Iconic picture of an iconic Group of people!

"Salt of the Earth" indeed!

I have always admired them... though my grandmother hated them for beating their horses... of course, she was born in 1896 so that meant a lot to her.

Vix

It is shocking how some folks who's very lives/livelihoods depend on animals, mistreat them. I've never understood it, and will never condone it.
Animals are capable of every emotion we humans have. They may lack our intellect (And usually, that's in their favor!), but everything else mirrors our own.
Stubborn or fearful animals make for poor students, and a disaster waiting to happen if abuse/cruelty is used to force their compliance.
Build an animal's trust, you'll earn their respect/love, and then they'll literally go through Hell for you (Well, not ALWAYS, but it's close!)

So very true.

Vix

4HP mower.

4L x 4, Draft-sized even!

Funnily enough, Miniatures, for their body size, are STRONGER than Drafties! It's amazing seeing what a well trained lone/team can haul across the ground!

I remember watching a lovely young woman handle two fine horses in a weight sledge pull even at a local fair. Some of the other contestants were screaming at their charges and laying into them with the switches, she just sweet talked her babies and they would do Anything. She. Wanted.