Religion
In reply to the discussion: The Amish Keep to Themselves. And They're Hiding a Horrifying Secret [View all]Same here. We have one of the largest Amish populations in the country here in this part of KY. You have some that are kind to their animals, and some that abuse them, treat them as tools until they wear out. A large percentage of establishments have hitching posts. Most of them have been chewed like crazy, and when you see horses tied there, they are usually underweight and no shine to their coats or in their eyes. I've seen buggies being driven up steep hills in 95 degree heat. I know at least one person who pulled over to stop an Amish man once that had his buggy packed with the whole family. He was beating the horse because it had just collapsed in the summer heat.
Most of the horses are Standardbreds (known for sulky racing on the track). They are always the required dark color with few markings, and are trotting machines. There are several farms in the area that raise them specifically for the Amish market.
The women and children are often out shopping, and are always so quiet and shy.
Then there are others, like the gentleman that owns the sawmill where I get my cedar fence posts and mulch. In the summer, when I go there, his boys are helping him feed boards through the saws. A few of the young ones are driving a little cart around with a fat little pony pulling. My favorite is the little girl, probably 5 or so, who throws her bonnet off, and plays barefoot in the sawdust. She always laughs and waves. The ones in the cart are more than happy to tell you all about their pony (Dusty).
Sawmills seem to be the main business (and mostly owned by people named Miller!). Large logging operations. I'm concerned because the retired phamacist who borders us on two sides, sold his 300 acres to an Amish logger last year. No action yet, but if I get a chunk of money, I'd like to talk to him about buying some of the land right next to us.
I have met several men who are former Amish, and left. They don't want to talk about it.
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