Training Oxen

     Drew Conroy, author of the highly acclaimed book Oxen, a Teamster's Guide, and Tim Huppe, proprietor of BerryBrook Ox Supply, present this program for training a handy team of oxen using three kinds of commands—verbal, body position, and physical touch. The step-by-step program starts with selecting calves with suitable conformation and disposition, handling the animals in the barn, establishing training goals, and pre-yoke training.

     Once the calves are appropriately responsive, Drew and Tim show you how to yoke the team, hitch and work them on a cart or sled, and prepare them for obstacle competition, pulling contests, and practical work such as log skidding and manure spreading. Cattle are shown at different stages of training to illustrate the dynamics of starting from initial work with green steers and moving toward the advanced levels a team can achieve after hundreds of hours in the yoke.

     The diversity of teams and teamsters portrayed in this video clearly demonstrate how anyone with an interest in cattle can have the satisfaction of training a team simply by taking time to understand the animals, making an effort to be consistent, and putting in lots of practice. Come along with our pair of expert New England ox drovers and see how much progress you can make in just one month—the minimum time needed to educate and condition cattle for work or competition—and witness the power and magnificence of a well-trained team of oxen at work in the yoke.