How to Train Jersey Oxen

Though training oxen is a long process, it is rewarding. You can use oxen for a variety of purposes including gardening, logging and pulling loads. With small, docile breeds such as the Jersey, the training possibilities are endless. You can take them to fairs and parades if you train them to ignore loud noises and trust you. Jerseys are also versatile. In addition to being oxen, they are a small type of milk cow. If you decide to keep more than two, you can keep one to milk and the others to work.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 stable halters
  • 2 cows
  • 2 rope halters
  • Yoke
  • Harness
  • Practice sled
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Instructions

  1. Halter Training

    • 1

      Train cattle separately at first. This allows you to focus on one at a time and get to know each individual personality and behaviors.

    • 2

      Choose a stable halter or other halter that does not tighten when the cattle pull on it.

    • 3

      Put halters on the cattle before the morning feeding.

    • 4

      Leave the halter on all day. Check on your cattle regularly throughout the day to make sure they don't get tangled.

    • 5

      Remove the halters before the evening feeding.

    • 6

      Change the haltering routine once the cattle are used to the halter by putting the halter on and taking it off at different times during the day.

    Lead Training

    • 7

      Train each cow separately at first. This allows you to focus on one cow at a time and get to know their individual personalities and behaviors.

    • 8

      Place a rope halter on the cow. Rope halters tighten around the jaw, creating pressure which the cows will associate with leading.

    • 9

      Stand beside the cow, give the command ̶0;Get Up̶1; and tap the cow̵7;s rump with the training stick.

    • 10

      Begin to walk forward, pulling the cow forward at your side. Use a rump rope or have a person behind the cow nudge her to get her to walk forward, if necessary.

    • 11

      Stop walking, give the command ̶0;Whoa̶1; and tap the cow̵7;s chest.

    • 12

      Repeat walking and stopping until the cow does not require you to pull on its halter or tap it.

    • 13

      Teach the command to slow down, ̶0;Easy,̶1; to the cow.

    • 14

      Lead both cows together and use all the lead commands. Lead them side by side as much as possible.

    Yoke Training

    • 15
      A yoke is a type of headstall.

      Place yokes or harnesses on the cows.

    • 16

      Lead the cows using the commands ̶0;Whoa,̶1; ̶0;Get Up̶1; and ̶0;Easy.̶1;

    • 17

      Teach the commands for right, left and back up: ̶0;Gee,̶1; ̶0;Haw̶1; and ̶0;Back."

    • 18

      Harness cows to practice sled.

    • 19

      Teach the cows to pull loads using all previously learned commands.

    • 20

      Teach the commands ̶0;Step In̶1; and ̶0;Step Out,̶1; that is, step toward a pole or chain and step away from a pole or chain.

    • 21

      Teach the commands ̶0;Head Up̶1; and ̶0;Come Boss,̶1; that is, lift their heads when in the yoke and come in from the pasture.