The gathering at Madison's Twin Pond Dairy farm in Rice Lake, WI was a small but enjoyable group. We hitched the horses near the calf huts, and several of the calves found our activities entertaining. The weather cooperated and did not get too hot (as was forecast). A team of Shires, a team of Fjords, and a single-hitch Fjord went out with six drivers/passengers for a pleasant drive along the roads near the Madison's farm. There was an equipment failure with Jerry's Fjord team a few blocks from the farm as we started out, that required a road repair. Ken drove his team of Shires back to the farm to pick up a spare neck yoke that Jerry had in his truck, and repairs were made on the road. The drive proceeded with no further incidents. We passed neighbors who waved as we went by, and some cows that checked us out. After the drive, we had an opportunity to look in the buildings storing farm equipment (that was very impressive), followed by a nice potluck that included root beer floats. The Madison house had several interesting artfully repurposed horse equipment items, including a trellis and stair railing.

Photos by Carol Gross