Ox Yoke
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Curious Bit of Animal Behavior
Newfoundland x Pit Bull Dog;
Claiming His Territory?
Since we brought Harry the Dog home as a puppy on a cold, sub-zero December 4, 2009, the majority of his time has been divided between being a willing house dog or a reluctant pasture dog. So much did he prefer the house that we had to bribe him with treats, or put him on a leash, to get him to the pasture (where we can shut him in).
On one occasion, recently, he lay down in protest and it took two of us to drag him by his legs all the way to the pasture. He’s getting to be a big boy! And he seems to think all this tussling is great fun.
Then, overnight, everything changed; Harry reversed his preferences. He still comes to the house when called. But, when he gets inside he’s antsy and into every kind of trouble he can think of until we put him out again. I was in the practice of giving him a rawhide-chew when I’m on the computer. He’d lie here under the table, and devour that while I typed. Now, as soon as he gets his square of rawhide he goes right to the door and asks to go out. Once out, he heads to the pasture and to his friends, Scout the Ox, and Peaches the Pony. He voluntarily stays out there with only short, occasional visits to the house-yard and doorstep.
I could go on-and-on about possible reasons he might change his behavior over time — but, the remarkable thing here is that it was a sudden one-eighty. Did he consider all his reasons and then make some kind of a conscious decision? Something like, “Starting today I will spend most of my time in the pasture because. . . .”
Can dogs even do this kind of reasoning and decision making?
Click on "comments" just below and tell me what you think? Or share an experience you've had with your dog.
storybrookeripples
On one occasion, recently, he lay down in protest and it took two of us to drag him by his legs all the way to the pasture. He’s getting to be a big boy! And he seems to think all this tussling is great fun.
Then, overnight, everything changed; Harry reversed his preferences. He still comes to the house when called. But, when he gets inside he’s antsy and into every kind of trouble he can think of until we put him out again. I was in the practice of giving him a rawhide-chew when I’m on the computer. He’d lie here under the table, and devour that while I typed. Now, as soon as he gets his square of rawhide he goes right to the door and asks to go out. Once out, he heads to the pasture and to his friends, Scout the Ox, and Peaches the Pony. He voluntarily stays out there with only short, occasional visits to the house-yard and doorstep.
I could go on-and-on about possible reasons he might change his behavior over time — but, the remarkable thing here is that it was a sudden one-eighty. Did he consider all his reasons and then make some kind of a conscious decision? Something like, “Starting today I will spend most of my time in the pasture because. . . .”
Can dogs even do this kind of reasoning and decision making?
Click on "comments" just below and tell me what you think? Or share an experience you've had with your dog.
storybrookeripples
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
How To Convert a Garden Cart into a Small Wagon to Pull With a Single Ox
Cart for Single Ox: You can easily convert a garden cart into a small wagon to pull with a growing, single ox. This would also work well as a second use for a riding steer. The cart works excellently for training, and now I have some real uses for that hay-burner in the barn.
The video demonstrates the conversion I did on our cart, using parts I had around the shop. It also shows a way to eliminate the chance of the ox getting a leg tangled in, or abraded by, a trace-chain.
Documentary: The Red River Cart
Here's a 2 minute, made for TV documentary on The Red River Cart. It gives a Canadian and Metis perspective on the history of the cart. The video reminds us that The Red River Cart "stands as one of many glorious achievements of the Metis people."
Published on YouTube by APTNDigitalNations along with sixty-two other videos with titles like Tea Dolls, Tipis, York Boats, Kamiks, and Sled Dogs; produced by FootPrints Aboriginal Expressions; featuring Rachelle White Wind, and Andrew Clark; narrated by Doug Bedard, and written by Lorre Jenson. View APTNDigitalNations videos here: http://www.youtube.com/user/APTNDigitalNations
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Ostby’s Sesquicentennial Ox Cart Journey
Detail of Orlin Ostby's Ox Cart on Display
at the
2010 Western Minnesota Steam Thresher's Reunion
In the nineteenth century what is known locally as the Pembina Trail* was the main artery for heavily laden carts traveling the 450 mile-plus distance from Pembina, North Dakota to present day St. Paul, Minnesota. The hundreds of wood-and-rawhide carts waggled through Indian territory on the unimproved trail; the cart axles squealed notoriously under their loads of buffalo-hide and furs. Prior to the early 1820's, the carts were pulled by horses; after cattle were introduced**, the carts were more often pulled by oxen. The tough, mosquito-swatting cart drivers were typically Metis.***
In 1958, Delmar Hagen, of Northwestern Minnesota, followed the Pembina trail with an ox and cart, in celebration of Minnesota’s Centennial.
In celebration of Minnesota’s Sesquicentennial in 2008, Orlin Ostby (who worked for Delmar Hagen as a teen) traveled the distance with his ox Pum. Orlin was accompanied by family and friends. An account of the Ostby’s journey, with numerous photos, is online at http://www.pembinatrail.blogspot.com/
*More specifically, the Woods Trail, part of the network of Red River Ox Cart Trails.
**Under the tutelage of Lord Selkirk, Scottish colonists began arriving in 1812. The first cattle arrived in 1815. For more history see http://storybrookeripples.blogspot.com/2010/08/from-where-hails-red-river-ox.html
***Métis is pronounced mey-tees, or mey-tee. They were the offspring of European fur-traders and native Americans. By 1820 French explorers and fur traders had already been in the region for a-hundred-years.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Ostby's Oxen Pum and Kin Plowing at Western Minnesota Steam Thresher's Reunion, Rollag, Minnesota
Pum and Kin on the Way to the Field
Orlin Ostby Oversees the Plowing
Don't worry boys. . . .you had half-a-days work done,
before they got all those harnesses untangled.
Christopher Guides the Team
Ostby's Oxen: Every Ox Needs a Superhero
Every Ox Needs a Friend
One Hefty Yoke
Pum and Kin Take a Break
Worlds Shortest Oxen Video
Orlin Ostby's oxen ready to plow at Rollag Steam Threshers Reunion, 2010.
Orlin Ostby's Teamster, Christopher Ostby, Turning the Oxen While Plowing
Christopher Ostby turns the oxen on the headlands while plowing, by tapping the off ox with his whip while slowing the nigh ox. Video was taken at the Rollag Steam Threshers Reunion, 2010. The oxen are Holstiens about seven years old; their names are Pum and Kin.
Orlin Ostby's Teamster Keeps the Off Ox in the Furrow While Plowing
Christopher Ostby keeps the off ox in the furrow while plowing at the 2010 Rollag Steam Thresher's Reunion near Rollag, Minnesota. These are Holstien oxen about seven years old pulling a walking plow: their names are Pum and Kin.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Ibizza: Eine Reitkuh im Sommer
View one of the better cattle riding videos I've seen here:
http://www.youtube.com/user/ladyibizza#p/u/1/sxw49SVcDcQ
http://www.youtube.com/user/ladyibizza#p/u/1/sxw49SVcDcQ
Swimming the Narrows with an Ox
Crossing the narrows, between two lakes, with Scout the Ox: On the forum at http://ridingsteers.freeforums.org there was a discussion about being able to lead your steer through puddles as one of the criteria to qualify for the Official Skill Level of Beginner. I wonder if this would pass muster as a puddle?
On the Red River Ox Cart Trails in the 19th Century, crossing streams and rivers with the oxen and their carts was a frequent and necessary task.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Old Crossing Treaty Park and the Chautauqua and French Festival
I’ve lived in Red Lake County for over a decade and there’s been a vague awareness of a place called Old Crossing Treaty Park, and each summer an awareness of a French festival being held there (where people dress up like the old days).
With my late interest in oxen, and in the Red River ox cart, this year seemed like the year to go. (The ad about the event included a photograph of an ox cart.) The name Old Crossing, I knew, from reading the history of the Red River trails, came from this being where the Pembina Trail crossed the Red Lake River — in the 19th century many an ox cart had divided the waters at this location. Old Crossing had been the meeting place of ox cart drivers for years, before it was chosen as the site for treaty negotiations in 1863.
When we arrived, folks were strolling around the park and visiting the vendors. Some had dogs in tow, as dogs are welcomed at the festival. There were smoldering campfires, tents, and a few campers. At least one party had horses, and they were riding down by the river. A French-Metis band was playing a lively tune in the big white tent. There were more Metis folk songs to come, and the leader of the band gave an interesting introduction to each; some lyrics were stories from his own childhood. With one number, an unidentified young girl from the audience took the stage and danced a traditional jig. The name of the band is Coulee; they are from St. Laurent, a rural municipality on the shores of Lake Manitoba.
Upon entering the tent I had noticed in the audience a slightly weary looking, older gentleman dressed in period clothing. With tousled, greying hair hanging over his collar, he was seated by himself and was attentive to the musicians; perhaps he was one of the few who understood the French lyrics.
I was a bit surprised when this man took the stage and began to speak with the mesmerizing quality of knowledge mixed with humility — there was a hint of sadness in his voice, a grain of defeat, a sprinkle of rebellion — and a message of hope. It was clear that he was at the festival more to contemplate than to celebrate.
In an unassuming voice he was saying, “A few negotiate the future, while the others play ball — or knit — or do what you do on a daily basis.”
At the treaty negotiations in 1863, he told us, there were those who negotiated, those who were on guard duty, and those who were preoccupied with daily life — a few even engaged in horse racing. Along with the Indian and Metis leaders who came to the site in 1863, came many families — men, women and children.
With the speaker’s sash blowing in the breeze under the open-sided tent, horses whinnying, oblivious people chattering outside, dogs barking, the smell of wood-smoke, fresh baked bread and meat pies, I could imagine being seated with the treaty negotiators. The negotiator speaking at the moment was negotiating for the common good of man, and for the good of the common man. The speaker was Virgil Benoit, PhD.
Benoit then introduced Bobby Whitefeather one of the leaders of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians. Whitefeather gave a rundown on the history of negotiations between the Indians and the United States.
Compared with the sublime face of the Indian chief on the pedestal at the entrance to the park, Whitefeather struck the image of a man who has carried heavy burdens. However, his message was also one of hope, including the hope that more of his people could be at the festival next year.
Old Crossing was more than a crossing of waters; it was a crossing of cultures. The hope presented was that we be reminded of our past (including the misdeeds of 1863), and that Old Crossing Treaty Park and the Chautauqua and French Festival serve to bring our cultures together, for an equitable and harmonious future.
Notably missing were the oxen and their carts.
With my late interest in oxen, and in the Red River ox cart, this year seemed like the year to go. (The ad about the event included a photograph of an ox cart.) The name Old Crossing, I knew, from reading the history of the Red River trails, came from this being where the Pembina Trail crossed the Red Lake River — in the 19th century many an ox cart had divided the waters at this location. Old Crossing had been the meeting place of ox cart drivers for years, before it was chosen as the site for treaty negotiations in 1863.
When we arrived, folks were strolling around the park and visiting the vendors. Some had dogs in tow, as dogs are welcomed at the festival. There were smoldering campfires, tents, and a few campers. At least one party had horses, and they were riding down by the river. A French-Metis band was playing a lively tune in the big white tent. There were more Metis folk songs to come, and the leader of the band gave an interesting introduction to each; some lyrics were stories from his own childhood. With one number, an unidentified young girl from the audience took the stage and danced a traditional jig. The name of the band is Coulee; they are from St. Laurent, a rural municipality on the shores of Lake Manitoba.
Upon entering the tent I had noticed in the audience a slightly weary looking, older gentleman dressed in period clothing. With tousled, greying hair hanging over his collar, he was seated by himself and was attentive to the musicians; perhaps he was one of the few who understood the French lyrics.
I was a bit surprised when this man took the stage and began to speak with the mesmerizing quality of knowledge mixed with humility — there was a hint of sadness in his voice, a grain of defeat, a sprinkle of rebellion — and a message of hope. It was clear that he was at the festival more to contemplate than to celebrate.
In an unassuming voice he was saying, “A few negotiate the future, while the others play ball — or knit — or do what you do on a daily basis.”
At the treaty negotiations in 1863, he told us, there were those who negotiated, those who were on guard duty, and those who were preoccupied with daily life — a few even engaged in horse racing. Along with the Indian and Metis leaders who came to the site in 1863, came many families — men, women and children.
With the speaker’s sash blowing in the breeze under the open-sided tent, horses whinnying, oblivious people chattering outside, dogs barking, the smell of wood-smoke, fresh baked bread and meat pies, I could imagine being seated with the treaty negotiators. The negotiator speaking at the moment was negotiating for the common good of man, and for the good of the common man. The speaker was Virgil Benoit, PhD.
Benoit then introduced Bobby Whitefeather one of the leaders of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians. Whitefeather gave a rundown on the history of negotiations between the Indians and the United States.
Compared with the sublime face of the Indian chief on the pedestal at the entrance to the park, Whitefeather struck the image of a man who has carried heavy burdens. However, his message was also one of hope, including the hope that more of his people could be at the festival next year.
Old Crossing was more than a crossing of waters; it was a crossing of cultures. The hope presented was that we be reminded of our past (including the misdeeds of 1863), and that Old Crossing Treaty Park and the Chautauqua and French Festival serve to bring our cultures together, for an equitable and harmonious future.
Notably missing were the oxen and their carts.
Photos from Old Crossing Treaty Park and the Chautauqua and French Festival, August 29, 2010
Top three photos and bottom right: Coulee band members
Bottom left: Virgil Benoit, PhD
Bottom center: Bobby Whitefeather
Read more about the 2010 Chautauqua and French Festival on this interesting blog, Prairie Woman: http://billswoman.blogspot.com/2010/08/chautauqua.html
Friday, August 27, 2010
Another Summer Evening Swimming with an Ox and a Dog
Scout the Ox on Country road.
Scout the Ox at Sunset.
Land of 10,000 lakes; this one happens to be a gravel pit.
Time for a swim. Scout the Ox, and Harry the Dog, both like the water. We got out over our heads, and then, guiding Scout by his halter I had him pull me along parallel to the shoreline. Ever dream of riding an Orca Whale? That's a bit of the feeling. With an ox you have to watch out for the beaters underneath; Scout has a powerful dog-paddle!
The Moon Rises Between the Ox Horns
The moon rises between the ox's horns.
Still wet from our swim, we make our way home in the dark.
Scout catches up on his grazing.
We've had a good workout --- even the dog's tired.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Single Ox Yoke - Ox Collar Combination: A Photo Study
The bow does not interfere with the forward stride of the leg and shoulder.
The attachment of the reins allows the driver to direct the ox's head
The yoke stays stationary throughout the stride (it doesn't waggle).
The cocked back position allows the yoke bows to also function as a collar.
The angular musculature at the base of the neck supports the collar.
The yoke is carved to accommodate the withers at this angle.
The bow sits inside of the forward swinging shoulder.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
A Lazy--Hazy Summer Evening
Harry the Dog enjoys amplified scents.
Native Goldenrod blooms in the meadow.
Scout the Ox pauses while grazing.
A dove settles on her night roost.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Ox Training: Long Reins and Verbal Commands from the Cart
Scout the ox is beginning to respond to direction from the rider in the cart. The long reins are simply snapped one to each side of a standard cattle halter.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
How to Make an Ox Yoke/Collar Combination
Disclaimer: This is an unproven, experimental design. However, I am pleased with the results so far.
Objective: Construct a yoke for a single ox using the following criteria.
1.) Combine the best characteristics of the traditional New England Ox Yoke and the Red River Trails Ox Collar. See Red River Trails Ox Collar here:
http://storybrookeripples.blogspot.com/2010/08/red-river-ox-cart-harnesscollar-or-yoke.html.
2.) Use tools and materials available at our local hardware or home improvement store — or (preferably) up-cycled materials.
3.) Provide an adjustable, hitch-point height for varying loads.
A.)The yoke (top) does the heavy pulling and provides width for hitch points.
B.) Traditional bent bows are replaced by bars, with a cross member at the bottom to stabilize them.
C.) The yoke (top), bars (side), and cross-member (bottom) are blended into a “collar” by shaping.
D.) A second set of bars are added on the lateral sides to provide the adjustable hitch point height.
I.) The yoke (top) is carved to sit rocked back at an angle so that the bars (sides) rest against the angular musculature above the ox’s shoulders. The yoke itself pushes back against the hump of the withers.
II.) The bars (sides) sit forward, above, and inside the swinging shoulder. If the ox makes a large forward step, the shoulder will pass on the outside of the bar.
III.) The cross-member stabilizes the yoke; it does not allow pressure on the windpipe. The bars are angled far enough forward that the ox's front legs do not contact the cross member on the forward swing. The cross-member is removable to allow the yoke to be taken on and off; it is held in place by wooden pins.
IV.) A stretchy rope passes from the yoke, and around the rear of the ox, and back to the yoke to hold it against the withers when the ox puts his head down, or when there is no load.
V.) When pulling a cart a wide back-strap is added to bear the weight of the cart. The yoke provides pulling force by chains attached to the swingeltree on the cart. (The swingletree is unnecessary with an ox if the cart is not provided with one.) A second rope around the animal’s hindquarters prevents the cart from rolling too far forward on a downhill slope.
VI.) Reins can be added to a standard cattle halter and passed through the hitch-point hardware (connected in this manner they are very effective at turning the animal’s head).
Problems to date: I made the yoke a little large to allow the ox to grow into it. Because of the loose fit, it waggled too much. Remedy: I sawed a piece of plastic pipe in half and attached it to the bows to tighten the bars on the neck, and I deepened the inverted V over the top of the neck. The assembly no longer waggles, but until the ox grows into it (and the plastic spacers can be removed) the bars are wider than ideal for passing behind the shoulder when it swings forward.
The wood I had on hand was an unidentified softwood, but I won’t be pulling stumps with it, or entering competitive weight pulls. It should be adequate for light duty work.
Drilling the inch and three-quarter holes was a challenge. I first bought an adjustable spade type bit and it was totally inadequate. Remedy: I then bought a better bit for $34 (ouch) and it worked with the help of a drill press. By removing the screw-in center-point from the bit I was able to use it to enlarge the holes on the cross-member (for easy on, easy of). This eliminated the need for another, even larger, bit.
The rope around the rear can work itself out of place. Remedy: I plan to add a couple short straps to hold it in place.
I haven’t perfected how to hold the adjustable rings in place. Remedy: Right now they are taped with electrical tape, which is working well.
Objective: Construct a yoke for a single ox using the following criteria.
1.) Combine the best characteristics of the traditional New England Ox Yoke and the Red River Trails Ox Collar. See Red River Trails Ox Collar here:
http://storybrookeripples.blogspot.com/2010/08/red-river-ox-cart-harnesscollar-or-yoke.html.
2.) Use tools and materials available at our local hardware or home improvement store — or (preferably) up-cycled materials.
3.) Provide an adjustable, hitch-point height for varying loads.
Anatomy of an Ox
A.)The yoke (top) does the heavy pulling and provides width for hitch points.
B.) Traditional bent bows are replaced by bars, with a cross member at the bottom to stabilize them.
C.) The yoke (top), bars (side), and cross-member (bottom) are blended into a “collar” by shaping.
D.) A second set of bars are added on the lateral sides to provide the adjustable hitch point height.
Yoke, bars, and crosspiece shaped into a "collar".
I.) The yoke (top) is carved to sit rocked back at an angle so that the bars (sides) rest against the angular musculature above the ox’s shoulders. The yoke itself pushes back against the hump of the withers.
II.) The bars (sides) sit forward, above, and inside the swinging shoulder. If the ox makes a large forward step, the shoulder will pass on the outside of the bar.
III.) The cross-member stabilizes the yoke; it does not allow pressure on the windpipe. The bars are angled far enough forward that the ox's front legs do not contact the cross member on the forward swing. The cross-member is removable to allow the yoke to be taken on and off; it is held in place by wooden pins.
IV.) A stretchy rope passes from the yoke, and around the rear of the ox, and back to the yoke to hold it against the withers when the ox puts his head down, or when there is no load.
V.) When pulling a cart a wide back-strap is added to bear the weight of the cart. The yoke provides pulling force by chains attached to the swingeltree on the cart. (The swingletree is unnecessary with an ox if the cart is not provided with one.) A second rope around the animal’s hindquarters prevents the cart from rolling too far forward on a downhill slope.
VI.) Reins can be added to a standard cattle halter and passed through the hitch-point hardware (connected in this manner they are very effective at turning the animal’s head).
Correcting problems with electrical tape.
Problems to date: I made the yoke a little large to allow the ox to grow into it. Because of the loose fit, it waggled too much. Remedy: I sawed a piece of plastic pipe in half and attached it to the bows to tighten the bars on the neck, and I deepened the inverted V over the top of the neck. The assembly no longer waggles, but until the ox grows into it (and the plastic spacers can be removed) the bars are wider than ideal for passing behind the shoulder when it swings forward.
The wood I had on hand was an unidentified softwood, but I won’t be pulling stumps with it, or entering competitive weight pulls. It should be adequate for light duty work.
Drilling the inch and three-quarter holes was a challenge. I first bought an adjustable spade type bit and it was totally inadequate. Remedy: I then bought a better bit for $34 (ouch) and it worked with the help of a drill press. By removing the screw-in center-point from the bit I was able to use it to enlarge the holes on the cross-member (for easy on, easy of). This eliminated the need for another, even larger, bit.
The rope around the rear can work itself out of place. Remedy: I plan to add a couple short straps to hold it in place.
I haven’t perfected how to hold the adjustable rings in place. Remedy: Right now they are taped with electrical tape, which is working well.
It works!
Materials used: Yoke and cross-member of second-hand, rough-cut, softwood. (I’m on the lookout for a piece of hardwood.)
Bars are of a used stairway handrail from a house we tore down twelve years ago.
Pins are carved from a recycled organ's pedals.
Hitch-point Rings, are from a broken horse harness I got in a box of stuff at an auction –for a dollar.
Screw-shut chain-link connectors I bought for another project — they were too big for that project, but they fit just right here.
The red strap over the back is a good section cut from a melted fire-hose, it is clamped onto the cart with secondhand screws and sections of the nylon door seals from an old microwave oven.
The pull chains are smooth dog chain --- second hand.
The ropes are scraps that have served various other uses.
Bars are of a used stairway handrail from a house we tore down twelve years ago.
Pins are carved from a recycled organ's pedals.
Hitch-point Rings, are from a broken horse harness I got in a box of stuff at an auction –for a dollar.
Screw-shut chain-link connectors I bought for another project — they were too big for that project, but they fit just right here.
The red strap over the back is a good section cut from a melted fire-hose, it is clamped onto the cart with secondhand screws and sections of the nylon door seals from an old microwave oven.
The pull chains are smooth dog chain --- second hand.
The ropes are scraps that have served various other uses.
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