head yoke question

[bivol]

hi!

as i like the head yoke, i was wondering how do you fix the head in the ideal angle to pull? i know that the ideal position of the head is 90 degrees to the pulling angle. without carving the holes for hornes.

on this picture the heads are not held right,

on this picture the oxen have their foreheads into optimal 90 degrees to the tongue.

so, does the tight forehead strap fix the head into position, or is the ideal position something the oxen learn?

[Carl Russell]

It is controlled by the angle cut at the end of the pole, or tug ( a short piece of wood). Generally, at least with the Nova Scotian head yoke, there is a chain on the front of the yoke, and one on the back of the yoke that cradle the pole, or tug. Lengthening, or shortening the length of the back loop of chain allows the yoke to tip forward until the chain is tight, and at the right angle. If there is nothing at the back of the yoke, it would continue to roll right over as they push.

I hope that explains it, I have no more attachement space, and no photos on the web to post.

Carl

[CharlyBonifaz]

Lengthening, or shortening the length of the back loop of chain allows the yoke to tip forward until the chain is tight, and at the right angle.

just to be sure I understood the principle: in the first picture, the chain in the back of the yoke could have used one or two more links to better fit the yoke for the heads? It also means: I have to adjust this chain depending on what I want to pull with the yoke? when the pole reaches down all the way towards a plow its angle is different to what it would be with may be a one-axle-cart….thus the chain needs adjusting? No, because it is always 90° ???
elke

[Carl Russell]

Absolutely, Elke.

If the pole is high then the back chain is tightened, if you are skidding off the ground loosened. With the NS head yoke, the pull is on a pin in the end of the pole, or tug, that is hitched into the chain loop on the front of the yoke. Pulling here tips the head forward, adjusting the length of the chain in back limits the amount of forward roll, also the angle of the oxen’s forehead.

As the land changes, so does the angle of draft, so the animals also have to learn the best angle, and you will see them “rocking” their head to zero in on the best angle.

In the first picture you can see the cattle pulling under the draft, possibly the hitch in this case is actually from the back of the yoke. The pole may be fastened tight to the yoke, which can work too, if the correct angle is cut on the end of the pole.

Carl

[CharlyBonifaz]

If the pole is high then the back chain is tightened, if you are skidding off the ground loosened.

Still trying to comprehend: if I adjust that chain according to what angle I’m working from, the first assumption won’t work: to keep their head at a 90° angle towards the pole; I’d rather change that chain though to keep the animals head in a for them most proficient way…
elke

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