The Oxen - In Training
"Before the horse there was the ox. The ox has many advantages: he is stronger than a horse; he is less apt to be scared; he is less inclined to flounder in snow and mud; he is not so given to sickness; he is less expensive to buy and keep; and if it becomes necessary he is better to eat." - Robert Pike
Now, don't get me wrong - we enjoy our horses and are familiar with equine etiquette, however . . .
For the last year and a half CW has bottle fed, halter broke, and trained two steer calves born on our homestead about two weeks apart. The training of steer calves is a time-honored tradition for boys of 8-plus years in the New England region of America.
With a large crop of boys and steer calves around here, and with lots of chores to be done, we felt perhaps it made sense to explore the idea of Law boys integrating oxen training into daily life on the homestead.
This winter they are taking the training to the next level (after the steers had the summer off). The calves are now large enough for yoke training and to start working.
A few weeks before Christmas, we ordered a cherry ox yoke with hickory bows from Nathan Hine, a self-described "one man band" small business, and farm. It arrived the first part of the new year. We told the boys about their surprise a day or two before it was supposed to arrive. CW, and his brothers then sat on pins and needles waiting for the yoke's arrival.
All boys wait as CW savors the moment of opening the box wrapped in red duct tape, (Nathan’s trademark packaging style).
I’d say, judging by the smile, CW is a bit excited! The pictures don't do this yoke justice. It is absolutely top rate craftsmanship and finish work. I was pretty well convinced they didn't send us a working yoke but rather one to hang in the house as a piece of art. I asked Kit to call Hines Family Farms to make sure, and they convinced us this is how they build their working yokes. Amazing!
Of course it had to be assembled with bows and hand-forged pins. It is handcrafted by Nathan and five coats of finish were applied by his wife. Nathan also makes the iron rings, staples, and pins for his ox yokes in his own blacksmith shop. If you are ever in the market for ox yokes, or anything oxen, search for Hines Family Farms. Great customer service and stunning products.
The next step was to run out quick before dark and chores to try it out.
First the steers were caught, tied up, and brushed.
Introducing the steers to their ticket for work.
Once the steers are broke to the yoke, one person is supposed to be able to yoke up a team by themselves, but for right now it's taking two. (Thanks to fellow family cow forum member who generously mailed us a copy of Drew Conroy’s book - Oxen: A Teamster's Guide To Raising, Training, Driving & Showing.)
One down, one to go. Walnut is wearing his, Chestnut looks on with suspicion.
All yoked up and ready. Walnut is curious, Chestnut contemplates a pout.
Heading for the maiden trip down the driveway!
They made it to the end of the driveway - now to negotiate a turn around!
On the way back.
They almost look like pros. It must be the professionally made yoke!
The all man team.
Long term - hopefully these steers will haul our firewood from the woodlot, and the logs when they get bigger.
I'm also looking forward to having them haul loads of manure to my garden and maybe even contour our place with swales using a one or two bottom plow. Perhaps they may haul in hay with a wagon. We shall see. But for now, it is a great learning experience and fun for the whole family.