Draft Animal Powered Logging/Forestry

Want to become a draft animal powered logger? Draft powered forestry can be a fulfilling and profitable full-time business or a way to diversify your farming operations. Come learn how professionals run their operations.

The morning portion of this workshop will demonstrate the equipment used and some of the techniques for harvest and log handling. In the afternoon, there will be time for the demonstrators to talk about the inner working of their business. This workshop is designed for participants to learn specifically about the business of draft animal-powered forestry. The teamster presenters will be working their own horses and oxen; participants will be interacting through conversation and observation and will not be driving the animals. Come join Jared Woodcock, Dave Gibaldi, John Smolinsky, and Derek O’Toole and Tom Jenkins and they share their knowledge and experience. This workshop will also feature, horses, mules, and oxen!

Intro to Working Draft Animals for Beginning Teamsters

This all-day workshop will have a few new tricks this time. Spend half the day learning about working with horses, and half the day with Oxen. This class is designed for the true beginner who is curious about the all the different types of animals and how they are worked. For young and old alike; we will be getting everyone’s hands on the animals and answering lots of questions. Learn everything from what makes Oxen go, to how to harness a horse. Some of the presenters will be Donn Hewes, Tyler Allen, Michael Glos, Ray Ramsey, Bill West, Ivy Pagliari, and Dave & Samantha Gibaldi.

Training Working Horses

This session will utilize the unique setting of Shelburne Farms to work with participants who are interested in exploring and improving the relationships and working outcomes they build with draft horses. Participants will be able to bring their own horses to the Friday session and work in unison with the training teamsters, addressing a variety of topics, challenges, and rewards. Those who do not bring their own animals will be equally engaged, as they have the chance to work with horses that participants have brought, as well as with other horses young and old, owned and worked by the training teamsters. This intensive will be interactive, hands-on, and challenging, as we strive to create the most effective teamster/animal relationships. Teamsters of all ages and abilities are encouraged to attend. Training teamsters will be Chad Vogel, Reva Seybolt, and Brad Johnson.