Horse logging courses

Working horses and ponies offer an "appropriate technology" for forest-friendly timber extraction.

The ultimate low impact "base machine"; they can be used on at low capital cost to work with a range of equipment in environmentally sensitive sites
or on steep or difficult terrain; working alongside or replacing tractors and heavy machinery.

Course:

WORKING HORSES IN WOODLANDS

The 5-day introductory course provides a sound skill base for the extraction of timber with horses in a variety of woodland conditions. It is now available with a Level II qualification, subject to payment of a registration and assessment fee, satisfactory completion of the course and a work book, as an option.

The course begins with an introduction to the care, harnessing and long-reining of the working horse.
Doug will then demonstrate and discuss the various options concerning horses, harness and equipment, suitable extraction methods, identifying and tackling hazards, risk assessments etc. before plenty of supervised practice.

Come prepared for a physical, hands-on week. Each course has a maximum of four participants.

Dates are inclusive. Start time is start on first morning. Please check availability before booking. Booking is only confirmed upon receipt of deposit or full payment. Booking conditions are printed on the booking form.

"Thanks for an absolutely brilliant week. I have to say it was the best structured and most enjoyable course that I can ever remember being on. I have come away with a lot of ideas buzzing around my head and, if it's OK with you, I'll be back in touch for some more guidance and help in the future"

Course student feedback, October 2009.

dates	start	cost	deposit
Dates for 2012 group courses are listed below. They can fill quite quickly and I try to keep availability up to date. If in doubt, email me to enquire about your booking. If a course is marked full and you wish to be placed on a waiting list in case of cancellations, please email me It is helpful if you can indicate whether you are available at short notice
19 -23 March 2012 FULL	10.00am	£390 £550 Level II	£100 £250 Level II
14 - 18 May 2012 2 PLACES	10.00am	£390 £550 Level II	£100 £250 Level II

I offer a non qualification option along with a Level II qualification on the same week, the customer to decide on booking! The Level II option offers a recognised qualification and is charged at £150 extra to cover the costs of registration, certification and the additional administration.

A Level II qualification is only available on one to one courses on the successful completion of 24 hours of training and the work book. Registration procedures and fee are the same as for the group courses.

For registration on the OCN courses I need to have your date of birth, sorry!

Tutor: Doug Joiner

Venue: Childer Wood

Please note: Basic facilities only in Childer Wood. The course will be entirely outdoors and suitable clothing is essential. A detailed syllabus and a list of personal protective equipment will be supplied on booking.

Course:

INDIVIDUAL TUITION

Individual tuition is available either for novices or as more advanced training to build on the skills learned during the 5-day course above or to address specific training requirements.

Come for a day or two to work with Doug's horses on a tailor-made course at a mutually convenient time. Or discuss bringing your own horse or pony to give it training and experience such as timber and firewood extraction, harrowing, bracken-bashing etc.

dates	start	cost	deposit
by arrangement in 2012	by agreement	£150 per day for 1:1. Additional participants at £75 per day. Additonal fee of £150 per person for Level II accreditation (min. 24 hours or three days training required)	Full fee (+£150) if opting for Level II accreditation)

Tutor: Doug Joiner

Venue: Childer Wood

Five day introductory group courses, individual tuition, intermediate and advanced courses form part of the overall woodland management strategy. Suitable produce is used by Gudrun Leitz in her greenwood furniture and greenwood courses throughout the year.

The woods offer ideal and varied timber and terrain for a full range of training programmes: introductory and advanced courses for aspiring and started horse loggers, training for woodland owners and managers who wish to introduce horse logging as a cost effective and appropriate timber extraction technology.

Horses are also gently started and well schooled for work in all gears, along with their owners or on their own as required.

Doug Joiner is a professional horse logger and qualified trainer, working for statutory, national and local bodies, various woodland and wildlife trusts and many small woodland owners.

He specialises in short contract work and provides individual and small group tuition and demonstrations at shows all over the country. He also takes his horses into schools or has school groups visit him in the woods.

For more pictures on harness, harnessing, using long/trace gears and shafts <<<click here>>>

Horse logging courses

WORKING HORSES IN WOODLANDS

INDIVIDUAL TUITION

Five day introductory group courses, individual tuition, intermediate and advanced courses form part of the overall woodland management strategy. Suitable produce is used by Gudrun Leitz in her greenwood furniture and greenwood courses throughout the year.

Booking form>>> click here