Greetings

Hi there,

I have been through the question of how to get into the business of working with draft animals, and though I am by no means an expert on what is the right course of action (being a newbie myself), I can tell you what I decided to do and not do.

I did consider school. There are two schools that I know of that have draft horses and oxen on campus: Sterling College in Vermont and Green Mountain College (also in Vermont!). Being private schools, they were too expensive (and perhaps exclusive, though that may not be the right word) for me. But if you really want to work to get scholarship money they might work out for you.

There are also many workshops available. Most are shorter affairs (a few days) but some may be longer. I did not investigate them much but I have been assured by some that this is one of the best ways to get started and get a feeling for the craft. A google search for “draft horse workshop” might turn up some good results.

I decided to go with internships as a way of getting training. There is a great listing on the website of the magazine Rural Heritage (http://www.ruralheritage.com/apprenticeship/index.htm), which is where I found the people that I will be working for this summer and fall. There are obviously things to consider when looking at different farms, and there is the issue of your learning style–whether you like to learn mostly hands on or in a more formal way.

Good luck finding what works. I hope this wasn’t too boring or long-winded.

Great aspirations, Sam! Allow me to suggest that you check into classes at Tillers International near Kalamazoo, MI. You may also look into apprenticing and into internships. Both Tillers and Howell Living History Farm in New Jersey offer internship programs.

Sam,

I would suggest apprenticeship to whatever farm you find that turns you on.

I offer two apprenticeships just during the growing season right now and am full up, but consider us down the road. I get a lot of applicants but I am partial to anyone who is really serious about a future in farming.

In general, apprenticeship offers you an understanding of draft power applied in a dynamic, real-world situation where people are trying to make a living. As such the skills you acquire may be directly applicable to your future when you will also be figuring out how to make a living.

Prior to your apprenticeship I would also suggest, as Hal and Vicki did, an intensive workshop. This costs money but a good start in the field is worth every penny. I have heard good things about Tillers and here in Vermont, fairwinds farm offers excellent workshops.

Hi Sam. I’m from southwest WI too. Near Viroqua. There are a lot of people with draft horses in this area and many Amish too. You should have no problem. PM me and I can set you up with someone maybe.