In mid-May, the Legacy of the Plains Museum campus was busy with the sound of neighs, whinnys, hoofbeats, and jingling tack. The museum hosted its first-ever draft horse driving clinic, with the help of experienced teamsters, including Rick Henderson, Dave and Kim Hensen, and Lynne Meyer, as well as Harlen and Tammy Grunden from Grunden Ranch Morgans in Curtis, Nebraska.

The two-day clinic started with class time.

class time

Novice teamsters had a chance to practice driving skills on a model horse team.

model horse team

Instructors demonstrated harness equipment and how to properly fit it to a horse.

harnessing

Students had the opportunity to harness horses themselves, under the guidance of instructors.

harnessing instruction

Ground-driving was the next step in the curriculum.

ground driving

Finally, students had the opportunity to drive vehicles under the supervision of instructors.

horse cart

 

If you are interested in learning about the next hands-on courses on historic skills at Legacy of the Plains Museum, watch this website or, better yet, become a museum member so you can receive the museum newsletter. As of 2014, an individual membership is just $30. Membership dues help to support museum operations and allow us to do what we do!

Copyright 2014 by Legacy of the Plains