Logging with Horses
The Federation is working with private landowners, partner groups, and experienced loggers with knowledge of draft horses in an effort to assist in developing a safe and economically viable horse logging initiative in Nova Scotia.
The Federation believes that horse logging could fill an important gap in the Province's ecological forestry mandate at a time when many small private landowners are struggling to find contractors to assist in their efforts to practice sustainable forestry and for those who are looking for opportunities to minimize the impact of machinery on their land. We also hope to support the development of new economic opportunities for people who may be interested in working with draft horses either on a part-time/occasional or full-time basis in the forestry sector.
There is a common misconception that horse logging is a thing of the past. Read more about modern horse logging and the ‘Utilization and Cost of Log Production from Animal Logging Operations’ in the International Journal of Forest Engineering.
We are currently working with the Nova Scotia Community College to explore the potential for a modern horse-logging business training program. To support these efforts, we’ve met with educators, college representatives, and horse loggers from around the province and across the country in order share knowledge on occupational health and safety, best management practices, as well as rates and incentives for various silviculture and harvesting practices compatible with horse logging, transportation, and sale of timber.
The Federation and 5th-generation horse logger Art Shannon are currently travelling to Berea College, Kentucky to learn about their world-class horse logging training program in support of efforts here in the Maritimes. Watch Horse Logging at Berea College
Our Goals are:
To create sustainable, rural jobs in Nova Scotia to spur economic growth and our local economy.
To preserve and transfer specialized knowledge from the ‘last generation’ to the next generation of horse loggers in Nova Scotia an throughout Atlantic Canada.
To reinvigorate private land forest management among inactive and discouraged landowners.
We’re keen to hear from landowners with an interest in learning more about how horse logging can support their sustainable forestry objectives. Sign up below to receive information on our new horse logging initiative and let us know if you would consider horse logging as an option for managing your forest.
