Workshop Topics & Descriptions

Draft Horses I & II
Our workshops focus on building your skills & confidence in harnessing, hitching, driving & horse management. We use a single horse and teams for hands on experience and individual instruction. You will drive from the ground, on a wagon and a forecart. We cover horse management including the basics of safety, handling, foot care, feeding and horse health. We place a lot of emphasis on clear communication through effective use of the drivers hands and voice. Technical driving skill development is achieved with lots of time in the drivers’ seat and one- on- one instruction. Put your hands on the harness to learn about different styles, correct adjustment & fit.

Draft Horses I develops a solid foundation of knowledge and experience.

Draft Horses II builds upon the foundation of DHI, becoming quite technical and covering topics in more depth.

Mowing With Horses - Intensive Workshop
Meets 2-5pm on Firday afternoon to discuss and make adjustments, sharpening and mower setup for several kinds of mowers in preparation for a full day of mowing. On Saturday we will cut an 8 acres field regardless of the weather. Saturday discussions will include technique and theory around opening up the field, preventing and dealing with mechanical issues, topogrophy and various plant species (read milkweed and wiregrass!). Participants will be encouraged to drive the horses/mowers in situations that are appropriate to their experience level. This is not a driving workshop. Prerequisite DH1 or instructor permission.

Horsedrawn Firewood 101
Are you dreaming about using your horse(s) to haul firewood and small logs? Learn safe use of chains, peavey & logging arches to maximize your leverage. Use a single horse and team to pull logs to the landing. This is a one day workshop. Participants will be encouraged to drive the horses in situations that are appropriate to their experience level. This is not a driving workshop. We will demonstrate chainsaw use and encourage those interested in learning to use a saw to attend the "Game of Logging" for professional instruction. Prerequisite DHI.

Technical Skills for Women
This workshop covers similar content to the Level I workshop in a supportive, low pressure atmosphere. Learn to utilize your leverage and the relationship with the hose to maximize your results. With three draft-horse driving women on our farm we have lots of perspective and experience to draw from!

Working Partnerships
How do horses learn? How can we work with their instincts and learning patterns to develop a willing, responsive partnership? This workshop will cover these questions and more on both practical and theoretical levels. Applicable for those who work with horses of any age. Bring your horse! Develop your partnership with feedback, techniques and support from people who know how hard it is to train your own horse, and have the experience to help you overcome your challenges. Have you already taken the Training workshop and looking to further refine your technique? Consider taking this workshop again - we promise a challenge! A maximum of 6 horse or human bodies, meaning that there is plenty of time to work individually with you and your horse.

Advanced Techniques for Experienced Teamsters
Participants will be given a series of exercises and challenges that address their specific goals and needs to become more proficient at precise maneuvers such as backing, turning in thight situations, fieldwork and woods work.

Game of Logging I & II
We are pleased to be able to offer a new class: The Game of Logging with David Birdsall of Northeast Woodland Training. The Game of Loggingis a world-recognized training curriculum that teaches chain saw and tree felling skills. Developed in the 1960s by Soren Eriksson, a Swedish logger turned training instructor, the Game of Logging combines Scandinavian logging techniques with the latest systems for working safely around trees. The entire Game of Logging program is broken into four separate days. Day 1 provides an overview of chain saw safety and covers basic tree felling. Day 2 covers basic saw maintenance and chain sharpening techniques and provides another opportunity for tree felling. For more info check out these site: http://www.woodlandtraining.com/index.php

Consultation Service
Would you like an evaluation of where your horse is with his training or some ideas for how to proceed? Feedback on farm layout and barn design? Thinking of purchasing a horse but would like another opinion? Maybe a consultation will help you take that next step or help break through a ‘plateau’. We can travel to your location or meet with you at our farm. This service is only available to people who have either taken a workshop or had their horse with us for training. Please call or email us for more information.

Tailored to fit your needs:
We also do on site workshops for staff of living history museums and other organizations. Topics covered can include safety and working with the public, as well as thorough coverage of driving skills. These workshops will be tailored to meet your requirements. Please call for more info.

Photos on this page curtesy of Steven Frischling