There is something about logging with horses that I absolutely love!
Over the years, I have had the privilege of logging with Peter and Hank (Dale's Team), and it has always been one of my favourite activities with a team. There is something incredibly rewarding about maneuvering in and out of the woods, walking behind the horses, and having all of us work up a bit of a sweat as we move logs out of the forest.
This year, it was Ted and Loki's turn!
And, of course, Mother Nature decided to add a little excitement to the day with winds reaching 90 km/h! Not exactly the calm, peaceful day in the woods one might imagine.
We started with some ground driving, giving the boys an opportunity to get comfortable with their surroundings, the equipment, and all the sights and sounds of the woods. (Lets be honest it is usually me that need to be clamed down!) With the trees swaying and cracking in the wind, there was certainly plenty for them to take in.
But I have to say, what looks better in a windstorm than a couple of Fjords with their manes blowing in the wind? They certainly looked the part!
This time, I decided to use the forecart with the boys, and what a difference! Instead of walking behind the team and managing the logs, I was able to ride in the forecart and concentrate on my driving. I could focus on guiding the boys through the woods, maneuvering around trees, and finding the best route for our loads. It made the whole experience that much more enjoyable!
One of the things I love about the forecart is how versatile it is. From everyday driving to putting the horses to work, it opens up so many opportunities to enjoy your team.
We started with a very modest log, giving the boys a chance to understand what was being asked of them. As their confidence grew, so did the size of the logs.
And those boys didn't skip a beat!
They leaned into their collars, put their heads down, and strutted their way up the hill like they had been doing it all their lives. What a feeling to be sitting behind a team of Fjords, watching them work together and realizing just how much power and determination those two boys have!
There is something pretty special about watching a team figure out a job, settle into their work, and discover just how capable we all are.
It isn't just about getting the logs out of the woods. It is about the partnership, the communication, and the trust that develops between you and your team. Every turn, every stop, and every pull is an opportunity to learn a little more about each other.
I think that is what makes working with horses so different from using machinery. Sure, a machine can get the job done, but there is something incredibly satisfying about working alongside a team of horses. They are thinking, responding, and contributing to the job. You aren't simply operating equipment; you are working together toward a common goal.
And when you have a team that is willing, enthusiastic, and enjoys the work as much as you do, it makes the experience that much better.
I couldn't have been happier with Ted and Loki. They took on a new experience, worked through some challenging conditions, and showed me that they have plenty of determination when there is a job to be done.
I think it is safe to say that logging will be finding its way onto our calendar a little more often!
There is just something about a good team, a job to do, and a day spent in the woods that is hard to beat (and amazing friends, two and four legged).
The last goal for the year - more cutter drives.
