The last horseman

This is John Dodd who farms Silly Wrea farm in Northumberland. He has been described as "the last horseman" because he farms using the horsepower of his Clydesdales. He is not the last because the farm is now run by his son-in-law and grandson.

When we walked through the farm today, John and his grandson were busy loading up soiled straw from the barn where some cows are wintering, ready to spread it on the fields. They were using forks to throw straw into the cart. This cart was bought in the 30s or 40s. (I can't quite remember the year he said.) The cows were coralled into a small space and were watching as the job was done. The horse was a 10 year old Clydesdale and nearly made the blip.

They have 6 horses, one of whom is yet to be broken in.

As we continued our walk we saw the furrows in a field they have started ploughing (nearly made the blip too).

We had a great circular walk from Allen Banks; the rain stayed away and the sun put in an appearance too.

PS Last night my birthday came to a great end. My two mono entries were placed first and second in the club open competition. Here is You must be joking which appeared on blip last year. I'll have to upload the other and put a link on tomorrow.