Sep 16, 2010 — It's harvest season, and while most farmers dream of the latest and best farm equipment available, there are some that prefer a slower way of doing things. Even outside the Amish community there are farmers who work their land using old-fashioned techniques and tools. They favor the sounds of huge hooves plodding across the fields. This weekend, draft horses will take center stage at Plow Days at the Siebels Farm in Fowler. Todd Moe stopped by the Liston and Susan Willard farm recently to talk with three farmers who still use real horse power.  Go to full article

Ray Brook, NY, Apr 27, 2010 — The budget crisis in Albany is threatening to derail yet another major upstate New York tourist draw.

Already this year, Governor David Paterson raised the possibility of cutting all funding for the Olympic Regional Development Authority in Lake Placid and shutting down state campgrounds.

Now the state's political gridlock could force horseracing officials to cancel or scale back this year's summer meet at the track in Saratoga Springs.

Even the sport's biggest fans say New York's thoroughbred industry is in serious trouble.

As Brian Mann reports, some of that pain is being felt here in the North Country.  Go to full article

Jul 27, 2009 — Rural communities have a long tradition of fairs and special events. But volunteer fatigue hit the village of Kars, Ontario, this summer: no July fair, no parade, and no demolition derby. All was not lost, however. Lucy Martin found plenty to enjoy at a real dog and pony show.  Go to full article

Sep 09, 2008 — All this week we're telling stories about horses and horse-racing, a sport which for decades has been part of North Country culture. Today, Brian Mann sends this audio postcard from the harness track in Saratoga. That's where he met Scott Hamilton, who travels the North Country every year starting trotter races at county fairs.  Go to full article

Aug 17, 2007 — One of the most iconic sounds in the North Country is the "Call to the Post" at the Saratoga Horse track. It turns out that for the last fifteen years, one guy has been blowing that little tune. He's today's Heard Up North. Note: Sam prefers not to use his last name. He lives on Long Island and plays in a rock and roll band in his spare time.  Go to full article

Apr 11, 2007 — A state panel began two days of public hearings to determine who should get the state's lucrative horse racing franchise when the New York Racing Association's contract expires at the end of the year. Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article

Sep 24, 2004 — Autumn is generally a time for football and maybe some last rounds of golf before the snow flies. In Keene, this is also the season for polo. The polo team sponsored by the Barkeater Inn hosted its third annual United Way fundraiser last Sunday, edging out riders from Saratoga Springs. Brian Mann was on the sidelines on a perfect fall day. He sends this audio postcard.  Go to full article

Jun 04, 2004 — Rising populations of the coming eastern tent caterpillar this year may be a danger to horses and cows in the North Country. Steve Van Der Mark is the point person on this year's tent caterpillar outbreak for St. Lawrence County's Cooperative Extension Service. He says researchers in Kentucky and now New York are looking at unexplained abortions among grazing animals.  Go to full article

Jul 07, 2003 — For two weeks every summer, Lake Placid's top athletes run and jump on four legs. The I Love New York Horse Show wrapped up over the weekend. The annual competition offers locals a chance to see some of the world's most beautiful horses - and to watch some of the world's most graceful riders. Brian Mann sends this audio postcard.  Go to full article