THE BEGINNING
Our search for land to raise livestock and work our horses started back in 2008. In 2013 our farm was purchased and infrastructure of a pole barn and fencing was established to create a sustainable working farm. The goal to power our farm with authentic horsepower was set in motion. Horse-powered equipment was purchased, rebuilt, then incorporated into the day to day chores on the farm.
MEETING THE TEAM
BARRY WITZER
Living the dream of being a member of the team. Barry has had the dream of driving his black draft horses since he was ten years old. Now having the opportunity to do so since moving to Pipersville, Sweetwater Farm is that dream that became a reality.
REX AND ROCKY
Rex and Rocky are Percherons, a breed of horse named for the French town of La Perche, where they were first bred. The Percheron were the most popular draft horse that worked the American farm up until the 1940’s. They were very popular in both the agricultural development and industrial development of our country. Being the UPS of their day, taking loads off the trains and dispersing goods and packages through towns and cities.
Rex and Rocky each weigh approximately 1,700 lbs. and they have a combined towing capacity of up to 6,000 lbs in a wagon on a hard surface. Both stand a respectable 17 hands high, towering over your average riding horse. Rex is our gregarious gelding who enjoys his ears being rubbed with a pleasant disposition. Rocky, standing slightly taller then Rex, has the solid disposition of all work and no play. These two are the driving force behind the operations here at the farm and provide not only the draft power to get things done but also their peaceful presence in the fields.