I have no idea what you should do. It's always a gamble - you never really know what you are buying. I guess the best that you can do is make the best decision you can make given what you have seen. How it turns out if you do purchase is anyone's guess.
The colts seemed friendly enough, but, way un- handled and not grain fed. Was your goal to have horses handled as foals, or, are you willing to spend the time to get yearlings gentled (or, pay for it done)? Have no idea if their price is a bargain, though, so the trade offs may weigh up. They seemed a little small ror some of the logging part. It was fun to see the colts and the stud.
I know nothing about horses but I live in Norfolk UK and Suffolk is the next county to us ....so I favour Suffolk Punchs as they are called here they are lovely horse's..stay safe and well Jim and family
Personally, I think that you would be very happy with them on farm machinery, but I’m not so sure in the woods as you tend to like to pull larger loads less often and the smaller horses wouldn’t hold up to significant pulling weight as a larger breed. I’d have a concern that the colts aren’t being provided with the nutrition that they need, but at 8-9 months old so they are still actively growing. They look to have a worm load so that also needs to be addressed. In the end you will need to decide if you can/are willing to wait a few years before having a new team ready for the rigors of the work you have for them given the age of Buck.
I would view that they haven’t done much training at that age almost as a bonus. You will not have to undo anyone who has taught them a bad habit. They will only learn the stuff you teach them the way you teach them. The main thing to me is that they are personable and not overly nervous of new people and situations. They seemed very sensible around you and quite trusting of the halter considering the guy owned up to not doing that much. I also liked that the seller appeared to be very honest and just telling you what he had done/ was doing rather than saying what you would like to hear. Happy decision making. I love watching your videos with your very well behaved and trained horses.
So sorry you didn't get many views here. This is gold to me. I really appreciate your time and expertise. The horse knowledge is the reason I watch every one of your videos. I'm constantly looking for any titbit of info to help me pick out and someday work with draft horses. Just finished my new barn and fencing with hopes of getting a pair soon. Thanks again.
I agree with the other comments that these two would do a good job in the woods or field. Most horses grow into their fifth year. So as you said, start graining them and add a vitamin mineral supplement. But the reason I would like to see you get them, if price is reasonable, is you would be promoting a third draft horse breed. Lots of folks only know “The Budweiser Horse”. You have shown them two breeds. A third would be nice.
I like the Suffolk horses because they are shorter than other draft breeds but very strong. Short means easier to harness. They have shorter cannon bones which gives them the strength but they don't have a lot of action which is not important for work. Good looking colts.
I have always liked the Suffolk horse I think they are ideal size and temperament for farm work and logging . In horses I feel that in most cases the taller horses just have longer legs not bigger body mass and are not as handy on their feet. To quote my friend Earl (he has passed) "You want them down where the work is". It seems the Suffolk breeders are the only ones that are breeding a work horse the others are breeding mostly tall hitch horses or huge pullers.
hay Jim im nobody but when i am not working oxen i am working Suffolks . Got my first one in 1993 , Have never found any thing they wont do. I started working horses in 1983. thanks and i will be watching your vids what ever you work. only wish you lived closer. Have had 2 studs both worked right along with any thing. good natured breed. And I like the liver chestnut color myself. Blessings
Gorgious kitchen jim God bless the wife every thing has its place and it is in it love the video of you showing the wood work you did true farmer the kitchen table is his office
They had good personalities: calm and interested in meeting new people. My second criteria would be good, strong hooves and the owner did say he works his horses mainly barefoot which would indicate solid hooves. If these colts haven’t had their hooves trimmed at their age, you could expect some dropping and thinning of the soles which would take some time to remedy.
Chad needs to stop apologizing. He and his family and associates are doing a huge service for this magnificent and rare breed. Their lower center of gravity and full figure make them superior agricultural partners. "Bred for the furrow"! Percherons and Belgians are being bred lighter and hitchier. Also, forage is a horse's natural food, and barefoot is their natural way of being. Grain and shoes for an easy keeping draft horse are a recipe for founder.
Great video Jim. I would absolutely love to see you train a set of younger animals to see how its done. Wouldn't blame you to keep looking though no pressure ide imagine that's a huge decision and a big investment of time and money. Smart man to take your time.
Was that the stud 'Eyke Sovereign' that Jason Rutledge imported? I visited the Ridgewind Suffolk Farm website; I thoroughly enjoyed the blog entry 'New Horse from the Old World'. That breed certainly has a ton of substance! All those critters at River Rock seemed tractable and level-headed. Congratulations on your purchase! Thanks for bringing us along!
I worked on a Straight Egyptian breeding farm and the owner was amazing on genetics and breedings. But, she said the bottom line is breed the best to the best and hope for the best. And when it came to breeders everyone had the recipe but some were cooks and some were chefs.... lol....
Hi jim I love your videos Ive been layed up for about four mounths with bad back your watching you work with your horses bring back memorys I had Belgins. Afriend had suffolks thay had a lot of hart he desided to sell them he took them to new holland he sold them before he got them off the trailer.If I get back on my feet Im thank about anther team I would love a pair of suffolks or haflingers I cant throw a harness like I use to Good Luck and please keep the videos comming
From what I could tell from your video,they would fill the bill for you. I have been watching some videos on logging with Suffolks. They seem to be very stout and willing workers.👍👍
Suffolks sure are a neat breed. Nice red color, stout bodies & cleaner legs. I'd say no to this particular selection though. Gut feeling I guess, unless they're going for one heck of a price. Not enough hp for what you'd need based on what I've watched so far.
Jim was asking about what type of wood is best for the floors in barn stalls. Where I live most of the farmers said the best wood they have found works the longest is from Cotton Wood trees. I am not sure if you have Cotton trees where you live but if you do and can get one saw it up and give it a try. The soaking of urine and wet conditions actually makes the boards last longer. Hope this is helpful.
Suffolk horse been watching them on TH-cam. Funny... Now working horses with Jim is going to look at some Colts. Seems to be a good all around horse from the videos I watched.
Always a gamble buying colts. A lot to think about . Suffolk's tend to be smaller size so a little easier to harness. they should get around really well is the woods. By watching your videos I think you would get along well with them. If it were me I would take a chance.
I agree with those that say, if they fit or can fit your needs. I honestly, don't know drafts, do know other breeds. Grew up riding (more ranch and rodeo based), and rode a LOT of horses for other people, some I loved, some a 'project'. don't have them any longer and have thoroughly enjoyed watching (and living a bit 'vicariously' through your videos) Thank you
Couple of suggestions on your video. 1. Close the blind behind you. You want light in front, not behind you (hey I'm getting old and I'm blind in one eye and can barely see out of the other). 2. Invest on a mic. Either wireless or hard wired.
Now for the horses. How much can a pair of these horses pull? What is their indurance? Can they pull the weight you need and do it all day? Is their temperiment what you want for pulling a sleigh with people who don't know anything about horses? Great overall video. I like that you "take" us along on your journey's.
@@kenhurley4441 Those Suffolk Punch can pull as well (maybe better than) those other horses. The Punch name comes from language used long ago. The shorter legs on a "full size body" made them able to pull loads as large as the taller horse. Either horse might weigh the same.
Hello Jim I taught that the stallion was a little bit short for a Suffolk we’ve got them a lot over here in England and normally there around 16 to 17 hands high I thought it was a bit short but obviously they seems to be to me a little bit on the short side compare to what we see over here in England but again saying that they look a lovely breed as far as I’m concerned good luck
I concur. I worked on a Morgan breeding farm in my teens. One of the broodmares was wild as a jaybird. If you handled her foals daily at feeding time and weaned them by three months, they grew up to be lovely, safe, dependable and spirited animals. If you didn't wean by three months, they were just like her. You couldn't even get close enough to touch them. I worked on a Thoroughbred breeding farm in the nineties, where we had one mare who was quite sweet, but every single one of her descendants would meet you at the door butt first, and kick through the door as you opened it. None of the descendants of her sister did it, and she didn't do it herself, but ALL of her descendants did. We had another mare who had a very workmanlike, pragmatic attitude, and every single foal she put on the ground was a winning racehorse in its class. If you bred her to a top class horse, you got a stakes winner. If you bred her to a lower class stallion, you got a winning claimer. It was all attitude and heart, wherever you put them they would win or die trying. I worked with three sisters of the dam of Winning Colors, and two of the three had very similar personalities, very sweet, very business like. Working on breeding farms is a great way to see how much of temperment is hereditary. That is also how I came to the belief that insanity is hereditary in horses. The third of those sisters was by Green Dancer, and I didn't trust her further than I could throw her. I worked with other daughters of that stallion from other families, and saw the same thing there. I wasn't fond of him or Northern Dancer, his grandsire, although I didn't find that it most of the Nijinski foals I worked with. It must have skipped a generation.
@@thirzapeevey2395 interesting observation about the Green Dancers. I didn't know that about his offspring. Maybe the Nijinsky horses were so much different because he didn't favor his sire Northern Dancer in size and conformation, so maybe his temperament was different too. He certainly sired some great ones.
I have worked a few Suffolk horses from my experience there seems to be different kinds some are draft's an some more like saddle horses thorses horses the draft seems to be a good working horse
I first heard of this breed from a Fantasy book series of all places (the Finest trilogy by Jean Rabe, if anyone's interested) so have had a soft spot ever since. That stallion is a lovely fellow, and I like the personality of that first colt, which echoes his sire's curiosity.
You should check Jason Rutledge down here in Virginia. He has used Suffolks since 1981. He has a you tube channel. Rural Heritage latest you tube is about Suffolks at Berea college in Kentucky.
I heard the owner mention the name Jason and Virginia..sounds like the stallion came from him. He is the expert on the breed for sure!..He is on Facebook and would give lots of great info..he also logs with his..:)
Most enjoyable video . . . I haven't been around horses since back on the old homestead. One of the things I remember about horses was the folklore . . . when we bought an 8-month-old to add to the stable, it was said that it was a deadly choice . . . the horse had four white feet and that was a very bad sign . . . anyway it was an excellent choice, worked him single in the last years of the farm. Cheers.
I think, if you have belgian, you go on with the breed you have, to develop your own colts and maintain, perfection their temperament and character qualities, but who knows?! You forget to include in the 7 questions, warantee of health and price, and to ask if the breeder can initiate them. As always great video
How about Mules, I have a single molly perch. 16h. 24 yrs.old and still going strong, Can pull some heavy logs. Lancaster pa. has mule sales every spring.
wow, it felt like I was there right beside you. Good job on the camera Brenda. I have a few questions but you don't need to answer it. 1) So as yearlings, what would you consider as an average price? 2) i liked the father but he was a little on the short side? 3) not being able to see the mother is unfortunate. do you agree?
There are good and bad horses in all breeds; as most everyone knows..!! However, I’ve used Suffolks for quite a few years now and have been extremely satisfied with mine! Seems that most have great dispositions and are easy to train and work! Just my 2 cents worth!
I think we need to get Trudy and Abby into the mix. See how the colts react to them also. Because Trudy and Abby may have to harness them up and use them someday.
I'm not a draft horse afficiando, but if Suffolks are anything like Belgians (short and super stocky) they can pull heavy loads for days. A few years ago I was at a draft horse competition and watched a pair of Belgian horses out-pull a pair of Percherons. I think it was something like 1,500 lbs they were pulling? Some good weight that really dug into the dirt. The Percheron team got the pull maybe ten feet, but those Belgians set themselves into their harnesses and dragged the sled nearly, if not past, twenty. And these were horses who weren't pulling heavy loads every day. I think my only concern in regards to these colts is simply their age and how they seem to have not been handled a lot. Completely fixable, of course, but it will require quite a bit of time. If you've got the time to spend on them like they deserve I think a Suffolk team would do some good work. Height definitely is not an indicator of strength when it comes to drafts!
That’s the sixty four thousand dollar question. My father would always look in their mouth and run his hand up their forehead and between their ears. He always believed that a horse with a good distance between the ears was a smart horse. We had a good mare we broke the colts with. She was well minded and walked at a good gate. If you brake them with a slow horse, you will have a slow horse. I was a little skeptical because apparently he had not done much with them and the lack of grain in their diet. We always had them halter broke by their age. We would put a harness on them and hook them up with the old mare. We would chain the colts evener so they weren’t pulling any load. The decision is yours. You never know. Jim, a new truck and new horses in a month. WOW
I'm gonna guess something here. That stud is magnificent, and just the right size. Hard to judge a weanling in winter coat and rain, but they're real quiet, and if the stallion is anything to go by, those colts likely just what you're needing. Funny, only last night in comments I found yours were, what, 13-18 yo? So I was wondering what your plans were. The old ones will make great coachers/teachers for the babies. I agree that when buying horses both parents need to be good working examples of what you want them to become, I call it genetic memory, they're born with good things already installed, we just have to bring it out of them best way we can. Nice video Jim.
Very sensible questions; colts for me are male, while a filly is a female. In Bavaria we worked primarily with mares, which can also be very strong, so I wonder if you would also consider a mare? For your kind of heavy logging I wouldn't want any horse smaller than 16 hands, since the weight might not suffice. I do know , though, that Suffolks can be very stout.
Didn’t you find that some mares become cranky when they are in heat? I wondered that when I first saw Jim working Lady with one of the boys. My mare can really get pushy with my gelding when she is in heat.
@@biddydibdab9180 Yes, they do get cranky at times, but not so much that it would impair the work. Besides, any guy who is married should know how to handle cranky females. at least aspire to (:. In Bavaria I know people who hitch up stallions with mares. Part of the problem is, I think, that too many of the American draft horses, be it Belgians or Percherons, had the draft horse qualities, like docility and gentleness, bred out of them for the sake of getting show hitch type horses of the upheaded and high stepping kind. That kind of breeding, thankfully, was never done with Suffolks.
@@klauskarbaumer6302 Well said Klaus! One can always count on good input from you. I also like your comment about "handle cranky.....at least aspire to" Very important!! and that's all I'll say about that!! ;-))
Jim since you adjusted the mineral supplements Lady receives, she might settle and carry a foal now. You might have her veted for breeding to make sure she is sound. Has Lady ever foaled before? These half brothers not broke to lead. Never had their feet trimmed? Are they both registered w/ Suffolk Association? 🐴🐴😷👍
The ' Suffolk Sorrel ' was created with the intention of a ' Homesteaders ' Horse , they have to be Intelligent , Easy Keepers ( they eat grasses on par as cattle and lose no weight even while under heavy loads ) , Workable ( they work in the woods , fields , and the farm plus rideable ) , Personable ( they bond with their owner / handlers very easily - as you approach the edge of their ' pasture/ grazing area ' they will charge headlong straight at you - just to be close to you ) . In todays ' large horse ' Industry - and I mean Industry ( Large or Heavy or Draft Horses as they are called ) - These modern breeds have been bred to be bigger and bigger so that they are not economical or even Small Farmer Friendly . The largest horse breed on the planet used to be the ' Shires ' Then your ' Clydesdales ' and then the ' Belgians ' but today the largest recorded horse is currently a ' Belgian ' . The ' Belgians ' are supposed to be a ' Chestnut ' colored horse , ( ' Chestnut ' means red bodied with a Blonde mane and tail with possible white around the ankles and maybe a steak of white on the face ) today's ' Belgians ' are " Blonde " all over and suffer from " LETHAL WHITE SYNDROME " . ( Notice Jim's Belgians are "Red " year round - He's got Good, Healthy Belgians ) . en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belgian_horse ... The ONLY REAL problem with ' Suffolk Sorrels ' or ' Suffolk Punch ' ( as they are sometimes called ) is that most ' Modern Homesteaders ' aren't actually ' Homesteaders ' . They're generally people who were raised in the Cities and who somehow purchased a piece of land , they'll try and farm 5 or 10 acres . They want to be close to the city but just far away from it so as to ' make believe ' they're farming without a ' safety net ' . During the land ' give away events ' of the 1800's , there was a study done that asserted " In order to live ' self-sufficiently ' a Homesteader would need a MINIMUM of 160 acres unless they were going to use Hunting as a part of their food supply . In this case they will need 640 acres of continuous Tract to provide the ' Homestead ' and the ' Hunting ' for their survival . Now it is important to note that an Individual ' Homesteader ' not need total Control over the entire 640 acres , 4 ' Homesteading Families ' could combine their land usage in accordance to ' Homesteading and Hunting ' so as to provide sufficiently for the wildlife and livestock requirements of the 4 ' Homesteads ' " . Abraham Lincoln said himself , " The future of Americans and the World will rest completely upon the Shoulders of the ' Small Farmers ' " ie., Homesteaders . Modern Homesteaders don't have 160 acres to farm nor do they have the desire for a ' Homesteaders Horse ' and that is the downfall of the ' Suffolk Sorrel ' as they only average between 14 . 3 hands high to 16 . 1 hands high ( 15.0 hands is 5 feet tall - not measured by the head height but by the rise at the end of the neck and the beginning of the back called the ' withers ' ) . So you're not going to ' Win ' any heavy horse competitions because they are ' Too Small ' and as far as riding horses they have breeds dedicated to just that so they are not going to be popular at the Olympics . ' Suffolk Sorrels ' are an endangered Horse Breed as there are only 36 new ' Suffolk Sorrels ' in a single year in the U.K., where these horses originated from , the entire Breed population Worldwide is estimated at less than 800 - 1,200 horses in the U.S., and 150 in the U.K., ( in the U.S. , there about 50 new ' Suffolk Sorrels ' being born in a year . If you really want to know about ' Suffolk Sorrels ' watch any show with Jason Rutledge in it , he is trying to coordinate a modern preservation use for this breed ( as it was the ONLY Breed created just for ' Homesteaders ' ) . en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suffolk_Punch ... Jason @ www.ridgewindsuffolks.com/who-we-are.html ... Seriously click the links .
@William Waha - Thanks for putting this old-time, first-hand knowledge down (on paper) in the comments. I needs to be placed in as many places as possible so it is never lost. It rings true with everything I and others of my generation have been taught first-hand by my elders, born in the mid to late 1800s. We also have seen the old ways used and their effect/outcome as verification of its truth. The Homestead size needed to be self sufficient (enough land to successfully feed a family and their needed livestock) is written down but nobody bothers to read it anymore, still needs repeating as often as possible, simply because city folk are running the 'Homesteads' now. And we all know people born from generations of city folk . . . . are far removed from the ways of the land. (Nice way of putting it).
Other than Morgans(i have a pair), which might be a tad light for the work you do, sounds like Suffolks may be just the ticket. They will also eat less!
I was wondering if Twin foals are frowned upon in the working horse world ? do they have the same growth as a single foal ? can a mare produce enough milk to support proper growth ? I never seem to hear of race horses that were a twin either . One other question is on calling foals colts . My Uncle had drafts that he crossed with his Paint stallion . For some reason he called all his foals colts , even if they were fillies and I was wondering why ? We are in Michigan and I asked him that question many years ago and he said that was what everyone does . I grew up out west and everyone called them fillies or colts or in general called babies foals . I did like the way these young horses wanted to be by you , that is a good sign
My "Two cents" would be that compared to your other horses, great looking though these Suffolk are they look somewhat small for what you would use them but it looked to me that stud horse took your fancy!
Love the channel and love Suffolks, but I don't think it's accurate to say grain-fed foals grow taller. The extra energy lets them grow faster but should not affect final height. If they are malnourished their growth might be stunted, but a carb-filled sweet feed won't change that; they would need some sort of ration balancer or young horse feed with nutrients.
Training them will make for a lot of great video. If you buy them they will have thought they won the lottery. Would it be worth the effort to train them and sell them on?
Great video... Australia Draughts are good..lol ( amalgamation of the 4 major breeds that came into this country)...bit far I know.. 1. A good horse is a good colour.. ( sure if Lady was purple you would love her colour)..2 Ive found a ugly horse preforms better than a "pretty" one..3. I like to check out the mare more so than the sire..3..Im with you smaller than taller.. I like 15 to 16 hh.. I like the Bull (sire)..good size for me..
8. Disposition/Temperment - in my day Horse breeders swore by the mare as the guiding portion of the foal you'd get. Some mares throw a colt that reflects the sire in confirmation and temperment every time no matter which sire is used. Some mares throw a colt that is nothing like the sire. Some throw a colt like themselves in temperment and confirmation everytime. Some mares throw colts with their temperment and just the sires confirmation everytime and some throw wild cards everytime where you never know what you are getting. This knowledge is only useful if you know her other offspring and their sires. Breeders picked their mares based on which of these qualities she had. They then built their stock/herd for the prefered qualities in this way. So looking at this fellow's stock it appears the friendly colts' dame is throwing colts like the sire who I see as a calm and friendly. The colt was very calm about the halter being put on but a bit reluctant accepting it. Trying to remove the halter however can be an indication of a mind of his own or it may just have been bothering him because it was hanging, albiet loose, across his nostrils. The sire also has heavier legs on him and if that is the colt's dame tied up beside him in the barn, she has heavier legs on her, too, so the colt should have heavier legs, too. Heavier legs will withstand heavier loads when pulling.
I am NOT a horse expert so take my opinion with a grain of salt. I am inclined to think a stocky horse would do well in the woods. Being as green as they are, they will require more work than a more handled pair, but I am sure you could bring them around. I don't know what their worth but I would rather pay more to get a better horse than pay less and get a lesser horse. You will remember the horse longer, than what you paid for it.
This is three months after you purchasing the colts. Would like to see more of the colts. When is it time to geld. Are the two colts registered w/ the Suffolk Association? 🐴🐴😷👍
Here is the link to the playlist of the vids we do have on the colts if you are interested: th-cam.com/play/PLeieiAmAdmBdploXca-VjmNa-1tkI2r6r.html We would geld them at 2 years old if we decide to . Yes they are registered to the association
Jim, I'm holy unqualified to give any advice on the Suffolk colts.....so I won't. That said, this is a pretty good "teaser" video for the big reveal, one way or the other;-)
I don't know squat about horses, but judging from size alone, they aren't up to the task that your big teams are? But then I'm reminded of the old adage "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, but rather, the size of the fight in the dog." Either way, watching you and your family with your horses over the time I've spent on your site, it's a guarantee that any animal in your care gets treated with the utmost respect, and is given the best possible treatment. Good luck with your choice. It will be fun watching you "JIMINIZE" them. LOL.
I would have a slightly different list of questions. High on my list would be worming program. If you don't have a good worming program in foals, you'll have colic issues for life. My beloved pony came to me with a belly full of worms, and colic was always a problem with her, and ultimately what killed her. I used injectable Ivermectin with her daughter, and she outlived her mother by seven years, never colicked once, and had a much longer working life. Feet are high on my list. I also don't want to see bench knees, bog spavins or splints. I can handle some leg issues, but I've seen horses break a leg through the knee when they had bench knees. I wholeheartedly agree on looking at family groups, and I really want to see temperment in that family group. Insanity seems to be hereditary in horses. I like how quiet and calm these are for never having been handled. I like how personable they are. I've never worked with Suffolks, but I've heard good things about them. They were always agricultural and never warhorses, from what I've heard, and are placid because of it. I also like their shoulders. A lot of slope on the shoulder is good for a comfortable riding horse, but bad for collar sores, in my experience. My ears really perked up when he said he worked them barefoot all the time. A horse that can work barefoot and stay sound is worth its weight in gold. My little girl had whiteline disease all her life and always needed shoes, but her daughter had tough, sound feet and never needed shoes, even working on pavement. I really, really like that stallion. He is really nicely put together. I never got a good look at his knees, or the mare's for that matter, but his hind legs look really sound. The mare as well. They might be a little small, but you might also find that they don't expend as much energy carrying themselves around. I'd be inclined to grab and growl, if they are in your price range, but I'd want to know about worming before I signed the paperwork.
@@WorkingHorsesWithJim One more thought. There is a Mennonite community near me that formed in the mid-seventies, from different groups all over the country. They agreed at the outset to be a horse and buggy community, even though some of the founders had grown up with cars and tractors. The ones who had grown up with horses came with big ton horses. One of the fellows I knew had grown up with tractors. When he came, he bought a pair of roughly 1400-1500 lb farm chunk mares. When plowing season came, he leased a pair of ton horses from a neighbor to help them, and hitched them in a tie-in, bucked back system with pullies and eveners. He hooked the big geldings in the lead and the smaller mares in the wheel. What he found was that the farm chunk mares could go all day plowing, but the ton horses had to be rested at the end of every row. They burned so much energy carrying themselves around that they didn't have much left over for plowing. Just a thought, but you may find that the smaller horses are actually better suited.
I love lady she is my favorit she lets girl ride her and stand on her but she out pulls the boys she has that big but i think she is amazing looking horse but i realy know nothing except what people tell me about horses last horse i had was when i was under 12
Thanks, Jim! I was on my way to bed!!But this is importation ! This why they tell me at work that my head is full of useless information!! It's use less to them because they have no clue what the real world is about- and the same for them, their heads are full of useless information to me, you can't live on knowing who hit a home run in the worlds series, football, etc. And as an old farmer, I know how to buy milk cows!! I don't know much about Suffolk Punch, are they medium, they don't look like heavies
Nice looking horses with good temperaments, but I believe you're concerned by their size. Are you thinking that it's not too late to add some grain that could get them past 16h eventually?
Would you eventually geld both the Colts if you buy them or keep them as stallions- I would think if they are going to be working horses that you would geld them? I really enjoy your videos- Thanks so much for taking the time to make them! Have a Great Day!
@@WorkingHorsesWithJim I would hope you keep them whole and help with expanding the breed and also show how well they workout as working stallions. Tommy Flowers Brabant stallion, Rocky, worked well and was always (like Tommy) "a Gentleman" even at multiple events with loads of horses around. Many years ago the Suffolk was a favorite cross for riding horses, hunters especially.
The horses you have now look expensive horses, but the ones you try to choose now look cheap. But for work, it does not metter much. Smaller horses lighter harness for your hands :)
@@WorkingHorsesWithJim they are a good choice! I am surprise how calm you always are!!! I can not be like this. I wish you the best, keep healthy and strong like you are.
As long as they are healthy and can keep working they keep on going. Just depends on the circumstances around their retirement what we do with them then
@@WorkingHorsesWithJim thank you for replying and these great videos. I am learning so much. Specially for heavy breeds. Hopefully soon we will bring 2 drafts probably from kill pens. I see so many go...🙁 i understand other cultures aren’t like us. Heavy breeds are heavy on my heart since I was a teen.
I think you should sleep on it. They look nice. I guess if you really like them and your wanting to put the extra extra work into training them and the price is right maybe its something to consider. But having said that. From what I could see in that video it did not look like it was a good match for you. But its not really for me to say if they are good or not. If it was me I would keep looking. But thats just me. Its really upto what your looking for in a horse and how well they will work for you. We look forward to finding out what happens next. Say hello to Brenda. Stay safe. From PEI
I like hoy you talk of lady she is a great horse varry strong and if you get a new young cult she will probly be a varry valuble tool for breaking a cult because cults like to impress the female ocording to some reserch ive seen man break and start his young cult with realy good female. But you know more about horses then illl ever know
What does everyone think? Should we buy the Suffolk colts??
I have no idea what you should do. It's always a gamble - you never really know what you are buying. I guess the best that you can do is make the best decision you can make given what you have seen. How it turns out if you do purchase is anyone's guess.
The colts seemed friendly enough, but, way un- handled and not grain fed. Was your goal to have horses handled as foals, or, are you willing to spend the time to get yearlings gentled (or, pay for it done)? Have no idea if their price is a bargain, though, so the trade offs may weigh up. They seemed a little small ror some of the logging part. It was fun to see the colts and the stud.
The American Brabant definitely worth considering
I know nothing about horses but I live in Norfolk UK and Suffolk is the next county to us ....so I favour Suffolk Punchs as they are called here they are lovely horse's..stay safe and well Jim and family
Personally, I think that you would be very happy with them on farm machinery, but I’m not so sure in the woods as you tend to like to pull larger loads less often and the smaller horses wouldn’t hold up to significant pulling weight as a larger breed. I’d have a concern that the colts aren’t being provided with the nutrition that they need, but at 8-9 months old so they are still actively growing. They look to have a worm load so that also needs to be addressed. In the end you will need to decide if you can/are willing to wait a few years before having a new team ready for the rigors of the work you have for them given the age of Buck.
Great intel for making educated decision before purchase.
The Suffolk Punch breed a very exceptional breed. Great choice!
I would view that they haven’t done much training at that age almost as a bonus. You will not have to undo anyone who has taught them a bad habit. They will only learn the stuff you teach them the way you teach them. The main thing to me is that they are personable and not overly nervous of new people and situations. They seemed very sensible around you and quite trusting of the halter considering the guy owned up to not doing that much. I also liked that the seller appeared to be very honest and just telling you what he had done/ was doing rather than saying what you would like to hear. Happy decision making. I love watching your videos with your very well behaved and trained horses.
Thanks for your input and for watching
So sorry you didn't get many views here. This is gold to me. I really appreciate your time and expertise. The horse knowledge is the reason I watch every one of your videos. I'm constantly looking for any titbit of info to help me pick out and someday work with draft horses. Just finished my new barn and fencing with hopes of getting a pair soon. Thanks again.
Hope you can get what you are looking for!
I agree with the other comments that these two would do a good job in the woods or field. Most horses grow into their fifth year. So as you said, start graining them and add a vitamin mineral supplement. But the reason I would like to see you get them, if price is reasonable, is you would be promoting a third draft horse breed. Lots of folks only know “The Budweiser Horse”. You have shown them two breeds. A third would be nice.
I like the Suffolk horses because they are shorter than other draft breeds but very strong. Short means easier to harness. They have shorter cannon bones which gives them the strength but they don't have a lot of action which is not important for work. Good looking colts.
So glad you were able to get theses two. The young man did not really seem to know or care about his horse's.
I disagree, I think he cared very deeply about his horses even if it did not seem that way
Dan and Paul. I love watching you with your horses. You show great love and care for them.
I have always liked the Suffolk horse I think they are ideal size and temperament for farm work and logging . In horses I feel that in most cases the taller horses just have longer legs not bigger body mass and are not as handy on their feet. To quote my friend Earl (he has passed) "You want them down where the work is". It seems the Suffolk breeders are the only ones that are breeding a work horse the others are breeding mostly tall hitch horses or huge pullers.
American Brabants
I know of a couple that farm with Fjord horses.
If they let them graze good pasture all night they will get too fat.
hay Jim im nobody but when i am not working oxen i am working Suffolks . Got my first one in 1993 , Have never found any thing they wont do. I started working horses in 1983. thanks and i will be watching your vids what ever you work. only wish you lived closer. Have had 2 studs both worked right along with any thing. good natured breed. And I like the liver chestnut color myself. Blessings
Gorgious kitchen jim God bless the wife every thing has its place and it is in it love the video of you showing the wood work you did true farmer the kitchen table is his office
Thanks so much
Lots of good answers from folks. Thanks for taking us along, I enjoyed the video.
They had good personalities: calm and interested in meeting new people. My second criteria would be good, strong hooves and the owner did say he works his horses mainly barefoot which would indicate solid hooves. If these colts haven’t had their hooves trimmed at their age, you could expect some dropping and thinning of the soles which would take some time to remedy.
Small but mighty...willing and intelligent...will make a perfect team with your handling I'm sure!
Chad needs to stop apologizing. He and his family and associates are doing a huge service for this magnificent and rare breed. Their lower center of gravity and full figure make them superior agricultural partners. "Bred for the furrow"!
Percherons and Belgians are being bred lighter and hitchier.
Also, forage is a horse's natural food, and barefoot is their natural way of being. Grain and shoes for an easy keeping draft horse are a recipe for founder.
Great video Jim. I would absolutely love to see you train a set of younger animals to see how its done. Wouldn't blame you to keep looking though no pressure ide imagine that's a huge decision and a big investment of time and money. Smart man to take your time.
Beautiful boys love that red coloring 😍
I would be very interested in seeing how you go about training. Very much appreciate your videos keep up the good work
Was that the stud 'Eyke Sovereign' that Jason Rutledge imported? I visited the Ridgewind Suffolk Farm website; I thoroughly enjoyed the blog entry 'New Horse from the Old World'. That breed certainly has a ton of substance! All those critters at River Rock seemed tractable and level-headed. Congratulations on your purchase! Thanks for bringing us along!
I worked on a Straight Egyptian breeding farm and the owner was amazing on genetics and breedings. But, she said the bottom line is breed the best to the best and hope for the best. And when it came to breeders everyone had the recipe but some were cooks and some were chefs.... lol....
Congratulations on surpassing 15K subscribers! I enjoy your channel. Very Informative.
Thank you very much!
Hi jim I love your videos Ive been layed up for about four mounths with bad back your watching you work with your horses bring back memorys I had Belgins. Afriend had suffolks thay had a lot of hart he desided to sell them he took them to new holland he sold them before he got them off the trailer.If I get back on my feet Im thank about anther team I would love a pair of suffolks or haflingers I cant throw a harness like I use to Good Luck and please keep the videos comming
From what I could tell from your video,they would fill the bill for you. I have been watching some videos on logging with Suffolks. They seem to be very stout and willing workers.👍👍
Suffolks sure are a neat breed. Nice red color, stout bodies & cleaner legs. I'd say no to this particular selection though. Gut feeling I guess, unless they're going for one heck of a price. Not enough hp for what you'd need based on what I've watched so far.
Jim was asking about what type of wood is best for the floors in barn stalls. Where I live most of the farmers said the best wood they have found works the longest is from Cotton Wood trees. I am not sure if you have Cotton trees where you live but if you do and can get one saw it up and give it a try. The soaking of urine and wet conditions actually makes the boards last longer. Hope this is helpful.
Suffolk horse been watching them on TH-cam. Funny... Now working horses with Jim is going to look at some Colts. Seems to be a good all around horse from the videos I watched.
I liked that team of colts. You don’t find them very often. I’d shore be interested in them
Always a gamble buying colts. A lot to think about . Suffolk's tend to be smaller size so a little easier to harness. they should get around really well is the woods. By watching your videos I think you would get along well with them. If it were me I would take a chance.
They was good looking but I like the looks of bigger ones but I'm sure you will make the right choice
I agree with those that say, if they fit or can fit your needs. I honestly, don't know drafts, do know other breeds. Grew up riding (more ranch and rodeo based), and rode a LOT of horses for other people, some I loved, some a 'project'. don't have them any longer and have thoroughly enjoyed watching (and living a bit 'vicariously' through your videos) Thank you
Thanks for watching
Couple of suggestions on your video. 1. Close the blind behind you. You want light in front, not behind you (hey I'm getting old and I'm blind in one eye and can barely see out of the other). 2. Invest on a mic. Either wireless or hard wired.
Start with a wide view and then zoom in just a little. Oh if anyone out there is wondering,,,, I got an "F" in movie making.
Now for the horses. How much can a pair of these horses pull? What is their indurance? Can they pull the weight you need and do it all day? Is their temperiment what you want for pulling a sleigh with people who don't know anything about horses?
Great overall video. I like that you "take" us along on your journey's.
@@kenhurley4441 Those Suffolk Punch can pull as well (maybe better than) those other horses. The Punch name comes from language used long ago. The shorter legs on a "full size body" made them able to pull loads as large as the taller horse. Either horse might weigh the same.
Thanks for taking us with you to look at the colts. looking forward to seeing you purchase new horses even if it's not these ones. All the best.
Hello Jim I taught that the stallion was a little bit short for a Suffolk we’ve got them a lot over here in England and normally there around 16 to 17 hands high I thought it was a bit short but obviously they seems to be to me a little bit on the short side compare to what we see over here in England but again saying that they look a lovely breed as far as I’m concerned good luck
Thanks!
My limited experience with buy horse's is that the attitude of the mare has a strong bearing on the colts attitude.
I concur. I worked on a Morgan breeding farm in my teens. One of the broodmares was wild as a jaybird. If you handled her foals daily at feeding time and weaned them by three months, they grew up to be lovely, safe, dependable and spirited animals. If you didn't wean by three months, they were just like her. You couldn't even get close enough to touch them. I worked on a Thoroughbred breeding farm in the nineties, where we had one mare who was quite sweet, but every single one of her descendants would meet you at the door butt first, and kick through the door as you opened it. None of the descendants of her sister did it, and she didn't do it herself, but ALL of her descendants did. We had another mare who had a very workmanlike, pragmatic attitude, and every single foal she put on the ground was a winning racehorse in its class. If you bred her to a top class horse, you got a stakes winner. If you bred her to a lower class stallion, you got a winning claimer. It was all attitude and heart, wherever you put them they would win or die trying. I worked with three sisters of the dam of Winning Colors, and two of the three had very similar personalities, very sweet, very business like. Working on breeding farms is a great way to see how much of temperment is hereditary. That is also how I came to the belief that insanity is hereditary in horses. The third of those sisters was by Green Dancer, and I didn't trust her further than I could throw her. I worked with other daughters of that stallion from other families, and saw the same thing there. I wasn't fond of him or Northern Dancer, his grandsire, although I didn't find that it most of the Nijinski foals I worked with. It must have skipped a generation.
@@thirzapeevey2395 interesting observation about the Green Dancers. I didn't know that about his offspring. Maybe the Nijinsky horses were so much different because he didn't favor his sire Northern Dancer in size and conformation, so maybe his temperament was different too. He certainly sired some great ones.
I have worked a few Suffolk horses from my experience there seems to be different kinds some are draft's an some more like saddle horses thorses horses the draft seems to be a good working horse
Some good questions there. Nice looking horses. Good luck with your decision. Take care, Al
I first heard of this breed from a Fantasy book series of all places (the Finest trilogy by Jean Rabe, if anyone's interested) so have had a soft spot ever since. That stallion is a lovely fellow, and I like the personality of that first colt, which echoes his sire's curiosity.
Thanks for sharing, will have to look into that series
You should check Jason Rutledge down here in Virginia. He has used Suffolks since 1981. He has a you tube channel. Rural Heritage latest you tube is about Suffolks at Berea college in Kentucky.
I heard the owner mention the name Jason and Virginia..sounds like the stallion came from him. He is the expert on the breed for sure!..He is on Facebook and would give lots of great info..he also logs with his..:)
Yes, Jason told us about these horses
Oh, THIS is Baron, Duke and Earl's daddy! Wow is he pretty!
Very cool place - just across the lake from us.
To short. You might try Steve Morse, Maple Hill Farm, Whitingham, Vermont. He raises working Percherons.
you tell mrs brenda she keeps a very nice kitchen and i just love it and i think you found a couple that would love to come home with you guys .....
Brenda says thanks very much, and yes, they are nice horses
Most enjoyable video . . . I haven't been around horses since back on the old homestead. One of the things I remember about horses was the folklore . . . when we bought an 8-month-old to add to the stable, it was said that it was a deadly choice . . . the horse had four white feet and that was a very bad sign . . . anyway it was an excellent choice, worked him single in the last years of the farm. Cheers.
Thanks for sharing!
White feet throw shoes faster than black feet.
I think, if you have belgian, you go on with the breed you have, to develop your own colts and maintain, perfection their temperament and character qualities, but who knows?! You forget to include in the 7 questions, warantee of health and price, and to ask if the breeder can initiate them. As always great video
I like using percherons and morgans
How about Mules, I have a single molly perch. 16h. 24 yrs.old and still going strong, Can pull some heavy logs. Lancaster pa. has mule sales every spring.
I have 2 Belgian draft mules plus 5 mammoth donkeys
Happy Friday! Very informative video. Thank you for sharing, helpful to newbies and wannabes!
My Grandpa named his logging horses Max and Fuxx. Greetings from Germany!!
Greetings, thanks for watching
wow, it felt like I was there right beside you. Good job on the camera Brenda. I have a few questions but you don't need to answer it.
1) So as yearlings, what would you consider as an average price?
2) i liked the father but he was a little on the short side?
3) not being able to see the mother is unfortunate. do you agree?
There are good and bad horses in all breeds; as most everyone knows..!! However, I’ve used Suffolks for quite a few years now and have been extremely satisfied with mine! Seems that most have great dispositions and are easy to train and work! Just my 2 cents worth!
I think we need to get Trudy and Abby into the mix. See how the colts react to them also. Because Trudy and Abby may have to harness them up and use them someday.
I'm not a draft horse afficiando, but if Suffolks are anything like Belgians (short and super stocky) they can pull heavy loads for days. A few years ago I was at a draft horse competition and watched a pair of Belgian horses out-pull a pair of Percherons. I think it was something like 1,500 lbs they were pulling? Some good weight that really dug into the dirt. The Percheron team got the pull maybe ten feet, but those Belgians set themselves into their harnesses and dragged the sled nearly, if not past, twenty. And these were horses who weren't pulling heavy loads every day. I think my only concern in regards to these colts is simply their age and how they seem to have not been handled a lot. Completely fixable, of course, but it will require quite a bit of time. If you've got the time to spend on them like they deserve I think a Suffolk team would do some good work. Height definitely is not an indicator of strength when it comes to drafts!
That’s the sixty four thousand dollar question. My father would always look in their mouth and run his hand up their forehead and between their ears. He always believed that a horse with a good distance between the ears was a smart horse. We had a good mare we broke the colts with. She was well minded and walked at a good gate. If you brake them with a slow horse, you will have a slow horse. I was a little skeptical because apparently he had not done much with them and the lack of grain in their diet. We always had them halter broke by their age. We would put a harness on them and hook them up with the old mare. We would chain the colts evener so they weren’t pulling any load. The decision is yours. You never know. Jim, a new truck and new horses in a month. WOW
I'm gonna guess something here. That stud is magnificent, and just the right size. Hard to judge a weanling in winter coat and rain, but they're real quiet, and if the stallion is anything to go by, those colts likely just what you're needing. Funny, only last night in comments I found yours were, what, 13-18 yo? So I was wondering what your plans were. The old ones will make great coachers/teachers for the babies. I agree that when buying horses both parents need to be good working examples of what you want them to become, I call it genetic memory, they're born with good things already installed, we just have to bring it out of them best way we can. Nice video Jim.
Thanks!
Very sensible questions; colts for me are male, while a filly is a female. In Bavaria we worked primarily with mares, which can also be very strong, so I wonder if you would also consider a mare? For your kind of heavy logging I wouldn't want any horse smaller than 16 hands, since the weight might not suffice. I do know , though, that Suffolks can be very stout.
Didn’t you find that some mares become cranky when they are in heat? I wondered that when I first saw Jim working Lady with one of the boys. My mare can really get pushy with my gelding when she is in heat.
@@biddydibdab9180 Yes, they do get cranky at times, but not so much that it would impair the work. Besides, any guy who is married should know how to handle cranky females. at least aspire to (:. In Bavaria I know people who hitch up stallions with mares. Part of the problem is, I think, that too many of the American draft horses, be it Belgians or Percherons, had the draft horse qualities, like docility and gentleness, bred out of them for the sake of getting show hitch type horses of the upheaded and high stepping kind. That kind of breeding, thankfully, was never done with Suffolks.
@@klauskarbaumer6302 Hahaha. I know my husband thinks he knows how to handle me.
@@klauskarbaumer6302 Well said Klaus! One can always count on good input from you. I also like your comment about "handle cranky.....at least aspire to" Very important!! and that's all I'll say about that!! ;-))
@@alb5489 Thank you!
Jim since you adjusted the mineral supplements Lady receives, she might settle and carry a foal now. You might have her veted for breeding to make sure she is sound. Has Lady ever foaled before?
These half brothers not broke to lead. Never had their feet trimmed? Are they both registered w/ Suffolk Association?
🐴🐴😷👍
Yes they are registered
The ' Suffolk Sorrel ' was created with the intention of a ' Homesteaders ' Horse , they have to be Intelligent , Easy Keepers ( they eat grasses on par as cattle and lose no weight even while under heavy loads ) , Workable ( they work in the woods , fields , and the farm plus rideable ) , Personable ( they bond with their owner / handlers very easily - as you approach the edge of their ' pasture/ grazing area ' they will charge headlong straight at you - just to be close to you ) .
In todays ' large horse ' Industry - and I mean Industry ( Large or Heavy or Draft Horses as they are called ) - These modern breeds have been bred to be bigger and bigger so that they are not economical or even Small Farmer Friendly . The largest horse breed on the planet used to be the ' Shires ' Then your ' Clydesdales ' and then the ' Belgians ' but today the largest recorded horse is currently a ' Belgian ' . The ' Belgians ' are supposed to be a ' Chestnut ' colored horse , ( ' Chestnut ' means red bodied with a Blonde mane and tail with possible white around the ankles and maybe a steak of white on the face ) today's ' Belgians ' are " Blonde " all over and suffer from " LETHAL WHITE SYNDROME " . ( Notice Jim's Belgians are "Red " year round - He's got Good, Healthy Belgians ) . en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belgian_horse ...
The ONLY REAL problem with ' Suffolk Sorrels ' or ' Suffolk Punch ' ( as they are sometimes called ) is that most ' Modern Homesteaders ' aren't actually ' Homesteaders ' . They're generally people who were raised in the Cities and who somehow purchased a piece of land , they'll try and farm 5 or 10 acres . They want to be close to the city but just far away from it so as to ' make believe ' they're farming without a ' safety net ' . During the land ' give away events ' of the 1800's , there was a study done that asserted " In order to live ' self-sufficiently ' a Homesteader would need a MINIMUM of 160 acres unless they were going to use Hunting as a part of their food supply . In this case they will need 640 acres of continuous Tract to provide the ' Homestead ' and the ' Hunting ' for their survival . Now it is important to note that an Individual ' Homesteader ' not need total Control over the entire 640 acres , 4 ' Homesteading Families ' could combine their land usage in accordance to ' Homesteading and Hunting ' so as to provide sufficiently for the wildlife and livestock requirements of the 4 ' Homesteads ' " . Abraham Lincoln said himself , " The future of Americans and the World will rest completely upon the Shoulders of the ' Small Farmers ' " ie., Homesteaders . Modern Homesteaders don't have 160 acres to farm nor do they have the desire for a ' Homesteaders Horse ' and that is the downfall of the ' Suffolk Sorrel ' as they only average between 14 . 3 hands high to 16 . 1 hands high ( 15.0 hands is 5 feet tall - not measured by the head height but by the rise at the end of the neck and the beginning of the back called the ' withers ' ) . So you're not going to ' Win ' any heavy horse competitions because they are ' Too Small ' and as far as riding horses they have breeds dedicated to just that so they are not going to be popular at the Olympics .
' Suffolk Sorrels ' are an endangered Horse Breed as there are only 36 new ' Suffolk Sorrels ' in a single year in the U.K., where these horses originated from , the entire Breed population Worldwide is estimated at less than 800 - 1,200 horses in the U.S., and 150 in the U.K., ( in the U.S. , there about 50 new ' Suffolk Sorrels ' being born in a year . If you really want to know about ' Suffolk Sorrels ' watch any show with Jason Rutledge in it , he is trying to coordinate a modern preservation use for this breed ( as it was the ONLY Breed created just for ' Homesteaders ' ) . en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suffolk_Punch ... Jason @ www.ridgewindsuffolks.com/who-we-are.html ...
Seriously click the links .
Thanks for the info. Yes, we have been in touch with Jason, he told us about these horses.
@William Waha - Thanks for putting this old-time, first-hand knowledge down (on paper) in the comments. I needs to be placed in as many places as possible so it is never lost. It rings true with everything I and others of my generation have been taught first-hand by my elders, born in the mid to late 1800s. We also have seen the old ways used and their effect/outcome as verification of its truth. The Homestead size needed to be self sufficient (enough land to successfully feed a family and their needed livestock) is written down but nobody bothers to read it anymore, still needs repeating as often as possible, simply because city folk are running the 'Homesteads' now. And we all know people born from generations of city folk . . . . are far removed from the ways of the land. (Nice way of putting it).
Other than Morgans(i have a pair), which might be a tad light for the work you do, sounds like Suffolks may be just the ticket. They will also eat less!
those are stout for there size and a real dosul horse I think they would be good in the woods and pretty smart and easy keepers
I was wondering if Twin foals are frowned upon in the working horse world ? do they have the same growth as a single foal ? can a mare produce enough milk to support proper growth ? I never seem to hear of race horses that were a twin either . One other question is on calling foals colts . My Uncle had drafts that he crossed with his Paint stallion . For some reason he called all his foals colts , even if they were fillies and I was wondering why ? We are in Michigan and I asked him that question many years ago and he said that was what everyone does . I grew up out west and everyone called them fillies or colts or in general called babies foals . I did like the way these young horses wanted to be by you , that is a good sign
My "Two cents" would be that compared to your other horses, great looking though these Suffolk are they look somewhat small for what you would use them but it looked to me that stud horse took your fancy!
I am in love with your Belgians - are they the ones you are looking to replace?
no, not planning on replacing them any time soon
Love the channel and love Suffolks, but I don't think it's accurate to say grain-fed foals grow taller. The extra energy lets them grow faster but should not affect final height. If they are malnourished their growth might be stunted, but a carb-filled sweet feed won't change that; they would need some sort of ration balancer or young horse feed with nutrients.
Like our first draft mare we got in july she is blind in one eye( missing her eye)
Thanks jim
Love horses Jim
Training them will make for a lot of great video. If you buy them they will have thought they won the lottery. Would it be worth the effort to train them and sell them on?
Great video... Australia Draughts are good..lol ( amalgamation of the 4 major breeds that came into this country)...bit far I know.. 1. A good horse is a good colour.. ( sure if Lady was purple you would love her colour)..2 Ive found a ugly horse preforms better than a "pretty" one..3. I like to check out the mare more so than the sire..3..Im with you smaller than taller.. I like 15 to 16 hh.. I like the Bull (sire)..good size for me..
8. Disposition/Temperment - in my day Horse breeders swore by the mare as the guiding portion of the foal you'd get. Some mares throw a colt that reflects the sire in confirmation and temperment every time no matter which sire is used. Some mares throw a colt that is nothing like the sire. Some throw a colt like themselves in temperment and confirmation everytime. Some mares throw colts with their temperment and just the sires confirmation everytime and some throw wild cards everytime where you never know what you are getting. This knowledge is only useful if you know her other offspring and their sires. Breeders picked their mares based on which of these qualities she had. They then built their stock/herd for the prefered qualities in this way. So looking at this fellow's stock it appears the friendly colts' dame is throwing colts like the sire who I see as a calm and friendly. The colt was very calm about the halter being put on but a bit reluctant accepting it. Trying to remove the halter however can be an indication of a mind of his own or it may just have been bothering him because it was hanging, albiet loose, across his nostrils. The sire also has heavier legs on him and if that is the colt's dame tied up beside him in the barn, she has heavier legs on her, too, so the colt should have heavier legs, too. Heavier legs will withstand heavier loads when pulling.
I am NOT a horse expert so take my opinion with a grain of salt. I am inclined to think a stocky horse would do well in the woods. Being as green as they are, they will require more work than a more handled pair, but I am sure you could bring them around. I don't know what their worth but I would rather pay more to get a better horse than pay less and get a lesser horse. You will remember the horse longer, than what you paid for it.
This is three months after you purchasing the colts. Would like to see more of the colts. When is it time to geld. Are the two colts registered w/ the Suffolk Association?
🐴🐴😷👍
Here is the link to the playlist of the vids we do have on the colts if you are interested: th-cam.com/play/PLeieiAmAdmBdploXca-VjmNa-1tkI2r6r.html We would geld them at 2 years old if we decide to . Yes they are registered to the association
Hi
Thanks for great video and to see if you buy or not❤👍🌞
Jim, I'm holy unqualified to give any advice on the Suffolk colts.....so I won't. That said, this is a pretty good "teaser" video for the big reveal, one way or the other;-)
Good video !! Enjoyed it !!
Thanks 👍
Jim like the colts the stud and mare not so much but what do I know anything about horses.
Hi Jim. I think they are too small for your job, but the choice is yours.
I don't know squat about horses, but judging from size alone, they aren't up to the task that your big teams are? But then I'm reminded of the old adage "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, but rather, the size of the fight in the dog." Either way, watching you and your family with your horses over the time I've spent on your site, it's a guarantee that any animal in your care gets treated with the utmost respect, and is given the best possible treatment. Good luck with your choice. It will be fun watching you "JIMINIZE" them. LOL.
I would have a slightly different list of questions. High on my list would be worming program. If you don't have a good worming program in foals, you'll have colic issues for life. My beloved pony came to me with a belly full of worms, and colic was always a problem with her, and ultimately what killed her. I used injectable Ivermectin with her daughter, and she outlived her mother by seven years, never colicked once, and had a much longer working life. Feet are high on my list. I also don't want to see bench knees, bog spavins or splints. I can handle some leg issues, but I've seen horses break a leg through the knee when they had bench knees. I wholeheartedly agree on looking at family groups, and I really want to see temperment in that family group. Insanity seems to be hereditary in horses. I like how quiet and calm these are for never having been handled. I like how personable they are. I've never worked with Suffolks, but I've heard good things about them. They were always agricultural and never warhorses, from what I've heard, and are placid because of it. I also like their shoulders. A lot of slope on the shoulder is good for a comfortable riding horse, but bad for collar sores, in my experience. My ears really perked up when he said he worked them barefoot all the time. A horse that can work barefoot and stay sound is worth its weight in gold. My little girl had whiteline disease all her life and always needed shoes, but her daughter had tough, sound feet and never needed shoes, even working on pavement. I really, really like that stallion. He is really nicely put together. I never got a good look at his knees, or the mare's for that matter, but his hind legs look really sound. The mare as well. They might be a little small, but you might also find that they don't expend as much energy carrying themselves around. I'd be inclined to grab and growl, if they are in your price range, but I'd want to know about worming before I signed the paperwork.
Yes, worming is important, I should have asked that. Thanks
@@WorkingHorsesWithJim One more thought. There is a Mennonite community near me that formed in the mid-seventies, from different groups all over the country. They agreed at the outset to be a horse and buggy community, even though some of the founders had grown up with cars and tractors. The ones who had grown up with horses came with big ton horses. One of the fellows I knew had grown up with tractors. When he came, he bought a pair of roughly 1400-1500 lb farm chunk mares. When plowing season came, he leased a pair of ton horses from a neighbor to help them, and hitched them in a tie-in, bucked back system with pullies and eveners. He hooked the big geldings in the lead and the smaller mares in the wheel. What he found was that the farm chunk mares could go all day plowing, but the ton horses had to be rested at the end of every row. They burned so much energy carrying themselves around that they didn't have much left over for plowing. Just a thought, but you may find that the smaller horses are actually better suited.
I love lady she is my favorit she lets girl ride her and stand on her but she out pulls the boys she has that big but i think she is amazing looking horse but i realy know nothing except what people tell me about horses last horse i had was when i was under 12
Thanks, Jim! I was on my way to bed!!But this is importation ! This why they tell me at work that my head is full of useless information!! It's use less to them because they have no clue what the real world is about- and the same for them, their heads are full of useless information to me, you can't live on knowing who hit a home run in the worlds series, football, etc. And as an old farmer, I know how to buy milk cows!! I don't know much about Suffolk Punch, are they medium, they don't look like heavies
They generally are a little bit smaller, but they are a draft horse
Do you have a website or something where a person can look for horses. Would love to get either of the breed horses you have.
Mike tuberville in west Tn mite have Belgian colts you would be interested in
They seem kind of small, what are you planning to do with them?
chad is the best
Nice looking horses with good temperaments, but I believe you're concerned by their size. Are you thinking that it's not too late to add some grain that could get them past 16h eventually?
Possibly
Transparent chap
I would look around a little more good luck
Would you eventually geld both the Colts if you buy them or keep them as stallions- I would think if they are going to be working horses that you would geld them? I really enjoy your videos- Thanks so much for taking the time to make them! Have a Great Day!
not sure, thanks for watching the videos, glad you enjoy them. You have a great day as well
@@WorkingHorsesWithJim I would hope you keep them whole and help with expanding the breed and also show how well they workout as working stallions. Tommy Flowers Brabant stallion, Rocky, worked well and was always (like Tommy) "a Gentleman" even at multiple events with loads of horses around. Many years ago the Suffolk was a favorite cross for riding horses, hunters especially.
Yes, You should buy..
The horses you have now look expensive horses, but the ones you try to choose now look cheap. But for work, it does not metter much. Smaller horses lighter harness for your hands :)
They have a lot of growing to do, time will tell
@@WorkingHorsesWithJim they are a good choice! I am surprise how calm you always are!!! I can not be like this. I wish you the best, keep healthy and strong like you are.
"Brenda Power" you're buying them foals :>)
Our goal is to get 2 retired draft horse soon.
What age to you retire your horses? Do you keep them? Or sale them? Thanks
As long as they are healthy and can keep working they keep on going. Just depends on the circumstances around their retirement what we do with them then
@@WorkingHorsesWithJim thank you for replying and these great videos. I am learning so much. Specially for heavy breeds. Hopefully soon we will bring 2 drafts probably from kill pens. I see so many go...🙁 i understand other cultures aren’t like us. Heavy breeds are heavy on my heart since I was a teen.
Yes, I think they looked good. The stud was plenty big to do logging!
just take them all, i could never even decide on a dog or cat
They seem a lot lighter in the bone then ones in the uk
My guess is they are bred for the US market
How old will the colts have to be to start working them?
Probably 3 1/2
What is that music called?
I don't know
@@WorkingHorsesWithJim Jim, is that the title of the song?? "Who's on first? I don't know." Eh?? ;-))
I think you should sleep on it. They look nice. I guess if you really like them and your wanting to put the extra extra work into training them and the price is right maybe its something to consider. But having said that. From what I could see in that video it did not look like it was a good match for you. But its not really for me to say if they are good or not. If it was me I would keep looking. But thats just me. Its really upto what your looking for in a horse and how well they will work for you. We look forward to finding out what happens next. Say hello to Brenda. Stay safe. From PEI
My thoughts exactly.👍
I like hoy you talk of lady she is a great horse varry strong and if you get a new young cult she will probly be a varry valuble tool for breaking a cult because cults like to impress the female ocording to some reserch ive seen man break and start his young cult with realy good female. But you know more about horses then illl ever know
Temperment? Vet checked?