Harness Up! with Haste Draft Horses and Mules

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Step into a weekend where wagon wheels still sing and history breathes. We sit down with Terry from Thermopolis, Wyoming, to unveil Trailblazer Days—a living celebration built around 16 Mule Johnson, the freighter who helped shape the town’s famously wide streets. From the first note of a Dave Stamey concert to the last waltz at a dessert dance, this is a full-scale revival of Western craft, community, and courage.

We map the whole journey: a championship chuck wagon dinner with crews who cook like the old days, emceed by cowboy poet and broadcaster Andy Nelson. Then the main event rolls out—a non-motorized parade featuring a working 16-mule jerk line hitch pulling three freight wagons and a sheep wagon, plus buggies, sheep wagons, a jail wagon, and more. At the fairgrounds, collectors and teamsters turn a “wagon show” into a hands-on classroom, trading restoration tips, harness wisdom, and stories from the road. If you’ve ever wondered how a long hitch “dances” through a tight corner, this is where muscle memory meets art.

Thermopolis adds depth far beyond pageantry. The town sits in the Bighorn Basin near Yellowstone, a last-frontier landscape that forged cattle barons, sheep queens, and outlaw lore from Hole-in-the-Wall to the pages of The Virginian. The weekend widens the lens with the museum’s milk can dinner and a Sunday dedicated to tribal history: a guided visit to Legend Rock’s petroglyphs and a bison barbecue setting the stage for the Buffalo Initiative on Wind River Reservation. It’s a living mosaic—draft horses, mules, Indigenous trails, and the communities that keep them all in view.

Parade entries are open to non-motorized rigs from across the West, and travelers will find lodging, easy access, and the world’s largest hot springs waiting. Join us as we trade algorithms for word of mouth and bring people together the old way: food, music, teams, and stories that stick. Subscribe, share this episode with a friend who loves the West, and leave a review telling us what you’d bring to the parade.

Check out Trailblazer Days at the links below for more info - 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1105730274732703/

https://thermopolischamber.org/trailblazer-days-event-schedule

Call (307) 921-0800 

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The reins pass from snowless sleigh rides in Colorado to wall tents in Utah’s high country, then straight onto a movie set where a good team might wait hours to hear “action.” We sit down with outfitter and wrangler Randy Melton of Flying J Outfitters to unpack what it really takes to build mule teams that outwork draft horses in the mountains and stay rock-steady under the lights of Hollywood.

Randy shares how he and his wife Alicia juggle guiding hunts in the Uinta Mountains with supplying teams, wagons, and stagecoaches to productions like Horizon and 1923. He opens up about the practical side of breeding—replacing a lost mammoth jack with a young, 16-hand prospect to throw bigger, calmer, hard-footed colts—and why draft-cross, standard-height mules make the best packers when you’re hanging panniers fast at a busy trailhead. We dive into sawbuck versus Decker saddles, double-diamond hitches, packing grain for long camps, and the quiet hero of backcountry logistics: InReach satellite texting.

The stories stretch from a four-up hitch in the Army cavalry detachment to wrangling on set with Kevin Costner and helping a nervous Leonardo DiCaprio relax into a saddle. Along the way, Randy explains why continuity can nix braided tails, why “good mules ain’t cheap and cheap mules ain’t good,” and how patience turns young stock into steady partners that appreciate the word “woe.” If you’ve ever wondered how film-ready teams are made, how outfitters keep remote camps running for weeks, or why seasoned hands choose mules over horses for heavy work, this one’s for you.

Ready to hear the grit, the gear, and the hard-won wisdom behind truly reliable teams? Hit play, subscribe for more conversations from the wagon seat, and share this episode with a friend who loves mules, mountains, or great stories. Your reviews help more folks find the show—what part grabbed you most?

Check out Randy's website - https://www.flyingjoutfitters.com/

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What does it take to ride from Utah to the Atlantic Ocean and back on two Mustangs—and finish with zero lameness? We sit down with Jake of Year of the Mustang for a raw, practical, and heartening look at a 6,000-mile journey powered by faith, preparation, and the sheer grit of two remarkable geldings. From setting a departure date years in advance to trimming pack weight down to the essentials, Jake shows how big goals get real when you put them on the calendar and break them into honest, testable steps.

We dig into the nuts and bolts that long riders and horse owners crave: how to plan routes around public lands, water, and grazing; why packing less can save your horses’ backs; and how Mustangs handle forage changes that would sideline many domestic horses. Jake shares how GPS kept navigation simple, how he shod his own horses on the road with borrowed forges, and why traffic management in the East demanded tough choices—like sending his mare home for safety. He also offers the “rule of tens” for conditioning: don’t attempt ten days if you haven’t nailed two, don’t reach for a month if you haven’t mastered a week.

The story unfolds further as we delve into Mustang genetics, adoption pathways, and the surprising range of types you’ll find across the West—including lines with draft heritage that can suit real work. There are vivid field notes too: a mountain lion standoff by a dark river, bighorn sheep, black bears, a tornado touchdown nearby, and that quiet moment of touching ocean water in New Jersey with the skyline on the horizon. Through it all, the Mustangs’ resilience stands out—healthy weight, strong feet, and steady minds under changing feed, weather, and terrain.

If you’re curious about long-distance horse travel, Mustang adoption, hoof care on the road, or how to turn a “someday” ride into a lived journey, you’ll find hard-won insights and encouragement here. Subscribe for more stories and practical takeaways, share this with a horse‑loving friend, and leave a review to help others find the show.

Subscribe to Jake on YouTube -  | www.youtube.com/@jakeharvath

FaceBook- https://www.facebook.com/p/Year-of-the-Mustang-100095731503504/

https://yearofthemustang.com/en-usd

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Missed us on the road? We’re back with a truckload of stories from 37 states, a wagon train that rolled through Victor’s farm, and a blueprint for a bigger, better year ahead. Between campfire hymns, bluegrass jam sessions, and a few hair-raising roadside lessons, we break down what it takes to keep draft horses and mules steady, safe, and sound when the miles stack up.

We swap highlights from a coast-to-coast run—Florida seafood feasts, Vermont mountain views, a security-guarded night at a busy truck stop—and the small choices that make travel humane for the teams. You’ll hear how we feed and water inside a wide-body trailer, why sleeping near the animals matters, and the simple rest rule that probably saved us. We also map out the clinics we’re planning across the country, focused on practical skills: loading and balance, overnight care, pressure-release timing, mule mindset, and navigating busy environments without lighting a fuse.

Victor opens up about his quarter horse mare that bucked him clean out of the saddle and how getting back on reshaped his training plan. We preview upcoming guest voices—seasoned mule trainers and a rider who drove mustangs across the country—plus a local lens on cattle markets and butchery that grounds the romance of the road in real economics. Along the way, our community shows up in force: fans who became friends, a borrowed fiddle bow that saved a bluegrass set, and a cabin by the barn where travelers can rest and swap stories.

If you love draft horses, mules, wagon trains, and the culture that surrounds them, this one’s for you. Tap play, then leave a rating on Apple or Spotify, subscribe on YouTube at Haste Draft Horses and Mules, and share this episode with a friend who needs a little trail dust in their feed. Your reviews and shares keep this community rolling.

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When cowboys from Canadian, Texas meet Kentucky horse traders, cultural collision and non-stop laughter ensue in this uniquely entertaining episode of the Harness Up Podcast. Host Steven Haste welcomes Tanner Johnson, Flint, and their companions, who've traveled east to purchase draft horse teams, marking their first journey into Kentucky's unfamiliar, tree-covered landscape.

The conversation quickly reveals fascinating cultural differences between these two rural American regions. The Texans express genuine amazement at Kentucky's abundance of trees, describing the experience as "claustrophobic" compared to their wide-open spaces. This sparks a running joke about regional terminology - from what Kentuckians call "hollers" (which Texans know as "canyons" or "draws") to the Kentucky term "yuns" instead of the Texan "y'all."

Beyond the humor, we gain authentic insights into modern cowboy life as Flint shares his experiences working on Montana ranches, helping brand calves, and starting colts. The men discuss environmental challenges affecting both regions, from changing climate patterns to wild hog management strategies in Texas, where helicopter hunting with infrared technology contrasts with traditional trapping methods.

Throughout the episode, genuine camaraderie bridges geographic divides as these horsemen share stories about rodeo experiences, horse training adventures, and rural wisdom. Tanner even offers his unique brand of relationship advice: "To get what you want as a female, you either need to have money or appear to."

This episode captures a special moment where cultural differences become the foundation for friendship rather than division, revealing how America's rural traditions continue evolving while maintaining their distinctive regional flavors.

Check out our teams for sale at drafthorsesandmulesforsale.com, and join us for our October barbecue in Liberty, Kentucky. Don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on social media!

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What happens when curiosity leads you away from one of America's most restrictive religious communities? When Stephen Haste sits down with Enus Raber (known online as "The Amish Rebel"), we're treated to a fascinating glimpse into a journey few experience: leaving the ultra-conservative Schwarzentruber Amish at age 19 and building a new life in the modern world.

Enus shares captivating stories from his Minnesota childhood in a community where even using a hay baler in the field was considered too progressive. Now living in Texas with his wife (also former Amish) and five children, he navigates two worlds as both a successful construction business owner and a content creator with nearly 70 podcast episodes dedicated to authentic Amish education and supporting others who leave.

The conversation weaves through memorable horse stories, including Enus's favorite team that exemplified perfect teamwork by pulling together rather than against each other - a metaphor he now uses with his own children. Food memories bring both nostalgia and humor, from his mother's roadside baking business to the peculiar tradition of "coffee soup" (essentially a sweet latte with crackers) that horrified non-Amish visitors.

Most compelling is Enus's candid discussion of identity and purpose. After 15 years outside the Amish, he recently completed a challenging 40-day water-only fast seeking spiritual direction, which crystallized his mission to create resources for former Amish individuals. As both men reflect on how technology impacts genuine human connection, we're reminded that meaningful conversations like this one - bringing together seemingly different worlds - carry unexpected wisdom for all of us.

Subscribe to The Amish Rebel Podcast on YouTube under "The Amish Media Group" to hear more authentic stories about Amish life, traditions, and transitions.

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Ever wondered why anyone would choose Texas Longhorns over standard black cattle? Darrell Dickinson, the "Longhorn Legend" himself, reveals how these iconic animals have built his multimillion-dollar empire through unexpected revenue streams that most cattle producers never consider.

At 83 years young, Darrell has transformed his Barnesville, Ohio, ranch into an international Longhorn powerhouse since buying his first six cows and a bull in 1967. While everyone told him he was crazy, that skepticism confirmed he was onto something special. Today, his operation has expanded far beyond just selling breeding stock (though they've sold the highest-priced bulls in history).

What makes Longhorns truly exceptional is their complete utilization potential. When Darrell processes a cow, he doesn't just harvest beef – he transforms the skull into a $6,000 showpiece for European steakhouses and American retailers like Bass Pro Shops. From the horns come 74 different artisanal products. The lean, grass-fed beef yields 34% usable meat compared to only 26% from Angus cattle. Even the tourism aspect generates revenue, with thousands of visitors annually taking narrated ranch tours to see these magnificent creatures up close.

The genetic aspects fascinate Darrell, who likens the breeding process to "a chess game where you're trying to think three pieces in advance." Through careful selection including IQ testing (!), he's developed cattle with exceptional horn growth, striking colors, and adaptable grazing habits that require less land than conventional breeds. His current headliner bull, Jam Box, sports massive 103-inch horns at just six years old.

Looking toward the future, Darrell sees grass-fed Longhorn beef as increasingly important. As concerns mount about feeding human-consumable grain to livestock, Longhorns' ability to thrive on brush, weeds, and marginal pasture positions them perfectly for sustainable ranching.

Ready to start your own Longhorn journey? Visit TexasLonghorn.com to explore Darrell's 14,000-page treasure trove of information, or join one of his upcoming business seminars, where he shares over 90 strategies for Longhorn profitability. As Darrell says, "You don't have to see to your destination – just start with the light you have and keep moving forward."

Check out Darol's Website - https://www.texaslonghorn.com/

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A garden plow turns terrifying in an instant when the earth suddenly opens beneath a team of draft horses in Bedford, Virginia. Hugh Saunders recounts the heart-stopping moment when his beloved Shire horses plunged twelve feet underground through what would later be discovered as a collapsed 116-year-old terracotta pipe.

The rescue operation mobilized the entire community – two backhoes, three veterinarians, and countless neighbors rallied to save the trapped animals. While others urged caution, Hugh insisted on climbing down into the sinkhole with his horses, demonstrating the profound bond between a true teamster and his team. "If they're down here, I'm going to be down here," he explains, embodying the spirit that defines authentic horsemen.

Remarkably, both horses emerged without injuries after a tense two-hour excavation. The incident uncovered not just the horses but pieces of Bedford's hidden history – including a Civil War bullet found during the recovery of lost harness pieces. Hugh reflects on what this experience taught him about community, friendship, and the special relationship between driver and draft horse.

Now driving a Belgian team purchased from host Stephen Haste, Hugh continues his passion for draft horses, regularly appearing in local parades and events that celebrate this traditional way of life. Their conversation explores what it means to face adversity alongside your animals, the value of good neighbors in times of crisis, and the unexpected ways history reveals itself beneath our feet.

Join us for this extraordinary tale of danger, rescue, and the unbreakable bond between a man and his horses. Call Stephen at 606-303-5669 with questions or visit drafthorseandmulesforsale.com to learn more about keeping these traditions alive.

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Ever wondered what it would be like to experience one of America's most pivotal battles the way soldiers did in 1863? Step into the hoofprints of history with Horse Tours of Gettysburg, a family-owned business bringing the Civil War battlefield to life through carriage rides and guided horseback tours.

Doug Stevens, a veteran who served six deployments between Afghanistan and Iraq, founded the company in 2010 as a way to stay connected with horses after sustaining combat injuries. What began as a family operation has blossomed into a thriving business now transitioning to his 6'11" son Spencer and Spencer's girlfriend Jamie, the self-proclaimed "Executive Director of Horseback Riding." Their passion for history, horses, and people creates an experience unlike any other in Gettysburg.

With nine carriage teams and 31 trail horses, the company offers visitors multiple ways to engage with the battlefield's history. Licensed battlefield guides accompany each tour, sharing stories that transport guests back to July 1863 when 34,000 casualties made this the bloodiest battle in North American history. As Jamie explains, "We try to set them up to be safe out there" while ensuring guests gain historical understanding along with their horseback experience.

What sets these tours apart is how they allow guests to experience the battlefield "at the speed of history." Many of the battlefield's wayside markers were designed to be viewed from a carriage, not a car. Guests ride on the same military crests where officers positioned themselves, seeing the landscape through a similar lens as those who fought there. Even more fascinating, some trees that witnessed the battle still contain bullets, occasionally discovered when chainsaws hit metal during maintenance.

In an age dominated by screens and text messages, these tours create space for genuine human connection. As Doug poignantly shares, they once hosted a mother with terminal cancer and her resentful teenage children who transformed from sullen to joyful during their ride, creating lasting memories amid difficult circumstances.

Ready to experience Gettysburg in the most authentic way possible? Book your tour today and discover why thousands of visitors return year after year to see history through the eyes—and from the backs—of horses.

Follow Horse Tours of Gettysburg on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/horsetoursgettysburg/

Check out the website - https://confederatetrails.com/

YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@HorseToursofGettysburg

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Step into the world of working animals with this Fourth of July conversation between Stephen Haste and Andrew, a longtime community member from the east end of Long Island. Against the backdrop of Independence Day preparations, these two passionate "mule men" share stories that reveal why these remarkable animals continue to capture hearts across America.

Andrew brings a wealth of perspective as a military veteran (Army 3rd of the 75th Ranger Battalion) and current telecommunications director planning his retirement to South Fork. His journey with mules began about a decade ago when he discovered their fascinating history—from George Washington's prized "Royal Gift" donkey (whose bloodline runs through every American mule today) to their crucial role in winning World War I by hauling equipment too heavy for horses.

"I want to go out in a field, sit behind an animal, and hear the click-clack of that machine for a couple hours and put my mind at rest," Andrew explains, describing his vision for retirement. After years of managing university campuses and interacting with hundreds of people weekly, he finds profound peace in the companionship of his rescued mule. "My wife says he's my psychologist because when I need to sit and talk to somebody and have them just listen, he'll do that."

The conversation offers listeners a glimpse into the tight-knit draft horse community at Haste Farms, where visitors regularly drop by unannounced and yearly gatherings like the October barbecue create memories that Andrew describes as "the best birthday of my life." Whether you're fascinated by working animals, considering a similar retirement path, or simply enjoy authentic conversations between kindred spirits, this episode demonstrates why these magnificent animals continue to play meaningful roles in modern lives.

Join the Haste community at drafthorsesandmulesforsale.com or call 606-303-5669 with your questions about harness equipment, farm implements, or finding the perfect horse or mule companion.

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