(Above) Practice session pulling a tractor tire.
(L) Carol with Sundance (Butch is in the background). They are red and white Holsteins, and are active participants in our wildfire abatement program.
California Bound!
Links to articles about oxen...
"What is an Ox?" by Drew Conroy
http://www.ruralheritage.com/ox_paddock/ox_whatis.htm
"Working Cattle in Early America" by Howard Van Ord
http://www.ruralheritage.com/ox_paddock/ox_working.htm
"Oxen in the Old and New World," a symposium in Colonial Williamsburg, VA
What could ANYONE talk about for three days concerning oxen?
Well... there are the topics of training,
health, and equipment. There's the
twelve-ox plow of Scotland, the use of
oxen in Uganda today, or the presentation
on how they're farming with oxen at a
living history museum in New Jersey.
It turns out there's quite a lot to say
(and learn) about oxen.
Several years ago, I had an opportunity
to attend this unique gathering at historic
Colonial Williamsburg. Presenters from Nova Scotia, New England, Scotland, the U.K., and Africa demonstrated that the ox was not only a part of American history, but has been a partner in the development of agriculture world-wide... from ancient times to today.
Our mornings were spent in the auditorium of the DeWitt Wallace Museum, where about 85 participants gathered each day to hear presentations and ask questions of speakers well known within their areas of expertise. In the afternoon we watched demonstrations at the Great Hopes Plantation, followed by the chance to work with drovers and their teams. Each team was different in some way, and I was amazed by their willingness to be handled by a variety of people with different levels of experience. This offers good testament to the personality of a well-trained and well-treated ox.
Learning about oxen at home...
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Upcoming Events...
First Saturday
San Juan Bautista State Historic Park, San Juan Bautista, CA
On the first Saturday of each month, docents offer living history activities and demonstrations at the park. Call the park for details, as demonstrations and activities may vary throughout the year: (831) 623-4881.
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Rancho Day at the Sanchez Adobe
September 2024 - Date TBD
12:00 noon - 4:00 p.m.
1000 Linda Mar Blvd, Pacifica, CA
A great family event -- participate in rancho-era crafts, enjoy music and dance from the time period! See the carreta (ox cart) on display, which we researched and built for the site in 2012. Call (650) 359-1462 for more information.