AgrAbility of Wisconsin
Plowing Ahead
Promoting Success in Agriculture for People with Disabilities and Their Families
Winter 2005-06
Volume 14 No. 3
Peterson's Set to Reach the Finish Line
Winningways Farms is not the usual Wisconsin farm. Instead of cows, thoroughbred horses wander through the snow-covered pastures. Kathleen Peterson and her husband, Jerry bought their 14-acre Mosinee farm about three years ago. They planned for Peterson's husband to continue his off-farm job while she worked the farm.
Through her childhood experiences on the family arm, she gained an interest in thoroughbreds and currently owns 23 "pedigreed and papered" racing thoroughbreds, including a stud that will be ready to advertise for use within several months. Her excitement and love of her work is evident as she talks about the farm and horses.
DVR purchased a small skid steer to
aid Peterson in
cleaning stalls and hauling manure, which was
previously
performed
with a wheelbarrow, pitchfork and shovels.
Peterson’s plans drastically changed when complications resulting from injuries sustained during a ladder collapse at work in December of 2000 started to affect her physically. The resulting accident required dual knee replacements. Five surgeries later arthritis developed in her knees and right hip. As a consequence of the arthritis, she developed back problems that will only be resolved with another dual knee replacement.
The
farm work became increasingly difficult to perform because she was
experiencing so much pain. The farm work required more time and effort and
as a result Peterson’s husband had to quit his off-farm job to help with
the farm. Peterson’s time
with the horses dwindled, due to her physical limitation.
One of her doctors suggested that she contact the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). Since her career focus was in agriculture, DVR also referred her to AgrAbility of Wisconsin (AAW) so that her DVR counselor, Nancy Burkholder, could partner with one of the Rural Rehabilitation Specialists of the Easter Seals Wisconsin (ESW) FARM Program.
Two
years after contacting DVR Peterson received visits from Burkholder and
Holly Allen, a Rural Rehabilitation Specialist with the FARM Program.
“They got here just in the nick of time,” Peterson said.
When Allen visited Peterson for the first time, they completed a walk through of the farm to determine what assistive technology and adaptations would allow Peterson to maintain the farm and allow her to return to performing the daily tasks without the need of her husband.
One of the items that Peterson benefited from was the John Deere Gator,
since one of her daily tasks involved carrying hay to the pastures for the
horses. According to Peterson,
the utility vehicle was a godsend for her because the task of hauling feed
and maintaining the electric fencing reduced the time and manual labor
required. The Gator also
reduced walking across manure, snow, and mud to reach the horses.
DVR purchased a small skid steer to aid Peterson in cleaning stalls
and hauling manure, which was previously performed with a wheelbarrow,
pitchfork and shovels. Even
though the skid steer reduced the use of the hand tools, the need for these
items were not completely eliminated. Accordingly, Allen suggested attaching
upper hand handles to the pitchforks and shovels to decrease the stress on
her back from bending over.
Deere Gator, since one of her daily tasks involved
carrying hay to the pastures for the horses.
Given
that climbing is difficult for Peterson, the issue of using a ladder to
reach the loft to throw hay bales into the barn below is currently being
addressed. The existing ladder
will be replaced with steps that will be permanently anchored to the wall
with a spring door, which will help to retain heat in the barn during the
winter season. The gate will open and close with a pull cord.
This system will reduce the complexity of multitasking by climbing
and balancing on a ladder at the same time as trying to open and close a
door.
The
additional assistive technology reduces the time Peterson spends on manual
labor, resulting in less physical strain.
According to Peterson, “I have time to spend with the horses
themselves because the horses have to be auction ready.”
Peterson plans to maintain the farm by herself so that her husband can once
again return to a full time job off the farm, but her ultimate goal can be
summed up in just two words: “to win!”
A derby winner will allow her to increase horse sales, purchase more
pastureland to increase the number of thoroughbred horses, and create a
winning derby tradition. AAW
is proud to have a small part in seeing this farmer and her horses cross
that finish line.
SAFETY
FIRST
Equine Safety...
‘Bomb
proof’? ‘Powder keg’?.
Which phrase best describes your horse?
Horses possess a variety of temperaments and personalities.
A horse's age, level of training, breed, feed, as well as many
other factors including the handlers experience level and abilities, can
affect the horses demeanor and behavior.
Regardless of which term accurately describes your horse, it is
important for you to understand what makes your horse ‘tick’ and to
practice proper handling techniques to decrease the incidence of risk to
you and/or your horse.
The
horse’s initial response to frightening stimuli is ‘flight’.
Many dangerous situations can arise as a result of their natural
response. While it is not
possible to prepare the horse for every frightening stimuli it may
encounter, be alert to the surrounding activities and maintain a calm
demeanor can help control the situation.
Another natural behavior of the horse is the establishment of a
dominance hierarchy or pecking order among a group of two or more horses.
Consider pecking order when moving horses into and out of the
group. If working alone, remove the dominant horse first to reduce the
potential for problems.
Whether
you are catching a herd horse in a pasture or a single horse from a
confined area, follow a few simple steps to make the process safer and
efficient. Use equipment that
is strong and in good condition. Organize
the halter and lead rope before you are near the horse.
Never startle the horse by approaching from directly behind
him/her; approach the horse from an angle.
Initially, loop the lead rope over the horse’s neck to capture
the horse, so you can take the time to apply the halter safely without
giving the horse an opportunity to escape.
Avoid getting fingers tangled or caught in the halter, rings or
loops. When returning the
horse to the pasture, lead him/her to an open area away from the gate,
turn the horse to face the direction you came from, and release the horse
by reversing the haltering procedures. (Halters should not be left on the
horse in a pasture.) Avoid
letting the horse bolt away from you when released, as this action can
develop into a dangerous habit.
Leading
the horse can be a challenge for the novice or experienced horseman.
Control the horse by holding the lead rope six to twelve inches from the
halter. In your free hand,
drape the excess lead rope back and forth in a figure eight motion; looped
in a circular motion will tighten around the fingers if the horse pulls
away. Make the horse walk beside you, not trotting ahead of lagging
behind. To slow a fast moving
horse, circle the horse in a tight circle toward you.
When tying the horse, secure the horse to a solid foundation in a
large, non-cluttered area with solid footing.
Tie the lead rope (not reins) with a quick release knot, wither
height with one to two feet of slack.
If the lead rope is tied too long or too low, the horse may get a
leg caught over it, or if tied too high the horse may get the lead rope
wrapped around its neck. Establish a designated ‘space’ boundary for
your horse and immediately move him/her over or back a comfortable
distance if he/she infringes upon that ‘space’.
Submitted by: J. Liv Sandberg, UW-Extension Equine Specialist
Partners...
As a
Technical Assistant with the Easter Seals Farm Program, I feel very
encouraged that farmers who would ordinarily be forced to give up their
farming careers can, with modifications of a task process or equipment ,
continue to do what they love. My
husband and I farmed for over 20 years in Wisconsin, milking cows, cash
cropping and running a farrow - finish pig operation.
From experience, I know that it is hard work even if you are not
challenged physically. This
is why it is so important and satisfying to me to be part of this program.
While
I was a Farm Credit Advisor for the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture,
Trade and Consumer Protection, I was involved with helping farmers to find
solutions to their financial problems.
My work with the Farmers Hotline gave me a great deal of insight
into the issues our farmers are coping with every day both financially and
emotionally. Though I
was not introduced to farming until I met my husband, I came to admire the
independence, creativity, resilience and faith of the farming life.
When you love and care for the land, you believe it will provide,
and you look forward to the future with hope.
My
wish for the future of this program is that we will be able to help every
farmer to continue on their
farm and contribute in a way that is important to them.
I look forward to doing the best I can to make that happen.
Melba
Brown
Technical Assistant, Easter Seals Wisconsin
FARM Program
Don't Let Winter Slip You Up
Winter can be a
hazardous time of the year due to the ice and snow, but for people with
difficulty walking, this time of year can be extremely challenging.
Due to the demand for safer mobility during the cold season, numerous
companies created products to aid in stability on ice and snow.
One such product is the Ice
Breaker Stair Mat, which allows for effortless ice removal from any
stairs. Ice
removal is as simple as stepping on the mat and the ice easily breaking
apart to be swept away, leaving a clean step.
The Portable Snow
Melting Mat, which can be laid over sidewalks, driveways, walkways and
many other surfaces, provides a safe path during the winter months by
preventing accumulation of snow and ice.
Cane users may find this time of year to be especially stressful due
to the chance of the cane slipping. However,
an ice cane
attachment with a five point base of stainless steel that can be locked
into place when outside or turned up indoors allows the user confidence on
slippery surfaces due to the prongs’ gripping ability.
STABILicers™
is a product that easily attaches to shoes with Velcro fasteners and the
steel cleats provide nonslip traction on icy surfaces.
These are only a few of the products available for protection against
slips and falls during the winter season.
MADISON -
Working farm families and individuals have an opportunity to get away from the
daily grind this winter, thanks to a coalition of private and public agencies.
The Sowing
the Seeds of Hope coalition is sponsoring seven no-cost getaway weekends: four
for farm couples; two for farm women; and for the first time, one just for men.
“Participants
learn a variety of coping strategies, work on plans for the future and enjoy a
break from the demands of farming,” said Kathy Schmitt, community services
specialist with the Wisconsin Farm Center.
The Farm
Couple Weekend Getaways are limited to nine couples each and are scheduled for:
-
Rib Lake, Feb. 11-12, Camp 28 Resort
-
Black River Falls. March 11 - 12, Holiday Inn Express
The Farm
Women Weekend Getaways are limited to 15 women each and are scheduled for:
-
Black River Falls, March 11-12, location to be announced
The Farm
Men Weekend Getaway is limited to 20 men:
-
Wausau, Feb. 11-12, Stoney Creek Inn
There are
no costs while attending the weekend but registration is required, first come
first served. Farmers may be eligible for some financial assistance to
offset the cost of labor or childcare while away.
To
register or for more information, contact Kathy Schmitt, Wisconsin Farm Center
at 800-942-2474 or Mary Bub, women’s getaways, at 262-723-4156. Sowing
the Seeds of Hope is supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services - SAMHSA, with assistance from state partners.
Submitted by: