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Driving Durham oxen at Caesar's Creek
So much happened yesterday at the Pioneer class at Caesar's Creek that I decided to break it up into a few entries. For us, one of the highlights was watching Tabitha drive a team of oxen. Some of the other homeschoolers might have seemed a bit intimidated by the large animals, and gave very quiet commands, but Tabby is used to horses and drove them around very authoritatively. The oxen were well behaved with all the children. They answer to "Gee"and "Haw" (which directions to turn) just like driving a horse, as well as "Whoa". You poke them with the whip, spelled goad but pronounced "ged"), but do not strike them with the whip. In fact, the oxman cracked the whip behind the animals, very close to them, and they continued chewing placidly. They obviously have not been beaten with a whip.
I asked the oxman how soon they gelded (castrated) the male calves, and he said as soon as possible. That keeps them placid and even tempered.
He talked about how much ox drivers were paid, and how the oxen had to never be left unattended....if the driver was inside a tavern eating, his apprentice was outside with the oxen. They ate and slept with their cattle.
He mentioned that one of his oxen took a notion to go out of the barn, and just broke a hole into the side of the barn. They are powerfully built animals, but gentle and placid. They do toss their heads, and a horn will catch him in the ribs occasionally and break a bone.
These were members of the Durhams....a breed that has fallen somewhat out of favor since Americans favor heavy beef producers like Angus. They are period appropriate, and a lovely red chesnut color.
An engraving of a Durham cow by Charles Darwin.
"Shorthorn cattle, breed of beef cattle developed from the native cattle of the Tees valley in NE England; formerly called Durham cattle. Systematic breeding of Shorthorns began in the latter part of the 18th cent. First imported to the United States in 1783, they are now found in every part of the country. Shorthorns are medium-sized with compact, low-set, rectangular bodies. In color they vary from red to white or any combination of these colors, with a predominance of roan. Because of their strength and good temperament, Shorthorns were occasionally used as draft animals."
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Enjoyed the pictures,my grandchildren are homeschooled. It's a much better way for children to learn, I think.
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I can't believe he walks around them barefoot. Ick! It looks like you guys had a very good time. xoox
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gosh..y'all do the most interesting things!....FUN!
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I guess thats why they call them dumbas an ox is becuase........... They are one just following another LOL OH HOw I Wish ed I known sooner. We could have had such fun. Thanks for sharing the pics anyway. lori
10/25/04 9:45 AM