Monday, December 21, 2009

An enormous Equine post.....literally!


This is my Dad, Dave, and his new working partner, Zues. Just a little fella isn't he? !! My Dad is a teamster. A real one. He comes from a long line of teamsters and horse people. He started driving team in the woods when he was a young lad and has worked with horses his entire life. Their isn't much has hasn't done with a horse and there have been many of them in and out of his life just since I can remember. Some have left a lasting impression, others not so much. This guy we certainly won't forget!

Dad drive's a team of beautiful draft horses giving carriage rides in picturesque Acadia National Park in Maine in the summer and is giving sleigh rides at the Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods, NH this winter. Zues is used in a one horse sleigh and obviously has no trouble pulling it around. Imagine the look on the faces of the guests waiting for a ride when this giant comes walking out of the barn. I know I just stared at the photo for 6o seconds.....it's almost unbelievable for a split second.

Zues weighs approximately 3100 lbs. He is 7 years old and approximately 96" tall at the top of his withers (shoulders). He is very gentle and loves people. He's calm and easy to work with. It's a darn good thing - imagine trying to change this guys mind?! According to the people in the know, he is the biggest horse in the USA at the moment. He had his front feet trimmed and new shoes put on yesterday and will have his back ones done the end of the week. His shoes must weigh 5lbs a piece. I know his feet are the size of dinner plates.

I haven't had the pleasure of meeting him in person yet, but the family has plans to take a trip to the mountain and enjoy a sleigh ride. If you get the opportunity to visit beautiful NH, plan a trip to take a sleigh ride and meet this team, you won't be disappointed :)


30 comments:

Michelle said...

That's the first 24-hand horse I've ever heard of!!!

Kelly said...

What a glorious animal. I'm glad that he is well taken care of. He is a dream come true. I bet he is too big around to sit on. I repeat, what a glorious animal.
Kelly

Country Whispers said...

What a handsome looking horse. He is HUGE!

Unknown said...

What an absolutely beautiful horse! I am in awe that your Dad cares for such a majestic animal! Thank you for sharing:)

lisa said...

Now that is so cool! He is your dad even! How cool is that. You grew up on a back of a horse right? You are lucky! I wish that I had been brought up with a family that was into horses. That is ok though, because I get to live my dream now! Take care! Merry Christmas!

Lisa said...

Oh my goodness. Holy cow. Wow.

Throwback at Trapper Creek said...

Amazing Deb! The horse and your Dad :)

I thought my friend's new hitch horses were tall and they are only 19 hands!

Anonymous said...

Now that is a horse! I had to call my husband in here to see that one.
He is a beauty.
I bet Jack would like him too. I can just imagine Jill barking at Zues like she barks at Jack.Lol..

I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas.
Pam

threecollie said...

Wow, I am in awe! I never even imagined a horse that big.

Christy said...

That is a huge horse!

Callie Brady said...

Zeus is a beautiful, amazing fellow. I would love to take a sleigh ride. Jingle bell, jingle bells! Your Dad has a dream job for someone who loves to work with horses. Well, I hope it is a dream job. I'm sure it is hard work. One of my great grandfathers was a teamster in Texas. I'm glad to know there are still teamsters driving horses.

cowgirlwannabe said...

He is gorgeous!! I thought my guy was big, he must need a step ladder to harness him!

Danni said...

oh.my.goodness! That top photo is completely mind boggling. I, too, had to show my husband and we just stared, for the longest time, at that picture.
What kind of horse is he? Did you say and I missed it? Absolutely incredible. Makes my little 11 hand donkey sound like a lilliputin! :-)

Rayna said...

I saw one in person once that wasn't much smaller than that guy...it's amazing to be in the presence of something SO huge AND gentle. I would love to meet him someday, looks like a wonderfully beautiful horse :)

Shula said...

Wow he's a big fella. Makes my 15.1hh guy seem tiny. Yes thank goodness a lot of the draft horses are so level headed. I'd love to see a picture of him all hitched up and ready to go.

Linda said...

I seriously thought that photo was photoshoped together when I first saw it. Ho-lee crap that's a big horse! Magnificent! Absolutely magnificent!

thecrazysheeplady said...

Wow!

DayPhoto said...

What a huge beautiful horse! I would love to just stand next to him and feel his warm furry coat, his soft velvet nose.

Thanks for sharing him!

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com/

Tiffany said...

He's lovely! Is he a Belgian? I have a special fondness for them, I helped a neighbor care for and train her two Belgians when I was a youngster living in New Gloucester, ME.

Anonymous said...

My-oh-my that lad is a harness maker's dream come true. Now, where are ya gonna find a match-up to hitch double with him? WOW what a horse. Hi and Merry Christmas to all! - Bill

Donna said...

We're not that far from Bretton Woods....we just may have to go up and see Zeus in "person"...what a gorgeous animal!!!!! Is your Dad up there weekends only?

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Penny said...

Isn't Zeus a handsome fellow! Huge but handsome too! lol

Anonymous said...

Holy crap, he is huge! The horse, not your dad! Pretty doggone cool.

Rick said...

I am a equine veterinarian who works on draft horses some. I am wondering what size of collar Zues wears. If you can please forward his picture to me at valleyequine@macnet.com I would very much appreciate it

Gayle said...

Wow!

Unknown said...

Wow!! I have had a horse in my mind for about 25 years now that I always felt was the biggest horse in the world. His head seemed to be four feet long from ears to nose. I do believe your dad's has got him beat though!!!!!!! My goodness I would be scared to be in the sleigh behind him!!!!! He is beautiful! He makes that big pick-up look like a Tonka truck!!!

I live in draft horse country here and I know a lot of guys that would like to get their hands on him!!!!!

Rebecca said...

Holy cow, is that a monster Dave is holding?? Good thing he's gentle! :D

Hi I'm Rebecca, found your blog through Northviee Diary. :)

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