Welcome to the April Newsletter!

Standardbreds Aren’t Draft Horses

They are better!

By: Jared Woodcock

Headed home from a month of working on ranches in Colorado and Wyoming, I was thinking of adding some light horses back into my herd of drafts. Midway through South Dakota I got a text from fellow DAPNet member Derek O'Toole; “Interested in a 2yo standardbred filly?”. 

Derek was one of the first people to point out that drafts are a funny choice for a guy with a predisposition for adrenaline seeking behaviors. Although I have proven to him we can get pretty cowboy in the woods with draft horses, he got me thinking that maybe I should return to my roots a bit and find some new challenges. (One idea we threw around was adopting a bunch of mustangs and logging with them green broke!) I thought this standardbred might just be the midlife crisis I needed. Little did I know this standardbred would be the most calm level headed horse in my herd.

I was rushing my drive back east to get home in time for my wife’s birthday. Perfect, I'll give her a horse for her birthday. Well she wanted a dishwasher not a horse, but luckily for me she said I was welcome to get another one. 

After some back and forth, Derek’s dad Steve delivered “Ada Shelby” to our farm early August 2024. Steve has spent a lifetime breeding pacers and his no-nonsense horsemanship showed through immediately. Ada already knew how to communicate with humans, which made my work much easier. Now I just needed to decide if I wanted to street-race local amish boys, or start hunting small game off horseback?

Ada had a lot of track time on a jogging cart and drove like a dream, so I decided to start working on saddle training first. On our third ride and second time on the trails, we flushed a flock of turkeys. To my surprise Ada likes hunting turkeys almost as much as I do. She asked if she could chase them and I agreed that sounded like some fun. She took off like a border collie puppy in the lamb pen. We had an awesome time and rode home looking forward to our next adventures.

Now it was time for her to learn how to lean into the collar and push a load with her shoulders. I started with the stone boat for hauling simple loads and we moved on to small logs. Ground skidding was a new sensation, but after a few minor hissy fits she started to enjoy the feeling of short skids with lots of breaks. We added wheels and mechanical advantage and she could haul a decent load.

“Standardbreds aren't draft horses.” Well…… the standardbred is the preferred buggy horse for most Amish and old order Anabaptist communities. Judging by my Amish friends, they collect buggy horses like my redneck buddies collect squarebody pickup trucks. Often over a 3:1 ratio. With more than 400,000 Amish in the US that makes for a lot of buggy horses. These horses regularly get hitched for farm and garden work as well. The standardbred is by far the most common draft horse in the US.

Standardbred horses are common, level headed, affordable, super friendly, and most often trained by no-nonsense professionals. Why aren’t more DAPNet members driving standardbreds? Yeah they are a little light, but that's a great excuse to get a few more! All I know is when I walk into the barn to grab a horse, I struggle to walk past Ada. 

Raising My Own Team

By: Maggie Smith

Spring feels extra hopeful this year, with a colt running around kicking up his heels. 

My draft colt Hank was born at 6am on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 after an unseasonably warm night. He was welcomed into the world from the start, by the weather, by the intense interest of his future herdmates, and by my friend Liz Brown and me, who carefully attended his delivery by the veteran Percheron mare, Lady. 

At five weeks, his charmed existence continues: from evading getting shocked by the electric fence despite my attempts to teach him what it means, to countless naps flaked out on snow-flattened, sunwarmed grass. His windswept legs have straightened out, and the muscles are rounding out his little body, so incredibly angular when he was born. There was a moment this morning that took my breath away. The bedded pack in the nursery stall is getting pretty thick, and he must have jumped out into the larger barnyard because I found him at morning chores, quietly surveying the valley with his big sister, Hazel. Since he hasn’t been trained on single-strand electric fence yet nor fully integrated with other three horses in the herd (which has run-in stalls emptying into a barnyard that opens onto a mile-long narrow circular track), my first impulse was to stress – but something about the way they stood together, Hank looking so tiny and yet so calm next to his fully grown, three-and-a-half year old full sister, stopped me in my tracks. Hazel was gently and calmly resisting the advances of the huge curious gelding Reno, and Hank was completely comforted by her presence. Lady, who could see her offspring from her vantage point in the stall, was watching them but not at all distressed. It was as if she knew this was the future team. Hazel and Hank together, that’s the whole plan. Might as well start now.

I didn’t always plan to raise my own team. When I first fell in love with driving horses seven years ago, I thought my first team would be an older, experienced pair. I tried a couple different combinations of older horses for a couple years, hovering around that holy trinity of experienced, affordable and sound. This was a great learning experience for me, teaching me about what’s available and giving me numerous opportunities to grow my skills as a teamster. By the summer of 2023, I was ready to let myself be talked into taking on Hazel, who had been born on the farm in late summer 2022. I still worried I would screw up her training terribly, but my friend and mentor Donn Hewes assured me he’d help when I wanted it and reminded me how much time I had to get her ready to work. Importantly, I also knew I had the ever-gracious Liz Brown, on whose farm this was all taking place (I live there in a tiny house, just through the trees from the barn), whenever I needed an extra set of hands.

Fast-forward two years of playing and training, tears and joy as that wonderful filly grew into a powerful mare and I figured out that two steps forward, one step back is the name of the game. Hazel was dragging sleds and things around the farm by the winter, and it was so much fun that we bred Lady to Northland’s Red Oak again last February. Fast forward another year, and Hazel skidded 4000 board-feet of spruce in her first real log job this January. She pulled with so much heart. It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, that first job off the farm. And 348 days after she was bred, the indomitable 23-year-old Lady delivered little “Hanky Panky.”

My dream is for Hank and Hazel to be as strong a farm team as they are in the woods, and good in public too. My philosophy is to integrate them as deeply into my life as I can, and make them earn their hay all year round! I work as a natural builder, and my coworkers are also excited to market horse logging to our customers. I grow ½ -1 acre of dry beans for a local bean company every year. This year’s farm team will be Lady and Hazel, and by the time Hank is ready to help, his mother will be ready to retire for real. I’m casually looking for a good people-mover, so we can give rides at public events. Looking farther ahead, I can’t tell you exactly what my life will entail, but I can say Hank and Hazel will be at the center of it. Raising your own team: it takes a while, but it sure is fun!

Welcome to the DAPMap !

This month, we are diving into our DAPMap, Farm Production section! 

NEW-  Earthborn Garden - I raise vegetables and herbs for market. Previously, I farmed with a team of Fjord mares. Now that they have passed on, I am training a Haflinger colt to hopefully help out in the garden and around the farm.   You can visit their website here!

Angela’s Farm- We are a small market garden that sells organic vegetables at the Stockholm Farmer’s Market. We work with our two oxen for cultivating, harrowing, moving manure, snow plowing, moving logs, and other various farm chores. You can contact them here.

Wingnut Acres Inc-  We are a diversified operation that raises grassfed beef, non-GMO pork, pasture raised and chicken. We also raise bees for raw honey and produce maple syrup. We use organic/sustainable practices, but are not certified organic at this time.   We have a team of Belgian geldings that we use for jobs like mowing pasture, raking hay and pulling logs.  Contact them here.

Tender Soles Farm-  We are a MOFGA certified organic, horse-powered vegetable and flower farm in Richmond, ME.  We currently have two draft horses that do all the tillage, mowing, and cultivation on our 45 acre farm with 4 acres in active production.  We are currently ramping up to make our own loose hay with all horse-power.  Contact them here.

Red Gate Farm, LLC-  We are a horse-powered, sustainable permaculture farm, offering educational opportunities in Southern IL. We raise meat and produce, occasionally offering food for sale, and practice forest-improvement through animal rotations and selective logging with horses. We offer a variety of tours, clinics, internships, and more. In addition, we are TIP trainers for BLM wild mustangs and burros, and frequently have horses available for adoption.   Contact them here.

Committee Updates

Communications:

The Communications Committee has been busy fine tuning the Newsletter; each edition is better and more efficient. We are still working on logistics for upcoming events at the Common Ground Fair, and World Draft Cattle Symposium. There is also collaboration with Nora Ballard to get the outline for the first video completed.

Events:

This month the Events Committee took data from a survey about potential new intensives as well as the information provided in folks’ interest forms, both with great feedback!  The schedule for the weekend has begun forming; tentatively and carefully laid out with many edits to come.  

Finance:

The finance committee is reviewing budgets and pricing for upcoming 2026 events. We’re thrilled to report that over 90% of our members donate to cover credit card fees on transactions. This is a big deal for a small organization, thank you!

Education:

The education committee is working with Tillers International to collaborate on future workshops geared toward youth teamsters.

Executive:

This month the executive meeting was overlooking some important ongoing projects . The organization is continuing to transition into Google Workspace and Neon One, including using draftanimalpower.org email addresses, reorganizing files, and improving event and membership management. The board also discussed increasing communication with members through quarterly meetings and more social media and e-blast outreach. The social media team is coming up with a better plan to make these update happen. Committees shared updates on fundraising, educational resources, the podcast, and planning for Field Days and other upcoming events. 

Pasture Pine Press has released a new children's picture book that may interest those who love working with cattle and want to share that with the next generation. Oxette: The Power of Two is a 32-page, full-color book, written and illustrated by Lea Patrice Fales. In the story, a small cow named Virginia has a very important job. She is a draft animal that helps with chores on the farm. Late in the spring, it is time to clear the fields of stone. While the farmer picks the rocks, Virginia pulls a stoneboat behind her. That is, until they find a stone too big for them to move. Will Virginia ask for help? Who could possibly help her?

The book is available in paperback or hardcover at www.pasturepinepress.com.

Events Calendar

Have a draft animal related event you’d like to see on this calendar? Fill out our Events Submission Form and our volunteers will add your event to our calendar! 

Draft Animal: Oxen Basics

April 25th and 26th at Sanborn Mills, Loudon NH

Are you considering an oxen team for your farm but wondering where to start? Join us for a two-day workshop to learn the things you need know about bringing a pair home, finding the right equipment for them, and learning how to work them. Our experienced instructors will train you in a safe and productive environment. Taught by Ray Ramsey and Tyler Allen. $288.  Visit https://sanbornmills.org/farm-garden/draft-animal-oxen-basics-4-25-26/ for more information.

"Relationship-Based Cattle Training" - a one-day course with Anne Wiltafsky

April 26, 10:00 a.m. to approximately 4:00 p.m. Lorsch, Germany

The focus of this one-day course is the relationship with the animal. Anne Wiltafsky explains her method of cattle training and illustrates, through targeted exercises, how to improve trust and respect—the two cornerstones of a balanced and resilient relationship with the animal. Only when both are present will movements towards humans function as well as movements away from humans. Participants will learn massage techniques and how to be mindful of their personal space.
Course fee: €100 per person, including meals and course materials
Registration: c.kropp@kloster-lorsch.de — Registration deadline: April 20

Women and LGBTQ+ Teamsters Gathering 2026

May 2nd and 3rd at Northland Sheep Farm in Marathon, NY.

This event is free to attend and loosely structured- we intend for this weekend to be about sharing our ideas and skills with each other. 

Any questions can be emailed to: WQTGathering@protonmail.com

Beginning Teamster School

May 9th and 10th. Northland Sheep Dairy, Marathon, NY

This hands-on program will focus on putting the animals and teamsters to productive tasks. Small ratios of students to instructors ensures lots of participation and learning.  We will mix new students and returning students. This program will include horse handling and care, harnessing and driving, How to safely hook to logs and other farm equipment. We often do seasonally appropriate work if the weather permits. We can teach each other all the basic skills, and work together to learn and have fun.   $300 per new student.  $150 for returning students.  

Visit www.teamsterschool.com for more information.

Draft Horse Basics

May 14th and 15th at Tillers International, Scotts MI

In this two-day class for beginners, experienced teamsters share draft horse handling, hitching, and driving skills. Participants begin by building confidence with the gentle giants in the barn, brushing and harnessing. Handling skills are then honed with simple ground driving of a single horse progressing to plowing and other field work with a team. Taught by Rick Eshuis. $410 DAPNet members get 10% off.  

Visit https://tillersinternational.org/classes/ for more information.

Draft Animal: Farm & Garden

May 16th and 17th at Sanborn Mills, Loudon NH

Are you ready to put your team or a team of oxen to work on the Farm and gardens? Then this is the workshop for you. Spend two full days with hands-on experience learning about plowing, discing, planting, cultivating, and cart work. Students will gain a working knowledge of draft equipment and a needed maintenance schedule to work properly. Taught by Ray Ramsey and Tyler Allen $288.  

Visit https://sanbornmills.org/workshops/draft-animal-farm-garden/ for more information.

Draft Horse Clinic with Brandt Ainsworth and Daniel Dauphin

May 23rd and 24th at Dan Seewaldt Farm 3820 Hermitage Rd Warsaw NY 14569

This clinic is for all experience levels and will focus on horsemanship, communication, ground work, bitting, line fitting, harnessing and much more. All skill levels are welcome. Fun evening activities are also planned. Come and learn together! $225 for full participation both days. $40 to audit both days.  For more information DM Brandt Ainsworth on Facebook, email stihlhorse@hotmail.com, or call 585-307-2972.

Draft Animal: Oxen Basics

June 6th and 7th at Sanborn Mills, Loudon NH

Are you considering an oxen team for your farm but wondering where to start? Join us for a two-day workshop to learn the things you need know about bringing a pair home, finding the right equipment for them, and learning how to work them. Our experienced instructors will train you in a safe and productive environment. Taught by Ray Ramsey and Tyler Allen. $288.  Visit https://sanbornmills.org/farm-garden/draft-animal-oxen-basics-6-6-7/ for more information.

Oxen Basics Plus Yoke Making

June 21st-25th at Tillers International, Scotts MI

This comprehensive five-day class creates skills in driving, training, and yoking in a sequence of hands-on experiences. Enjoy well-trained oxen responding to your commands. Learn to select, team, and care for oxen. Use low-stress training to teach calves. Drive teams hitched to various loads and practice field tasks. Particpants will also make a yoke with hand tools. Beginner to intermediate class. Taught by Rob Collins and Tom Nehil. $675 DAPNet members get 10% off.  Visit https://tillersinternational.org/classes/ for more information.

MODA 30th Anniversary Gathering AND Draft Cattle Symposium 2.0!

June 25th-28th at Tillers International in Scotts Michigan

Tillers International and the Center for Draft Cattle Research team up for The Ox Extravaganza you’ve been waiting for. More details to come but the preliminary schedule is to have formal presentations in Tillers’ Museum on Thursday and Friday afternoons, with field demonstrations and hands-on sessions on the farm both Friday morning and all day Saturday. For more information contact tillers@tillersinternational.org.

Horse Progress Days 2026

July 3rd and 4th in Arthur Illinois

Visit https://horseprogressdays.com/ for more information.

19th World Percheron Congress

July 6, 2026. Minnesota State Fairgrounds, St. Paul, MN

For more information, visit https://www.worldpercheroncongress.us/

Draft Animal Power Field Days 2026

October 2nd, 3rd, and 4th 2026 at Shelburne Farms in Shelburne VT.

Visit https://www.draftanimalpower.org/field-days for more information!

Introduction to Working with Draft Cattle

September 27; 10:00 a.m. to approximately 4:00 p.m. Lorsch, Germany

Have you always wanted to get a taste of the world of draft cattle training and work? Then this course is perfect for you. The one-day course covers an introduction to cattle behavior, harness knowledge, training options, and finally, suitable fields of work for draft cattle. In addition to theoretical sessions, the course offers the opportunity to gain initial practical experience with various training cattle.

Course fee: €100 per person, including meals and course materials

Registration: c.kropp@kloster-lorsch.de — Registration deadline: March 16 and September 20

Agricultural Work with Draft Cattle

October 11, 10:00 a.m. to approximately 4:00 p.m. Lorsch, Germany

Draft cattle can be used in a variety of ways in agriculture. Whether in arable farming, grassland management, or fruit growing, cattle can find suitable tasks. This one-day course aims to introduce the specific agricultural training of cattle and, above all, present the different fields of work and provide practical exercises. It will cover machinery and equipment operation, as well as aspects of occupational safety and economic efficiency.

Course fee: €100 per person, including meals and course materials

Registration: c.kropp@kloster-lorsch.de — Registration deadline: October 1

The DAPCast is back! After a long hiatus, we are pleased to announce a new season and a new episode of our popular DAPCast. Listen to Maggie and guest interviewer Jared Woodcock chat with Jared’s friend Taylor Van Zyl about tearing it up at the rodeo and running a successful carriage business across the West. 

This episode represents an important milestone for us: Cal Hardage, creator of the Grazing Grass Podcast, has stepped up to be our audio production consultant. A farmer from Oklahoma, Cal is a joy to work with and a great addition to our team. Welcome Cal (and thanks also to Jared, who connected us)!