Intro to Oxen, with Anneka Baird

These majestic and powerful animals are rarely seen at work 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. We will cover some basics of cow psychology and demonstrate and practice some training strategies with a pair of untrained calves. We will consider yoking and hitching a team and take some time to talk about ox yokes-- fit, shape and design-- and how to approach making a yoke. This class is designed to be a good starting point for anyone interested in draft animal power, whether for pleasure or for practical contemporary use in sustainable small-scale farming and land management. Date: Friday, September 25, 2026 Time: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Lunch will be provided. Ages: 12+ Location: Rural Soldiers Grove, WI Instructions: Please dress for the weather and come prepared to do some walking. Sturdy work boots and a personal water bottle are strongly encouraged. Sliding Scale Course Fee Guidelines Supporter Level Ticket: $125 If you move through the world with financial ease and the means to fulfill many of your wants as well as your needs – you are able to eat out when you want, abundantly meet your needs through employment or can comfortably not work, have access to family wealth, own property, etc. – consider paying at this level, which will help us ensure the long term sustainability of our programs while keeping our offerings accessible to those with access to fewer resources. Sustainer Level Ticket: $100 If you are able to meet your needs with relative ease while budgeting your educational and entertainment spending – for instance, you are able to take classes and eat out occasionally as long as you are mindful – consider paying at this level, which will help sustain the work of the Folk School at a modest level.