These majestic and powerful animals are rarely seen in the developed world, but in many places they remain essential sources of power for food production, freight and everyday living. In this class you will learn how oxen are traditionally driven in the western world and have the opportunity to practice driving a trained team. With the help of the team, we will cover the anatomy of an ox yoke and how it hitches to equipment and consider elements involved in training and conditioning a team, including some basic cow psychology. In addition, we will discuss how oxen can fit into our time and place as partners in sustainable small-scale farming and land management practices.

Date: Saturday, May 4
Time: 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Location: Viroqua, WI
Ages: 12+

Instructions: Please dress for the weather as the class will be outdoors, and be sure to wear closed-toed shoes (safety toes are a good idea). You may also wish to bring a water bottle and something to take notes with.

Sliding Scale Course Fee Guidelines:

Supporter Level Ticket: $65

Sustainer Level Ticket: $50

Supported Level Ticket: $35

Instructor Bio - Anneka Baird

Anneka Baird is a master craftswoman based in Wisconsin's driftless region. Baird maintains a practical curiosity about the technological foundations of life as we know it-- foundations which have often been obscured in layer upon layer of successive technologies. Baird is an MFA graduate of the University of Iowa Center for the Book, a sitting board member of the Midwest Ox Drovers Association and a persistent student in the school of experience.