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By: Jim Fitzpatrick |
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Email: jim@nunica.com |
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Local Farmer in Polkton Township writes for the Coopersville Observer. |
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Along Brandy Creek By Jim Fitzpatrick
The Coopersville Observer April 17, 2006- - No. 70 |
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Peppie and Pue live up the road a piece. They are a couple of unusual critters that moved into the area when they were young and very small. Ron brought them here, five or six years ago, to live in his hundred year old barn; along with the horses he keeps. They have both grown tall and broad in the shoulders. Curled horns and split hooves set them apart from their smaller equine barn mates. They occupy a large stall on the right as you enter the barn. A heavy wooden yoke hangs in obvious waiting for them to share in the work they do. Harness and bit are not for these guys. Kind words from Ron is all that it takes. As a pair, under the yoke, they move about in unison; bidding to their owners demands.
The dark brownish-black coats of Peppie and Pue are highlighted by a broad white stripe that runs down the middle of each of their backs. They are quiet, gentle, and impressively large animals. Hang around for a time; but, don't get in a hurry. They may let you run your fingers up and down their furry faces. Peppie likes apples, Pue isn't sure that they are good for his health. They both like left over pumpkins for desert in the fall after Halloween time.
How a guy like Ron, up there on the on the county line, ever took up with a couple of oxen is hard to figure out. He spent most of his life dealing with horses, made a living that way. A visit with him there in that pleasing old barn will get you the full rundown on Peppie and Pue. The horses seem to "play second fiddle" these days! |
