Ox training equipment & plans

[clayfoot-sandyman]

Hi, I’m just starting out with a pair of Dairy Shorthorn calves (they’re getting on for a month) and although it’s early days I realise that I need to start thinking about equipment to train to pull with because I’ll more than likely be making it myself and this always takes me ages with all the other farm stuff.
SO, what equipment (stoneboat? sled? etc) would folks recommend, and where can I get plans from?? Also any ideas on adding weights in relation to size of beasts?
Any help much appreciated, Ed

[mother katherine]

Do you know the book by Drew Conroy? The name has escaped me just this minute. He covers almost every facet of ox training clearly and invitingly.
Check on this forum for posts by “Ixy”; she’s in England, but I don’t remember just where. She’d be a good “in person” resource.
In Drew’s book he mentions Paul Starkey, who researches draft power; he lives in Britain and may very well be a resource for you.
You’ll enjoy your boys, I’m sure. I got my first pair to train a year ago. Time certainly has flown. A former dairyman, who knows nothing about ox draft power, has been helping make the yokes. We, too, started out with plastic bows – worked smashingly.
My husband was from Staffordshire: Stoke-on-Trent. His father worked in the potteries, but I’ve forgotten which particular company.
This forum is the best for information, inspiration and entertainment. Don’t overlook the videos – I love watching the big guys working. All the different breeds are fascinating to see.
One of my mentors, Tim Huppe, uses dairy shorthorns primarily for his teams.
oxnun

[jac]

Hi Ed.. Good to know thers somebody else from Britain.. Im up in SW Scotland with Clydes.. Edward Hart might be worth a fone. He usually has some oxen lierature. He’s in Shropshire. Your doing a good thing there. Good luck.
John

[clayfoot-sandyman]

Thanks jac and mother katherine – have been in touch with ixy and hopefully will go and see her soon. Yes Paul Starkey – have tried his website but it’s a bit….higgledy piggledy but will try again.
We’re further South than Stoke-On-Trent, but it’s a similar post-industrial landscape; the only pottery company I can think of is Wedgewood?? Around here the industry was all glassmakers and steelworks.
Jac – do you have contact details for Edward Hart??

[jac]

Edward Hart can be reached on 01584 711318 He’s quite old now and in sheltered housing but always glad to talk. The Heavy Horse magazine has started doing a piece on oxen and makes good reading.

[Nat(wasIxy)]

Hi Ed! Good to see you here! I’ve told Angus and Tex to expect you 😉

[Rob FLory]

Hi Ed,
A sled with a tongue is nice because the animals can’t turn around and defeat you by jumping over the chain. They also learn to sidestep away from the tongue while turning.

Good luck,

Rob

[Author]

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