In a time of record high unemployment, there is one segment of our country’s work force that does not worry about job security. Nor are they concerned about out-sourcing or the loss of benefits and diminished salaries. These dedicated workers who have never filled out an employment application, composed a resume, or taken a career development course, are on the job every morning, bright and early. Rain or shine, they lean into the harness and willingly display a work ethic that would impress even Horatio Alger.
When Mike told us Dirty Jobs was filming on Mackinac Island, I took out a map. When he exclaimed over the breathtaking beauty of the island, I added it to our list of places to visit someday. But when he mentioned that there were over 600 horses on the six-square-mile island in Michigan, I started packing.
I’m one of those adults who has never outgrown her childhood passion for horses. People are drawn to Dirty Jobs for a variety of reasons, but for me, the most gratifying episodes are those involving horses. Mike gives me a ‘heads-up’ before they air.
“Be sure to watch tonight’s show, Mom,” he‘ll say. “It’s a horsy story for my horsy mother.”
In the segment filmed at the Babcock Quarter Horse Ranch in Texas, Mike worked as apprentice to a veterinarian. She was not only accomplished in her job; she helped Mike to appear almost competent as he collected semen from a champion stallion, then inseminated a mare.
When our son worked with a farrier in Ohio, learning how to shoe a horse, his father observed, “he looks like he knows what he’s doing — like he’s been around horses all his life.”
I knew better. Our oldest son has had a long history of avoiding horses.
Like most parents, I wanted to share my passion with our children, so for Mike’s seventh Christmas, I fulfilled my childhood dream and found him an ideal pony — a Shetland-Welsh cross. She would be perfect for our younger sons later on when Mike moved on to a horse. Right…
Too excited to sleep that Christmas morning, I rose early and rushed through the wintry Baltimore air to our brand new stable. I ran a brush over the bay mare’s thick coat, tied a red bow in her forelock, and left her munching hay in the paddock.
My eyes were misty as John and I led our oldest son to the kitchen window and pulled back the curtain.
“Merry Christmas, Michael,” I said with a catch in my voice. “Your very own pony.”
He watched the mare silently for a moment as she ate, steamy puffs of air floating from her nostrils. He was obviously overcome with emotion; I understood.
“Gee, thanks,” he finally mumbled, with all the fervor of a rambunctious young boy who had just received his very own set of knitting needles and a hank of yarn. Sadly, our son’s enthusiasm for horses never quite reached the fevered pitch it did at the window that Christmas morning. He has spent more time with horses on Dirty Jobs than he ever did at home.
Our trip to Mackinac Island was enlightening and thoroughly enjoyable — not just because of the quaint atmosphere, and not just because of the friendly inhabitants and mouthwatering fudge. Mackinac Island has the largest concentration of working horses in the world.
It was touching to watch the powerful draft breeds — mainly Belgians, Clydesdales, and Percherons — as they went about their jobs. From sun-up to sun-down, the hard-working horses are on the paved streets, pulling the drays that off-load freight from the ferries, delivering supplies to businesses, and hauling garbage and other waste. As I watched these big, steady horses getting the job done, I realized that they are the heart and soul of the island. Since the prohibition of motorized vehicles in 1898, life here would be virtually impossible without these service animals.
There are other horses on the island as well: high-stepping carriage horses, saddle horses, and mixed breeds used for taxi service and carriage tours. Enough to keep an army of road sweepers busy, as Mike and the Dirty Jobs crew could attest to. In large, horses are responsible for the old world atmosphere of the village. We stayed in a hotel in the heart of town, where the clip clop of hooves on the street below greeted us in the morning, and lulled us to sleep at night.
It was gratifying to see the respect shown these workers, and the value placed on their service. Numerous watering stations serve thirsty animals throughout the town, and fly spray is used liberally to keep them comfortable on hot summer days. Tourists are reminded that the horses are not pets, and discouraged from giving treats and petting them.
Without exception, these hard-working animals appeared healthy and well cared for. At the end of their daily shift, they relax in a paddock. They all benefit from an efficient health care plan. Veterinarians and farriers are at their beck and call, and when the season ends, the horses are ferried to the mainland for several months of R&R.
Approximately thirty horses remain on the island during the winter months to provide taxi and dray service for the 500 residents.
To be certain, there is no 401K or gold watch in the future of this work force — just the satisfaction of a job well done.
9 Comments
From an ex-equestrian to an equine enthusiast, thank you Mrs. Rowe for a lovely piece.
In our modern world we forget horses carried the explorers, pulled the caissons, and plowed the earth to help make our society what it is today.
There is a quiet peace in a horses’s eye when they are well cared for, both physically and mentally. When they happily nibble some Captain Crunch cereal from your hand and then stand relaxed with one foot cocked as you forget your troubles with gentle sweeps of curry comb and dandy brush.
As greedy as we can be sometimes, poor Ferdinand, there’s a different kind of wealth accumulated when horse and human share in some honest labor with honest results. We’re all better off for recognizing horses and their contributions, past present and future.
Thank you.
I remember harnessing the little Shetland to the pony cart at my cousin’s. I loved the smell of the leather, the shiny black of the carriage and the large red wheels. She could pull three of us easily through the town, the long reins directing her left or right. The rest of us would run behind her, pretending we were carriage dogs.
We would have to cover her eyes to get her over the bridge though. The rushing creek water scared her. And we would all get out, going up the steep hill beyond and push. She was a companion, not a work animal, and we didn’t want to tire her.
Good article,
Thanks Mrs. Rowe.
Mrs. Rowe, your son may have not been fond of four legged horse power, but he has been a fantastic spokesman for Detroit built Ford Tough horsepower. in Michigan, we love hard work, steel toed boots and guys not afraid to get dirty, keep up the great work.
Thankyou, Mrs. Rowe-you are a horsewoman after my own heart! I train horses and run a small exotic animal farm in Washington State. I’m originally from Wisconsin, so have heard many stories about Mackinac Island. Mike reminds me of my little brother that I sadly lost 15 years ago. I never could get that kid on a horse! I hope you get Mike to go riding with you some day. He doesn’t know what he’s missing. Horses are a lot of work, but it is much more than that. Real work,with horses or anything else, brings not only dirt, but a lot of joy!
Ms. Rowe:
I was a carriage driver in Chicago for 18 years. Yeah, hard work. Well worth it. Hated the people, loved the horses. I rode, competed, trained, worked at a Thoroughbred farm to pay for lessons…. Grew up a stone cold city girl. Guess it was in the blood. No future though, my skills are obsolete. No one wants to do the job with integrity anymore.
Anyway, I’m 42. I went back to school to become an electrician, welder and machinist. Graduate in May. I love working hard.
Thanks, Terry “The ex-Carriage Fairy”
Thank you so much for this wonderful article. I’ve loved reading it, and am now poking at my husband for an eventual visit to Mackinac Island. Horses used to be the backbone of the workforce, and it’s great to hear about a place that they still are. I have yet to see that particular episode as well, and go off to search for dvd recording. Let us know if you ever visit ky, the horse parks here are lovely.
Mrs. Rowe,
Like Mike I too have not too much time to be around horses, learned from an early experience in life where the horse wanted me off, but not nearly as much as I wanted me off. I was just too afraid to let go. They are a beautiful and magnificent creature of God’s making and I appreciated your story. God bless you for you and your son who makes our week more interesting and joyful.
“The wind of heaven is that which blows between a horse’s ears.” Arabian Proverb
Dear Peggy,
What a beautiful article you wrote. Thank you for sharing. I’m looking into taking a trip there now to see for myself. I also love how you gave Michael a pony. Your a thoughtful, giving mother like myself.
Currently, I work with horses and children at a handicapped riding center in NJ. It is the most rewarding job in the world. As a single mom raising a gracious 7 year old daughter, I left my career as a dancer on Broadway to raise her proper. Yes, from T-straps to work boots I wouldn’t change a thing! I want to show my daughter all the wonder and magic the world can hold. I give to her my time, my love of horses, dancing, family, children, books, music and laughter. The success and peace I have comes from what I give back and what I teach her, regardless of my degree’s or how much my paychecks read. Life experience is the ultimate degree. A chance to learn something new everyday!
As I read your words, I thought what a beautiful person I’m sure you are. As our children are amazing products of ourselves. That’s how I know I’m doing good. All I have to do is look at how Hanna is turning out so amazing. She makes me laugh everyday. Your son makes me laugh too. Fortunate, we have such unique children. Being near them is almost spiritual. Yes, I noticed this about Mike.
Did I mention I am a great cook. Oh and I love to clean and keep house. I adore traveling and can mix and mingle with anyone. I am honest, respectful, decent, fun loving and not bad on the eyes, if I do say so myself. It just now crossed my mind, I’m a lot like Michael!! I must be the perfect future wife for your whitty, amazing son… wink nudge! As I see it, I’m the only one cut out for the “job!” Just an idea! =)
Anywho, I loved your article and can’t wait to see more from you. Please have a happy and safe summer and all my love and squeezes to you and yours.
Always
Heidi