ANIMAL DRAFT POWER 131 
1200 pounds each and arc generally purchased from farmers 
near the logging operation. They usually are light weight 
when purchased and require a year or more of proper feeding 
before they attain their average efficiency. Heavy or well 
trained animals may bring as high as $200 per yoke. 
Horses. — Horses are used in the Appalachians, southern pine 
region, Lake States, Inland Empire and the Northeast. They 
stand cold weather well, are active and are moderate eaters. They 
are best adapted for logging on smooth or rolling ground, and 
with good care will remain efficient for from four to seven years. 
Horses which have reached the age of fifteen years are seldom 
profitable on a logging operation. 
Horses should not be used for logging purposes until they are 
from four to six years of age and when first put at work should 
be broken in gradually. In the South, new animals should not 
be put at hard work during the hot summer months, but should 
preferably be purchased in the fall and gradually broken in as 
the weather becomes cooler. 
In northern Alabama, when well cared for, they are as satis- 
factory as mules, but farther south the climate is not so favorable 
for them. When improperly housed and fed they are less effi- 
cient than mules and oxen. 
Horses for skidding purposes should weigh from 1200 to 1600 
pounds each. Those weighing from 1200 to 1400 pounds are best 
adapted for handling small logs, and for rough conditions because 
they are more agile than heavier animals. Those weighing from 
1400 to 1600 pounds are preferred for work in a flat or rolling 
region and for large logs. Weights ranging from 1500 to 1700 
pounds usually are selected for wagon and two-sled hauling. 
Such animals are not sufficiently active for use on rough ground 
or steep slopes. The weights preferred for hauling skidder lines 
in the South range from 1000 to 1400 pounds. 
The general type of horse preferred for logging purposes is one 
with high withers, and broad loins and chest, and should have 
legs which are free from all blemishes. Old scratches or other 
wounds are easily injured in working around brush or in mud 
or hard snow, and often the animal must be relieved from work. 
Large hoofs are an important factor in selecting horses for work 
in rocky places, since there is less liability of the foot slipping 
into holes between rocks. 
