Special Program – Beasts of Burden

Turning the fields over after lying fallow is a rite of spring. Livestock trained to work, such as horses, mules, and oxen, played a vital role in the operations of early Texas farms. Whether it was pulling plows, harrowing fields, hauling cotton, or cultivating corn, beasts of burden made light work of sometimes daunting tasks. Join Barrington Plantation and the Texas Draft Horse and Mule Association in a unique opportunity to experience draft animals at work. Various aspects of field preparation using horses, mules and oxen will be demonstrated, with some hands-on opportunities. Activities are dependent on weather and soil conditions. Contact Ben Baumgartner at ben.baumgartner@thc.texas.gov or 936-878-2214 x248 for more information.