This message is from: "Ursula Jensen" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Dear List from Brian Jensen;
A short Hx lesson from my recall of the Libby Log Skidding
Class over the years. Some 10 years ago I was attending local shows which
were of the Draft type where we were allowed to skid with Fjords. In B.C. it
was considered a semi-pro circuit as the best were there so it was fun to
introduce the Fjords. The RULE OF THUMB for setting up the course was the
length of the log. Makes things easy. No cutting or chopping, just measure
the log and set your course accordingly. Therefore a 12 ft log would have 12
ft between pylons, and from the pylons to the outside boundaries. There was
always a 1 ft; 2 ft, 3 ft pull done after the pylon course. WE have done
1-2-3 or 3-2-1. the later being harder as the horses get more frustrated. As
our Fjords were doing a tad to well the teamsters insisted on a Fjord length
measurement put against a DRAFT length measurement with the difference
accommodated by the logging chain. People get serious when money is
involved.
Back to Libby in those early years, the above ratios were
used without the 1-2-3 pulls. Then one year a few Easterners showed up
saying make it faster by opening it up a tad. I remember standing off to the
side listening as they shared ideas from what was being used in the East at
that time . Over time the techniques have changed a bit to shave a few
seconds off. The crowd likes the speed, and the class goes faster so folks
do not get bored. Last year I did rec. a walking log pull class for novices
or folks with a bad leg etc. etc. A place to get safely started or where one
could be involved and age/running was not a factor. This idea was not used.
When I heard or read about possibly using the trees around
the show grounds at Libby I got that little twinge in the stomach that said
no. No for the reasons of safety. For professionals OK but trees are not
forgiving like pylons. Most Fjord owners are amateurs in this area of
endeavour. Ankles and legs could be snapped in a sec. Have a professional do
a demo. Even in the arena years ago I saw teamsters loose their balance and
lines, and the team get away. Picture that in the woods with real trees. It
will be interesting to see what the Libby log pull class will look like this
year??????
Question--- Does anyone know of a 6-horse angle haul
trailer/5th wheel for sale. Steel is fine, and early 80s is fine if
everything is in good shape. An oldie but a goodie!!!!!! Brian Jensen
Ursula & Brian Jensen
Trinity Fjords
Box 1032 Lumby BC Canada V0E-2G0
http://okjunc.junction.net/~ujensen/
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
(250) 547-6303
