draft horse pulling record draft horse pulling record

Florida Draft Horse Association and Pulling Information We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Lets watch a pull and break down what youre seeing: This team in Orangeville, Ontario, Canada, pull an astounding 18,000 pounds. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Their expression is one of intelligence and keen awareness. Amazing Horse Facts is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Standing at 20hh, 2 inches tall, Big Jake has held this record since 2010. They set many new records during their stay in Michigan, but just having that big a team in 1943 was a sight in itself. There are a number of different breeds, with varying characteristics but all share common traits of strength, patience and a docile temperament which made them indispensable to generations of pre-industrial farmers. Teams get two chances to pull the load per hook. With this device, a set record of calculations were preserved across the country concerning how much a team of draft horses could pull and better breeding operations as well as harness designs were a result of the statistics. Horses with the ability to pull heavy loads for sustained periods were coveted. But outside of the arena? Horses affected with this disorder are not able to metabolize starches and sugar. Tecovas recently added a bunch of awesome apparel to their markdowns list, like the best-sellingBrushed Cotton-Pearl Snap. But just like in any sport, you always have people willing to act unethically and cheat to win. of weight. Symptoms include trembling of the rear when flexed, shaking of the tail when raised, having difficulty backing up, and muscle atrophy. This will prevent further muscle weakness. From 1900 through 1911 around 6,700 Shires were registered, with approximately 80% being native bred. A team of 2 Belgian draft horses pull a long and heavy log Robert Piessens 245K subscribers Subscribe 187K views 2 years ago In the forrests around the monastery of the Trappist Fathers in. The load was pulled 66 inches over dry clay by a pair of Belgiums. Michigan Agricultural College (now M.S.U.) 1971 St. Joseph Fair Harold Gilbert, Shelbina, MO, B. Lightweight team under 3,200 lbs. If you have two of them, you will be able to transport up to 16, 000 lbs. A horse can generally pull up to 2-3 times its weight when out for a pleasure drive. Their back is short and their shoulders are more upright, which makes their shape and movement well-suited for pulling. Capable of pulling up to 15 times their body weight, draft horses range from 16 to 19 hands (163 to 193 cm) in height and from 1,400 to 2,000 lb (640 to 910 kg) in weight. That same year, a single Shire pulled 58,000 pounds, a truly astounding feat. Called a roan, its where there are white hairs between the principal color of the coat. HARRISBURG Four Westmoreland County brothers who drive draft horses for hours each day won the 103rd Pennsylvania Farm Show heavyweight horse pulling contest on Tuesday. Their weight can range from 1,800 to 2,400 pounds (800 to 1,100 kilograms), with mares usually lighter than stallions. NOTICE: If you were a member of the website and you didnt get the email of how to access the new results pagesplease let us know by filling out the form on the contact page. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. A typical load at an average pull is in the neighborhood of 5000 pounds. Two years later, another pair of Belgians at the National Western Stock Show hauled a staggering 17,000 pounds. Eastern Ontario Draft Horse Pulling Assn. The horses rate of metabolism needs to be taken into consideration.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'amazinghorsefacts_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_11',637,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-amazinghorsefacts_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); In addition to energy, they also require plenty of protein and essential minerals and vitamins. If the team does not complete the pull this time, they are unhooked and given the option to come back at the end of the round and try one more time. Search for a pull or date 2. Learn Their Sleeping Habits. Teamsters have arms the size of tree trunks from trying to hold these horses back. You will receive a link to create a new password via email. From the Studio of Farmhouse Creative. Looking at the posture of the horses, you can tell that the animals are clearly exhausted and almost being maxed out because they have been pushed to their limits. With their beautiful smooth skin covering their rippling muscles, they are the most powerful of all the draft horse breeds. Only. I call that the 1:1 Rule (1,000-pound animal : 1,000-pound load = 1:1) Researches suggest that the protein that causes allergy is missing from the coat of this horse. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. The Dutch draft horse weighs between 1,700 and 2,200 pounds. There are many examples of Belgian Drafts pulling impressive weights on the record. Draft horse breeds have a stocky build with well-muscled bodies and legs. They are favored among children for their gentle demeanor. When the loads increase in weight, however, the boat is reset at the end of the runway after each draw and teams will all pull in the same direction (this rule may change from location to location.) Do you know how many tries they have to move a weight? We earn from qualifying purchases. Glenbow Archives via Wikimedia, Massive farm equipment? If you have a pull to schedule, please send that information as soon as possible. Draft horses can pull three times their body weight, as they have been bred specifically for their pulling abilities. No problem! Maine Draft Horse & Ox Association. Draft horses are tall, with heavy bones and plenty of muscle. Heavier horses from northern Europe were brought to England in the 15th and 16th centuries and bred with smaller English horses in order to produce an animal strong enough to handle carrying a knight in a full suit of armor. One single draft horse can pull about 8000 lbs. The original stock for the Belgian was called Brabant, and until the 1940s the Brabant and the Belgian were much in the same. . To put that in perspective, that is about the weight of 30 pick-up trucks! When it comes to pulling a load, there are several things that play a role in influencing how much weight a horse can handle. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Lightweights are typically under 3000 pounds of combined weight, and heavyweights are over. Just like skilled athletes wear special shoes to improve their performance, horses do wear shoes as well. Here are ten fascinating facts about the Belgian Draft Horse! Check out this video of two draft horses pulling 12, 000 lbs. Huge loads may be pulled by draft horses because of their large muscles and weight. Only. Draft horses are bred to pull and they train for years before being hooked to a sled in competition. The Clydesdale horse breed, are they too big to ride? Belgian Drafts have set numerous world records throughout the breeds history, and they dont fail to amaze us today. As the most popular draft breed in America, Belgians are loved for their calm dispositions and ability to haul heavy loads. Draft breeds range from approximately 16 to 19 hands (64 to 76 inches; 163 to 193 cm) high and from 1,400 to 2,000 lb (640 to 910 kg). The horses compete by size, and all are required . The Largest selection of Horsepulling results on the Internet. A draft horse makes easy work of this vehicle on the Isle of Man. A lack of protein will cause your horses skin to be very fragile and blister at the pressure points. If the cart is too heavy, avoid pushing the animal to walk or run too fast. This cross of breeds produced foals that were larger and stronger than the local stock. The second meeting was held on February 4, 1941, to establish bylaws. Manage Settings They are also commonly used for crossbreeding, especially to light riding breeds such as the Thoroughbred for the purpose of creating sport horses. Your horse can also form painful ulcers in his mouth and tongue, as well as a soughing of the hooves. The horses -- weighing a combined. Originally from France, the Percheron breed is known for their beauty and incredible power. DEERFIELD, N.H. -- Two hefty Belgian work horses owned by a Maine lumberman broke the world's horse-pulling record at the 105-year-old Deerfield Fair. With the ability to pull large loads, horses have helped shape the world as we know it. When it comes to pulling a large amount of weight, it is better done together. The teamster is aided by two evener men (also affectionately called hookers) who are responsible for carrying the evener bar (the metal bar that attached the horses to the load) and hooking to the boat. Horse pulling is a draft horse competition where horses in harness, usually one or two animals, pull a stone-boat or weighted sled and the winner is the team or animal that can pull the most weight for a short distance.. They are also sweet-tempered and have a natural willingness to learn, making them well-suited to a wide range of pursuits. This neuromuscular disease affects the hindquarters of horses and is most common in draft breeds. A dynamometer is a machine specifically designed to test the maximum pulling power of a team of horses. While Belgians are still used for forestry and farm work today, they have become popular in various equestrian disciplines. Horse Pulling schedule from across the country. A horse can usually pull 1/10 of its body weight in dead weight. The strength involved in this is hard to imagine. With the enthusiasm of pulling contests drawing many spectators the men "pulling horses" decided to form a state-wide organization of "horse pullers". The Belgian Draft Horse is the largest breed of horse in the world. of weight. The officers for that first year were Dan Arnold, of Plainwell, President; Clare McLean, of St. Louis, Vice President; and Lloyd Bacon of Mulliken, as third officer of a three-director leadership team. Speaking of carts and wagons, a mature, healthy horse traveling over a long distance can pull up to one and a half times their body weight. Sustainable Farmers See Promise in New Financing Options, 7 Smokable Plants You Can Grow That Arent Marijuana, Meet the Modern Graziers Who Broke Into Regenerative Agriculture, No Farmland Required. Lost your password? An average Belgian can pull up to 8,000 pounds (3628.7 kg) of load, which is over twice their weight. A working draft horse would traditionally be given the majority of its calories in the morning and afternoon. They can range anywhere between 16-18 hands and weigh between 1,800-2,400 pounds. There were some pulls that we repeatedly tried to get results without success, but have high hopes for obtaining those in 2022. Shire horse The Shire, a breed of draft horse from England, is among the tallest, largest, heaviest and strongest breeds in the world, with stallions usually measuring around 17.2 hands (178cm, 70in) at the withers. The hooves are of medium size despite the largeness of the breed. A single draft horse has the ability to draw up to 15 times its own body weight in one go. Successful teams continue to the next round, where they attempt to pull more substantial weight. The chair shall make recommendations to the . the American Association of Importers and Breeders of Belgian Draft Horses was, 17,000 pounds (7,700 kg) a distance of 7ft 2 (2.18 m), 14,600 pounds (6,690 kg) a distance of 15ft 4.6 m), 50 pounds (22.7 kg) of forage a day. Initially, at low weights early in a contest, teams take turns pulling the load back and forth across the track as long as space permits. If we get a full address to the pull, there should be a Google MAP to help you get to the pull. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Factors Determining How Much Weight a Draft Horse Can Pull. It was especially vital in the pre-industrial era because farmers reliance on draft horses to work their agricultural fields. Here are your need-to-know facts: How the pull works:Essentially, a draft pull is a contest to see who has the strongest team of pulling horsesteams typically compete in rounds following a draw order and weight is added at the end of each round. You will see beautiful colors such as bay roan, blue roan, and red roan. A dynamometer is a weight-resistant machine that ensures the same challenge for each team. Drivers can also voluntarily eliminate their team if they feel the weight is more than his team can handle or the horses have had enough for the day. Their personality is ideal for farm work or carriage work in the city. While the Brabant and Belgian are both great workers, the latter breed also has a talent for driving. Generally, competitive pulling teams are not used for actual farm work, but trained and fed carefully to stay well-muscled and limber. You would assume if one horse is capable of pulling 6,000 pounds, then an equal pair is able to pull 12,000 pounds. The dynamometer is a machine that adjusts the amount of weight resistance according to the strength of the team (if youve ever gone to a truck or tractor pull, youve likely seen a dynamometer in use.) Dutch Draft Now considered one of the rarest horse breeds in the world, the Dutch Draft Horse remains one of the biggest horse breeds known to man. Most animals that compete in pulling games are treated with care. Copyright 2022document.write(newDate().getFullYear()) Horse Pull Results. Admirers of this charming breed sometimes keep them as pets or pleasure riding/driving horses. Send $30 with your name and address to: Samantha Bolles The gene is recessive, meaning it takes one copy from each parent in order to be passed on. All Rights Reserved. Become a member of the Michigan Dynamometer Association Inc. and keep abreast of all the pulls! So if a team pulls short of the required distance and quits, the length is reset, and the team can continue to try again so long as the horses start the second attempt from a standstill. Ralph directed the actual running of the dynamometer machines at fairs and horse shows throughout Michigan. Draft horses and draft crossbreds are versatile breeds used today for a multitude of purposes, including farming, show, logging, recreation, and other uses. If a foal is affected at birth, they usually die within a few weeks. It is important to note that when you pair horses, you actually improve their load capacity and they are able to work more together. These horses originate from the Brabant region of central Belgium. For thousands of years, man has relied on horses to pull carriages, covered wagons, trees, military supplies, and farming equipment. To help the animal stay productive, make sure it takes short breaks to feed and drink throughout the journey. When Horses Pin Their Ears Back, What Are They Signaling? if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'amazinghorsefacts_com-leader-2','ezslot_16',635,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-amazinghorsefacts_com-leader-2-0'); Because the history of these horses was to act as farm machinery, they were traditionally fed homegrown grain and roughage. Am I being too generous, I dont think so. All Rights Reserved. As we mention in our biggest horse breeds guide, their versatility has made them popular work and carriage horses. A Clydesdale can pull between 2,000 and 8,000 pounds. Contestants who fail to pull the load are considered out of the competition, but driverscalled teamsterscan also choose to pull their team if they feel the weight is more than they can handle or that their horses have had enough for the day. The Belgian has influenced other breeds of draft horses, such as the Clydesdale, The Shire, and the Suffolk Punch.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'amazinghorsefacts_com-box-4','ezslot_9',630,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-amazinghorsefacts_com-box-4-0'); Over the centuries, the breeders of Belgians continued to produce heavy calvary horses that could easily adapt to the climate and richly soiled grounds. Dave Rossman Jonesville, Michigan (517) 202-4804, A. Lightweight team under 3,000 lbs. Vice President: Jack VanVoorst Ceresco, Michigan (219) 204-2888 A draft horse that exercises regularly will not have a hard time pulling a heavy load as a horse that exercises only once a month would. The importation of these horses to the United States began during the Second World War. Competitions arent restricted by breed, but the most common horses in the pulling contest are large draft breeds such as Belgians, Shires, Clydesdales, and Percherons. They can also labor 8 to 10 hours a day without growing tired. Some of the horses had never been used in a big . Especially horses, Ive been around them most of my life but I am always learning more and enjoy sharing with others. Although its home country nurtured the breed into existence, it was the United States that developed the Belgian into its modern form. Stress can amplify this problem, so much patience is required when handling horses who have shivers. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. If you need assistance in joining please contact me: jojo@horsepullresults.com. Want to become a sponsor of HorsePullResults.com? A compact body and short, wide legs give this horse its authoritative appearance. They are known for their arched necks, powerful hindquarters, sturdy builds, and well-muscled body. They would try to break the 2015 Guinness world record of 84 draft horses plowing simultaneously. A newborn foal already weighs around 125 pounds (56.7 kg), while a fully grown adult weighs over 2,000 pounds (900 kg) on average. The competition begins with the boat typically loaded with 1500 pounds, a comfortable weight to get the battle started. It is plain to see that Belgian Drafts resemble the mighty destriers of the Middle Ages. 1. Heavy drafts weigh 1, 700lbs. The Belgian draft horse or the Belgian horse is an equine breed originating in the Brabant region of the present-day Belgium. Its tall and massive stature makes it one of the strongest breeds of the world widely used for work also gaining immense popularity as riding and show horses. It is thought to be related to EPSM, as muscle damage can occur with exercise. This teamster is working hard to try to back his horses to the boat, though it takes him several attempts for a successful hook with his anticipatory team. Last week, a Uganda High Court terminated the case of involving South Sudanese students who took the university to . However, many breeds, including Arabians, can make wonderful pleasure driving horses. If no one team is able to perform a full pull on a weight, the winner is the team that has pulled the load the furthest. Roman Edmonds Lake City, Michigan (734) 915-8389 Throughout the 20s and early 30s, Harry Moxley used the results of the horse pulls to educate the breeders as to the type and confirmation that made a good draft horse. If youve ever gone to a truck or tractor pull competition, a dynamometer was likely used. Theres a whole world of horse breeds out there to explore! Draft horses were bred for big jobs, and the Shiregenerally considered the largest and heaviest of the bunchis no slouch in this department. 12 Beautiful White Horse Breeds (True & Fake White Identification), What are Friesian Horses Used For? They wanted 100 horses to get it done. We all know horses are powerful animals, capable of pulling heavy loads. Alongside the Belgian, other related horse breeds emerged from the country, such as the Ardennais and Dutch Draft. Learn More. According to the Guinness World Records, the 2-year-old Belgian stallion Mcllraths Captain Jim was bought for an eye-watering $112,500! Over a road, arena, or other smooth surfaces, your draft can be able to haul up to four times its body weight, pulling a cart or wagon. And finally check out this pair, hauling 12,500 pounds at the Darke County Fair: document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. What Is a Baby Horse Called? Best Western Riding Boots for Men & Women. If they are actively working or exercising, their appetite can be even bigger. This post may contain affiliate links. Today, the Belgian is the most popular draft horse breed in the United States, outnumbering all other heavy breeds put together! Whereas a small horse with a refined build, such as an Arabian, wont have the same strength as a much larger, stockier horse. If you are a puller or member and have a change of address, we need that information to keep the site up to date. The team is then line-driven to the boatat this stage in the contest, these big boys are getting pretty hot because they know theyre going to have to put their heart and soul into the load. TR Series rakes are pull-type, in-line hay rakes with single side delivery. One of the most elegant colors is a chestnut color with a white flaxen mane and tail, complete with a white stripe on the muzzle and four white feet, giving the horse socks. The draw at this contest looks like its set pretty short, perhaps due to the length of the arena (or the immense amount of weight.). Come out to the Houston County Fair at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 22, at the horse arena and ask the owner if you can visit with them. The calorie content of their diet will depend on the amount of activity that is asked of them.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'amazinghorsefacts_com-leader-3','ezslot_18',636,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-amazinghorsefacts_com-leader-3-0'); A draft horse that works at a slow walk will not need as much food as those working at a trot. This will help keep the animals legs and heart healthy so they dont get overworked. Luckily, the price of draft horses began to increase towards the end of the century, and so the breed recovered. To keep records of all the Belgian Draft Horses in the States, the American Association of Importers and Breeders of Belgian Draft Horses was founded in 1887. Draft horses pull a Dynamometer, a heavy sled that is calibrated to exert a load equal to pulling the equivalent of a 16-bottom plow at a depth of 6 inches, Hatfield said. Teams are trying to achieve a full pull in each roundindividual associations can set their own distance for what is considered a full pull and could be anywhere from 18-26. A pair of Belgian and Percheron horses weighing 3,600 pounds (1,600kg) pulled 14,600 pounds (6,690 kg) a distance of 15ft 4.6 m). We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The interesting fact is that when two horses pull a load together, they don't just pull 16,000 pounds combined. A single draft horse can pull a load up to 8,000 pounds. Submitted This pair of Belgian draft horses work together as a team. Keystone international Draft Horse Show Percheron Team tiffany ramsey 4.4K views 12 years ago 2021 Walton,NY Heavyweight horse pull Horse Power 13K views 1 year ago The Big Hitch Brent. 1990 Hillsdale County Fair Benham Brothers, Osgood, IN Percherons are less common but also seen in the United States. Still, thats some impressive pulling power. Now its Making it Harder to GrowFood. Your email address will not be published. Researchers studied the effects of rapid weight loss on horses and found no adverse long term effects. They dont move as fast as the lighter riding breeds but they are much more powerful. But given that there are different types of draft horses, all with different weights and heights, it would be wrong to assume that all drafts will pull the same amount of weight. Some sources still use Belgian and Brabant interchangeably, however, this is incorrect. If the weight is in a wheeled cart, the horse can pull 1.5 times its body weight over long distances. These amazingly strong animals can pull 8,000 pounds. Part of the reason why Belgian Drafts grow so heavy is their above-average height. The males average height is about five-foot-seven and they weigh in at about 1,800 pounds, but they can get even bigger. Since the early days of the breed, Belgian Drafts have been bred for agricultural and industrial work. Even so, the most expensive draft horse ever purchased turned out to be a Belgian Draft. Driven by Charlie Brown, 43, the youngest of the four brothers, the. However, over a short span of time, horses can pull significantly more dead weight. 4. The reason an owner would limit its water is so the animal could compete in a lighter class than its standard weight class. Harvested forage would have included alfalfa, timothy, or grass-alfalfa mixture. The animal should get enough rest after work too. Morgans, Hackneys, Arabians, Dutch Harness Horses, Welsh Ponies and even Miniature Horses are among the many breeds that make wonderful carriage driving horses. Also, make sure the horse is taking breaks to feed and drink water. Required fields are marked *. For example, a 2,000-pound horse can pull a 200-pound fallen log out of the way. In this case, the horse may even be able to run at a speed of up to twenty-two mph. The breed originated in the lowlands of eastern England, mainly in Lincolnshire, Warwickshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, and Cambridgeshire. To this day, the European Belgian, or Brabant, is considerably bigger than the American Belgian. This is a hereditary disease that is known among Belgian Draft Horses. There are many breeds of horses that are categorized as draft horses. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Similar to other draft horse breeds, the mechanization of agriculture and transport took a toll on the Belgian Draft. This beautiful horse will be well worth your money in the amount of work and companionship it can offer. The Maine Draft Horse & Ox Association is a Non- Profit Organization A heavyweight horse pulls starts at . 12 Horse Coat Colors: Patterns, Genetics, and Pictures. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland via Wikimedia, Street tram? Lost your password? Teams from al over the Midwest, New England and Canada have at one time or another come to Michigan to try their luck at outdoing the Michigan pullers. These wonderful horses are increasingly popular in the United States, and not just as a workhorse, but also as a riding horse and pet. can actually be able to pull up to 20, 000 lbs. In 2012, a pair of Belgian draft horses broke the world-famous Calgary Stampede's Heavy Horse Pull record by pulling a deadweight of 13,400 pounds. What horse has pulled the most weight? I wondered what the horses pull, so I did some research to find out. For some horses, shoes with slip protection and studs help them with traction while hauling large loads. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Between 1980 and 1985, the Belgian Draft reached its all-time high with an average of 4,000 registrations. Keep reading to find out which horse breeds are the strongest, world record weights pulled by a horse, and what factors determine how much a horse can pull. The appointing authority fills a vacancy for a full 2-year term and may remove a commission member for cause, which includes poor attendance. A starting load is determined at a weight most teams are expected to be able to pull. PO Box 2067, Cedar Rapids IA 52406-2067 Phone: 319-362-3027 Fax: 319-362-3046 E-Mail: rabbits, or equestrian horses that have short, Medium or long hair. The teamster shouts encouragement to his team until the whistle blows, signaling a full pull. On another occasion, in 1948, a special national pulling contest was held after the fair season in Hillsdale, Michigan. Here is a video of a strong horse pulling a car out of a ditch: Strongest Horse Breeds However, Belgian Drafts are surprisingly economical to keep and dont require much grain and supplements to put on weight. In other words, when pulling dead weight, a draft horse will pull much less weight than when pulling a wagon. Also Read: How Much Weight Can a Horse Pull? If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Shires are still popular in England, and Clydesdales are from Scotland, and Percherons came from France. Draft breeds are commonly used, but here are also competitions for ponies, where they pull . Learn how your comment data is processed. It is also important to regularly exercise the horse so it can stay physically fit and be able to undertake heavy tasks more easily. May 23, 2018. horseracingsense.com. Generally, competitive pulling teams are not used for farm work but trained and fed exclusively for competitions. Belgian Drafts are undoubtedly one of the heaviest equines on the planet. The Dutch draft horse has a short, heavy-muscled neck. They are naturally curious about the world around them and eager to learn.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'amazinghorsefacts_com-leader-4','ezslot_19',634,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-amazinghorsefacts_com-leader-4-0'); Belgians are well suited to various jobs, whether its trail riding, parades, working, or simply being a friend.