An apocolypse herd/flock

[Duker17]

So I'm wondering, is there a deadline that we need to have all of this by? Im thinking it might be kind if hard to acquire all of these last minute

Or am I just out of the apocalypse loop and need to do some research???

 

[CityGirlintheCountry]

No deadline that I know of. Just wondering what you all think.

That being said, there are a LOT of people that strongly believe our country is changing and that there will be huge shifts in our society in the very near future. Many, many people are preparing to live a simpler, more self-sufficient life. Prepare as you will.

 

[GnarleyDogFarm]

You need to acquire it all, 1 piece at a time. No rush, we don't have a date for collapse! I just like to be ready when things go wrong.

We have been stranded with the power out for 5 days to 2 weeks, floods, drought, snow, winds that take out our 200' tall trees, etc. When all the neighbors are scrambling, it sure is nice to be calm and prepared!

We are digging a root cellar this year and installing a commercial greenhouse, all for personal use. It is not a race, it is a personal accomplishment to be prepared. I look at it this way... I will have to eat for the rest of my life, and I am proud and happy to be self-reliant. No food tastes better than the food you generate yourself! And think of all the petro you save not running to the store every time you want something to eat!

 

[SourRoses]

Not to be too argumentative.. I don't mean to, but I just have to say.. but morgans can more often have some health problems..
Breeds that have been around a good, long time are a more solid bet. Plus small does not mean less feed. Some big horses can be easy keepers and some small ones are not. But horses are not that hard to care for.. if you already have livestock, they aren't going to be so far out of the ordinary, and can be a huge help. In olden-times (all of a hundred years ago when people did not have cars) on long journeys, the horses would be cobbled to graze around the campsite at night, and thats all the food they got. If you didn't know what you were doing with one, you learned.. no Drivers license required. LOL.
As the horse supplier of this fabled community (

) I'll make sure you get well trained ones.

 

[CityGirlintheCountry]

So what breeds of horses would you recommend to be a family horse used for riding, wagon pulling and perhaps cultivation? I am ignorant of horses other than asking for a pony for Christmas for the last 35 years.

 

[GnarleyDogFarm]

Quote:
Hey, no problem, we are all entitled to be wrong, even me!

You could be right about that. I never had Morgans, I always had Belgiums. People used to tell me they were, pound for pound, the hardest working horses out there. And they definately ate less than my Belgiums! hehe.

 

[SourRoses]

I have not yet owned a Gypsy Vanner.. but that would be my first pick. The gypsies (Obvious, I know, LOL) used them and bred them for ages to pull their very heavy wagons and make do on what grazing was available... and they are reputed to be super-docile.. to the extent of little kids riding stallions.
I am crazy about temperament for my horses... I have loved each of my Paso Finos a great deal. The better (more abundant) bloodlines carry wonderful personalities.. and I have ridden extensively on trails with a 6 year old girl on her stallion, around mares.. while he was being used for breeding.. the pleasure type are fabulous for trail and have proven themselves in endurance and versatility competitions. Plus anybody would appreciate a completely smooth (and completely natural - from birth) gait.. they dont trot. They are on the smaller side yet carry big fellows about (in the shows.. too funny, LOL) with aplomb. Those would be my two breeds of choice... One for hauling, one for riding.. There are many other good solid breeds as well though!

 

[CityGirlintheCountry]

Can sheep and goats run in the same pasture? Perhaps will a llama or donkey as a guardian animal?

 

[SourRoses]

I haven't ever owned a sheep or goat or llama or donkey... BUT I see people with their horses in with other animals all the time... I know for a fact that donkeys are OK and Goats... my mom had a billy goat before I was born.. but he thought he was a dog and would try to bark and run out to greet them.. LOL

 

[Peaches Lee]

Definitely horses for transport, helping carry loads, even plow the field. Luckily we already have a very strong and hardy breed, Andalusian. They can survive on scrub, have good temperaments, and remain sound.

Just started my flock of chickens.

Navajo Charro sheep.

Cattle for their leather, milk and meat. Scottish Highlands maybe.

Garden seeds.