Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Don't Knock the Ox



The International Ox Pull, highlight of the Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, annual fair, is a holdover from the pioneer past when oxen cleared the land and tilled the soil. These beasts of burden have lost none of their pulling power, as demonstrated when they drag tons of weight loaded on sleds (the winner pulls up to 6 tons!). Competing teams come from various parts of the Maritimes and the Northeastern United States.  National Film Board of Canada

 You won't be disappointed! Shoeing oxen, making yokes and cowbells, shaping ox horns, farming with oxen, and the competitive ox pulling tradition of Nova Scotia --- circa 1970. Such a bunch of characters crowded into just 13 minutes and 6 seconds is quite amazing. Includes some impressive teams --- Herefords, Hereford crossbreds, Ayrshires and others.