D24—Lancaster Farming, Saturday, June 20,1981 Missourians get ‘kicks’ from horses, mules COLUMBIA, Mo. - Missouri mule and horse owners are having fun...and seeing dollar signs. “There’s good money m draft horses these days,” said Melvin Bradley, University of Missoun-Columbia horse specialist. “A* good Belgian filly, weaned, might bring 12,500 to 13,000. “But, a good brood mare will bring $3,000 to $lO,OOO. So you can’t just jump into this business. Bulk Tanks, with something in common ... PERFORMANCE! If you’re after the best value in a farm milk cooler, then you’re looking in the right place Girton Farm Tanks have always been known as the quality line - the "Cadillacs” of the industry Over the past ten years, thousands of installations have been made each one adding to this quality reputation • FULLY-FLOODED GIRTON COLD PLATE • STAINLESS STEEL CONSTRUCTION • CAN USE R-12 OR R-22 REFRIGERANT • URETHANE (FOAMED IN PLACE) INSULATION GIRTON MANUFACTURING COMPANY SMUCKER’S SALES & SERVICE, INC. RD 2. Box 21, New Holland, PA 17557 717-354-4158. If no answer 717-354-4374 We will do your refrigeration installments and service Sub contract with Titus H. Horning You need good cash flow.” Mule owners don’t talk in terms of that kind of money, but they’re enjoying a “high,” too. For one thing, there’s the miniature mule (50 inches or less) which, mch-for-inch, has to be the king among four legged high jumpers. It can jump 18 to 20 inches above its own withers— and from a standing position. “They just raise up in the front end...almost in slow motion..and propel themselves with then* back feet,” Bradley said. Mules for pa dang and racing are also seeing a surge of popularity. “They’re novel, strong and especially good for distance riding,” Bradley said. “One hundred-mile mule endurance ‘races’ are becoming quite popular.” Mule and horse en thusiasm was in full bloom at the end of May when the first “Missouri Draft Horse and Mule Seminar” in the last 30 years was held at the University of Missoun- Columbia. “About 170 people signed up for the event and 160 stayed from beginning to end,” Bradley said. “They showed remarkable interest in the whole seminar which included demonstrations of fit ting for market or show, advice on keeping UK is GRAVELY MONTH at HOLLHKERS! Buy Any 4 Wheel Gravely Tractor and Receive a *6OO Mower Attachment Ml OLD AGE GRAVEIY TRACTORS. HetCmgeft'A FARM MARKET. INC. « 1755 w - Main st - Ephrata, PA 17522 Located on Route 322 Phone (717) 738-1131 animals sound and healthy, reports on feeding and nutntion, and demonstrations on foot care, shoeing, harnessing and hit ching.” Bradley, who just last year published a 580- page book on “Horses: A Practical and Scientific Approach” and has written more than 35 other publications on horse manag<ement and nutrition, said there is a growing interest in This one-month-old mule foal stands con tentedly by its Belgian mother during the Missouri Draft Horse and Mule Seminar. The pair is owned by Gene Chipman, Perry, Mo. horses by ecologically minded families. “They see horses as a wpy to get back to self efficiency... to save gas,” Bradley said. “Economically, of course, the horse can’t compete on an energy basis with tractors. But there are a few far mers who manage to keep on farming with just horses and a little supplemental tractor lure. One of the fellows we heard from at the seminar (Howard Johnson, Maple Hill, Kansas) farms 80 acres that way. Bradley admitted that some people “just like horses” and justify their hobby by using the horses for a little useful work. “Actually, horses can make good sense in areas with bad winters. Farmers can keep then feed roads open with horses and sleighs a lot easier than they can (Turn to Page D 25) OF ictors have been put to 'avely tractors are ly tractors are built for ile life. And not just for le cost. drect drive. No belts. ission housing. Instant verse for easy handling, laneuverability. Eight-speed trans mission. A choice of 10, 12,16 or 18 hp. This tractor powers over 20 attachments. Call or come in for a test drive. We service what we sell. RAVELS best buy for the long run 222 E. Main St. Campbelltown, PA 17010 Phone (717) 838-6021
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