Draft Animal: Oxen Basics #2

Are you considering an oxen team for your farm but wondering where to start? Join us for a three-day workshop to learn the things you need know about bringing a pair home, finding the right equipment for them, and learning how to work them. Our experienced instructors will train you in a safe and productive environment.

Students will learn the basics of selecting a team or single ox, halter training, basic commands, and proper yoking and fitting. The instructors will demonstrate the navigation of a team with equipment while explaining proper body language, position, and voice commands.

Students will have the opportunity to practice navigating their team on multiple pieces of equipment. When students feel comfortable, they will drive teams throughout Sanborn Mills Farm under the supervision of our experienced teamsters. Much of the training will be based upon the day-to-day work at Sanborn Mills Farm.

Students are encouraged to bring a team to the farm and should contact Ray Ramsey at least three weeks prior to the workshop start date to discuss this possibility. Out-of-state cattle must have a state health certificate from a veterinarian. No “intact” bulls over the age of 8 months are permitted on the farm.

This workshop will be offered in April and May.

Skills and Techniques:

• Basics of selecting a team or single ox
• Halter training, basic commands, and proper yoking and fitting
• Navigation of a team with equipment
• Learn proper body language, position, and voice commands
• Practice navigating a team on multiple pieces of equipment

Materials Fee: none

Special Tools or Equipment: Students are encouraged to bring their own pair or single ox. Registered students should contact instructor Ray Ramsey at ray@sanbornmills.org at least three weeks prior to the workshop start date to discuss this possibility.

Please be sure to read our policies before you register for a workshop which can be found here Workshop Policies