How to Plow

Plowing is not an easy task especially if you're a novice. It really can be considered an art form. If you're new at it, you may want to hide behind a barn or garage and practice. Before you set out, consider the team, equipment and ground that needs to be plowed. Once you know how to harness, hitch and drive, practice will make perfect.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Choose quiet and well-mannered horses. They must listen to your stop and turn commands, while walking slowly. At the same time, they need to pull steadily without jumping or balking.
2. Hitch the horses to the plow. Have them stand so their traces are taut. Make a knot in your lines and place them over your left shoulder and across your neck. Then, slip them under your right arm. This position will prevent you from being dragged by your team.
3. Scrub the rust off your plow. If there's a build up on your equipment, it won't pull or guide correctly. Use a wire wheel, brick or auto body grinder.
4. Lay out your plot. 50 feet wide by 100 feet long is a good size for beginners. Drive a stake into the ground at the center of the plot, 25 feet from both ends. Make sure it's visible from a distance. This will give you a reference point, helping you plow in a straight line.
5. Start plowing at one end of the field. Aim for the stake and walk slowly. Lift the handles up to get the plow to go into the ground. To steer right, raise the right handle. To head to the left, lift the handle on that side.
6. Turn your team around. When you get to the end of the field, tip the plow to the right to begin the second row. Let the plow ride on the plowshare and the right handle. Turn your horses around and make a large circle. Start plowing the next row.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your plow out of the elements when not in use. Grease or oil the jointer and mold board to protect them from rust.
• Make sure the handles on your plow don't have any cracks. Replace them if they're not in good shape. Inspect the beam, too, if it's made of wood.
• Adjust the length of your lines while you plow to keep them from getting too loose or too tight.
• As you plow, the equipment will suffer from the friction of the dirt. At the end of each row, scrape off the built-up dirt.