Logging with horses, can anyone advise me?

[treejoe]

I have a few questions that I can't seem to find the answers to and was wondering if there are any horse loggers on here?

 

I have been looking at different breeds! Dales ponies seem to pop up ever so often as a popular choice and heavy weight cobs (around 15hh) seem to be good as you get a good horse for considerably less money than pure heavy horse breeds. Then there is the Ardennes (belgain draft?)! The perfect breed for the job but trying to get a hold of one or finding a dealer/breeder is like trying to get hold of unicorn poop! Does anyone know of any breeders/dealers/importers over here? Where did you purchase yours?

 

Where do you source your tack? and what is the cost?

 

I was wondering how complicated the training of the horses really is! I am presuming it is just a case of training the horse to accept the movement of a log behind it and getting it used to the tack and also teaching words like "walk on", "stand", "steady" etc etc and teaching the horse to use it's brain

 

I am not looking to make a huge profit in horse logging, more of a small profit making hobby (I have mentioned that I was thinking of doing it to friends and they have already expressed a interest in using the horse) as I have been around horses since a child and want to help keep this tradition alive.

 

 

Any advice would be very much appreciated!

[Gnarlyoak]

Have you tried searching "Horse Logging" here on the Arbtalk site? There are a few horse threads on this subject. Try talking to AT member Cousin Jack, or visit his facebook/website.

[Ben Moss]

Take a look at British Horse Loggers

[Porter2012]

Try Craven Forestry - The complete forestry service theyre based in skipton i found their site when trawling the net the other day

[treejoe]

I have searched the forums and BHL but I can't seem to find the in depth breed info and harness info I need.

 

 

 

Although I think I have found my logging horse.....bless the little bugger

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzwmmnFrkIM]horse logging, Annie i skogen - YouTube[/ame]

[Bearded Munch]

I have never known a horse that can start the saw yet.

[cousin jack]

I have a few questions that I can't seem to find the answers to and was wondering if there are any horse loggers on here?

 

I have been looking at different breeds! Dales ponies seem to pop up ever so often as a popular choice and heavy weight cobs (around 15hh) seem to be good as you get a good horse for considerably less money than pure heavy horse breeds. Then there is the Ardennes (belgain draft?)! The perfect breed for the job but trying to get a hold of one or finding a dealer/breeder is like trying to get hold of unicorn poop! Does anyone know of any breeders/dealers/importers over here? Where did you purchase yours?

 

Where do you source your tack? and what is the cost?

 

I was wondering how complicated the training of the horses really is! I am presuming it is just a case of training the horse to accept the movement of a log behind it and getting it used to the tack and also teaching words like "walk on", "stand", "steady" etc etc and teaching the horse to use it's brain

 

I am not looking to make a huge profit in horse logging, more of a small profit making hobby (I have mentioned that I was thinking of doing it to friends and they have already expressed a interest in using the horse) as I have been around horses since a child and want to help keep this tradition alive.

 

 

Any advice would be very much appreciated!

 

Contact Simon Lenihan of Celtic Horse Logging, he can tell you all about The Ardennes, and gives training courses. Celtic Horse Logging | horse logging contractors | - Celtic Horse Logging

Also, I might have a Ardennes mare for sale.

[cousin jack]

I have never known a horse that can start the saw yet.

 

Horses extract timber, they don't fell it!

[treejoe]

I have never known a horse that can start the saw yet.

 

this is what we have silly men like you for (I am Joe's partner using his account)

[treejoe]

Contact Simon Lenihan of Celtic Horse Logging, he can tell you all about The Ardennes, and gives training courses. Celtic Horse Logging | horse logging contractors | - Celtic Horse Logging

Also, I might have a Ardennes mare for sale.

 

Thank you, I shall give him a email, his website is very helpful!

 

Do I really need a training course! I mean I have ridden from being very young and also driven horses! I understand that the horse must get used to the sound of the chains/equipment behind it and pulling weight but surely like anything with any horse it is a case of building trust and introducing them to it over a period of time, making it fun to them as all horses (apart from the lazy plods who need some convincing) love to work.

 

I would be very interested in hearing of that mare you have.