The logging coordinator for the 2024 Horse Progress Days is Jeff Mutchler of Easton, PA. He is working hard to put together an interesting and educational program.
Jim Gordon of Moira, NY and Rich DuMond of Stillwater, PA are teaming up to show us the skills that have kept them safe in the horse logging game for many years.
Jim Gordon has been logging with horses since 1979 and he still supports his family with logging, farming, and milling in the north country near the Canadian border. He trains and competes with his horses and has been awarded “Best Teamster” on more than one occasion.
Rich DeMond also has a long history and love for horse logging. He is a Cornell University trained farrier. He is also the founder of The Horse Logger Supply Company, which has been a source for the types of tools used for generations in the horse logging industry.
The plan is to put together years of experience and techniques to inspire you to become part of the horse logging world. From ground skidding firewood logs to using logging carts for big logs, you will see all the tricks of the trade. You’ll learn about log dogs, skip hammers, go devils and cradle hitches, directional felling techniques, chainsaw safety, and horse care while working in the woods.
The hope is to take you through the whole logging process from harvest of the logs to milling them on a portable band saw mill, to construction of a run-in pen to be auctioned off at the Horse Progress Days Auction.
Come and be a part of this amazing event. ✸