Two draught horses skidding logs
The Beligian and other breeds of large bodied draught
horses have been toiling for the benefit of mankind forever.
Even with modern tree harvesting equipment, there are places
that the mechanical beasts cannot go without destroying
everything around them. Arguably, a draught horse is cheaper,
and is probably more affectionate than a John Deere.
En Draught is a kind of hommage to my grandfather, on my mother's side.
In his 82nd year, he felled two 100-year (or older) maples with
his old McCulloch chain saw. He hired a man and his team of
Belgians to to tow the monsters back to the cottage property, where
Grampa bucked and split the trees into firewood.
It was impossible not to be affected by the sight of these big,
affable animals as they strained and pulled, needing only the
lightest touch of reins and the continual exhortations of their keeper.
That's keeper, not master, as I am sure they humoured this
guy only for the clean straw, oats and shelter . . . oh, and the exercise . . .
. . . and such fine beasts they are.
En Draught
Acrylic on masonite, 32 3/4 x 18 in. (1999)
Please do not reproduce the images in this display.
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