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HORSE MAN - Tuesday 13 September 2005
Mick Bradford is a farmer near Warwick who has his own answer for rising fuel costs. He has a team of heavy horses, trained to do every farm chore imaginable, and even take him to town.
by What looks like historic footage is farmer Mick Bradford on any working day. He's not anti-progress, he's for keeping old skills alive, techniques picked up as a lad working for dad when horsepower came on four legs.
"Well, I think it must have been the love of horses, you know, because it's just that I've sort of carried it on. I gave it away for about 40 years and then I took it up again," recalled Mick.
Mick resumed his love affair to teach a new generation. Young John Polzin hitched a ride.
"Enjoy plodding along with 'em. They're good mates to you once they get to know you a bit better," explained John.
Peter Venables helps out at the annual field day, where Mick puts on a history show featuring amazing configurations of horses, a range of implements not sighted since the turn of last century and not a whiff of exhaust fumes.
Where old-fashioned is a way of life, farm power comes on four legs. With soaring fuel prices, Mick might be on to something more than just for show.
"I reckon I'd do Warwick in about half an hour. That's 20km, so it wouldn't take long," boasted Mick.
He's not quitting modern comforts, just showing how sustainable farming is more than a buzz word.
Mick's not promoting a return to horse power, just preservation.
"There are not many today that know it and you can't get books," said Mick.
Words can't describe Mick's affection for horses.
"He loves 'em. You see him at an auction sale or whatever, if there's any old stuff, he'll buy it," said John.
Mick worries about the future of what he's started - a concern tempered with a bushman's common sense.
"If I'm not here, well, I won't know anything about it, will I?" said Mick.
The Heavy Horse Field day is on 23rd April 2006 at Mick's Farm, Swanfells Rd, Yangan. Call 07 4664 8209 www.heavyhorseday.com
Contacts
Name: The Heavy Horse Field DayPhone: 4664 8209
Address: Mick's Farm, Swanfells Rd, Yangan
Web Address: http://www.heavyhorseday.com
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