Bob, and you too, Steve, are all magnificent and beautiful! :) :) :)
Posted by: Kathleen Rivard | December 12, 2011 at 10:04 AM
They're such beautiful boys! I've loved learning about them. Have fun!
Posted by: Peggy | December 12, 2011 at 12:18 AM
Billy & Bob are really magnificent and beautiful horses. I just love looking at all the pictures of them. I could just picture them saying to each other that they feel like guinea pigs being tested for everything lol.
As for the snow you're talking about, I read that the Farmer's Almanac said that it's going to be another not so great winter up in the northeast...be careful what you wish for! :)
Posted by: Ann | December 11, 2011 at 10:56 PM
WOW, this really looks like something out of the Amish country!
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | December 11, 2011 at 08:19 PM
Any and all pictures of Billy Bob are wonderful! There is something special about a team of horses that I just love. The photos always make me smile. More please!
Posted by: Mary H. | December 11, 2011 at 07:32 PM