Animal Power Forestry Course

[Tracey]

MOFGA is offering an introduction to Low Impact Forestry November 20-23 in Unity Maine. During the Low Impact Forestry workshop participants have the opportunity to work with horses and oxen with close guidance/instruction from experienced teamsters and drovers. It’s a great way for folks to broaden and deepen their understanding of draft animal power and of wood lot management. http://www.mofgastore.org/product.sc?productId=58&categoryId=5

[Brad Johnson]

This is a super intro to working with animals and small machinery in the woods. I started as a student in this program in 2000 and have been teaching there since. The instructors are great teachers and students bring all sorts of interests and experiences. And, you won’t find a more affordable workshop given what you learn and the incredible food!
-Brad

[Goranson Farm]

hi brad,

is it possible to bring my own team or single horse?

[Tender Soles]

Carl,

Give me a call and we can figure out getting your horse or horses there. I’m not in charge of decided who comes, but I can get you in touch with Pete Haggerty.

Rich

[Brad Johnson]

I second Rich’s idea there – Pete would the one to check with. I think you would be able to bring your single or team this year!
-Brad

[Tracey]

Yes, folks can bring their own horse/s to the MOFGA Low Impact Forestry workshop. Contact John Plowden for details about bringing horses: jsplowden@gmail.com

[Goranson Farm]

Great! Just sent out the email. I’m not positive Hallie and I will be ready by Nov. We have definitely made progress the past couple weeks, but with field work dwindling I’m a bit worried we won’t work together as often as this past month.

Any ideas for some moderately heavy work one can find around a farm this time of year that would provide a safe environment to train a green horse? I feel like I’ve got a ton of potential cart work for my older Belgians, I just don’t trust Hallie with it yet (So much standing).

[carl ny]

Hook your young horse with one of the older ones.

carl ny

[Brad Johnson]

Do you have a drag harrow? I like to train horses with a loose hitch on drag in pasture. It is safe and good, steady draft. Also is good conditioning for pasture this time of year, especially if you have spread manure first.
-Brad

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