Lark and Sparrow - yikes what have I started!

Got both lads out today, it went OK although I have to say that both Lark and Sparrow were quite reluctant at times, turning back towards me, running forward, stopping etc. Sparrow is definitely brighter and more feisty, Lark seems softer and a bit calmer. Did lots of stopping and starting. Stopped them every time they tried to run forward. Lark especially got fairly reasonable for a 2nd run at stopping and starting but the thing that I very quickly realised is;
a) I need to stop when I tell/show the calf to stop and hold that until I tell him to 'Giddup'
b) I need to be aware of potential 'scary things' along the route.

I wrote a question on the Rural Heritage draft animal forum yesterday  http://www.ruralheritage.com/messageboard/frontporch/index1.htm

It went like this;

Starting out a team as calves

Posted by Ed Berger at 2010-01-18 17:56:02


Hi, I've got my calves nice and settled into a routine of bottlefeeding and being tied off for an hour or so per day One's 2 weeks, ones 3 weeks old). I'm now starting to walk them on a halter. My question is at what stage do I put them in the yoke? Do they need to lead perfectly on the halter AND know how to stop and start before I get them yoked or do I get them straight in the yoke together from the start and then train them to start and stop? Any help would be much appreciated as the art of training oxen is virtually none-existent here in England sadly.


Response by chris at 2010-01-19 06:28:38


we hardly use halters and we use a collar
as far as the yoke goes a good double snap between the collars works well for a year or so



Response by oxnun at 2010-01-19 06:38:30


Get them to lead reasonably as singles, and respond well to commands to start and stop - especially to STOP.
Then put them in a yoke and keep on.
Look on the website "Draft Animal Power". In the forum/threads about oxen and training, there is an English girl who signs herself "Ixy", as she keeps Ixworth chickens, among other things. She has oxen and would be a resource fairly nearby: at least in the same country. She has a website, but the details escape me at this moment.
Have fun.


Response by Zebu Rider at 2010-01-19 13:06:26


My feeling is there is no reason they cant learn to carry a yoke except they will outgrow any you come up
with very fast. You CAN try other things so simulate carrying stuff, not only on their necks but back. I
had a couple scuba weight belts arround here I have used in the past and have used jeans with legs tied
with a lil dirt in them.


You ARE using voice commands with your halter training, voice first then a tug and you can be using a stick
like fiberglass fence post as a que too.


With leading, its easy to use two leads and actually drive, which will give both of you a feeling you are accomplishing something. I am not sure which of you learn more, there is a operator skill to keep
calves from turning at you at first.


If you relly get them good you can try just pulling a chain arrount their neck.


What a great load of responses. The 'oxnun' tip led me to the Draft Animal Power website http://www.draftanimalpower.com/  and there I found this gem http://www.theoxfiles.moonfruit.com/ 'Ixy' -  a lady who lives in East Yorkshire who trains cattle to work and gives courses! WOW! Just wrote to her and look forward to hear back. I hope I can get up there ASAP.