THE MONTANA ACADEMY OF LIVING HISTORY 2008 WORKSHOP OFFERINGS
MALH -18 DRIVING AND WORKING HORSES IN HARNESS
Presented by: DOUG "DOC" HAMMILL, DVM
Prerequisite: Open for beginners to experienced teamsters with a desire to learn
This is a three day hands-on learning workshop that is open to beginners who want to begin learning how to drive horses in harness, and for people who drive horses and who want to improve their knowledge, skills, and safety, as well as the performance of their horses.
Safety considerations will be of paramount importance throughout the workshop, as well as maintaining clear, understandable communication with the horses and keeping them feeling safe, comfortable and willing at all times. The concept that "we are training our horses and mules every minute we are around them" will be stressed and practiced using the principals and techniques of Gentle Horsemanship.
This is NOT a horse training or problem solving workshop per se. The horses brought by participants are expected to be well trained, experienced and well behaved. To get the most out of this class I recommend students study videos Fundamentals 1, 2, 3, and 4 for students that are not bringing horse(s) to the clinics, and F 1 thru 4 plus Teaching Horses to Drive for those students who will be bringing their own horse(s). These are available from my web site.
Day 1: Harness and collar fitting for safety, comfort and function. Clear communication with driving horses---Voice, Bits, Line handling skills, and Aids
Day 2: Hitching safety and techniques. Driving practice, obstacle courses, and log skidding
Day 3: Improving driving skills while working horses on selected equipments (to be decided based on student requests and abilities)
Enrollment is limited to ten based on a combination of participants with teams (or singles) plus participants who will use a furnished team. It would be helpful to students to view
Auditors and observers of any age who are interested in how horses and mules are harnessed, hitched, driven and worked in harness are welcome
Workshop Location: Grant-Kohrs Ranch
Class Dates: Tuesday – Thursday, September 9-11 8 AM-5PM
Fee Participant with team or a single_____ $475
Participant without a team__________ $375
Audit or observe: $35/day - Back to class list...
MALH - 28 Building & Restoration of Equine Vehicle Boxes, Hay Racks, & Bodies
Presented by: Dave Watkins
Prerequisite: Experience with power equipment used for wood projects
The renewed interest in drafts has also sparked interest in horse wagons, carriages, and implements as attested by the large number of sales of these items each year. As this interest has increased, so have the prices.
This three day workshop teaches participants how to build or restore wagon beds, boxes, and hay racks.
Besides instruction on building carts, the course will cover use and types of various woods in wagon and buggy construction, wheels, wagon and buggy history, and more.
There will be two chassis available and participants will help build the boxes for these units.
Participants will need to bring their own hand tools including tape measure, adjustable wrench, set of open end box wrenches, vice grip pliers and assorted screwdrivers.
Workshop Location: Grant Kohrs Ranch
Class Date: Monday-Wednesday, September 8-10, 2008 8AM- 5 PM
Course is limited to 10 participants; early registration is advised)
Workshop Fee: $150
Audit or observe $25
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MALH - 38 Diamond Tufting of Buggy Seats (Upholstery)
Presented by: Dave Watkins
Prerequisite: A desire to learn how to do this historic practice
Horse drawn buggies and carriages were upholstered for comfort. This upholstery also contributed much to the look and luxury of the vehicle. Diamond tufting was a popular choice.
Tufting is the process of creating patterns on the seat and cushions of buggy seats as well as fine furniture. Topics in this two day class include diamond pattern layout, diamond depth ratios, use of welting, gimp, and blind tacking. Each participant will complete a seat cushion sampler that they take with them. This could be used for a stool seat.
This is a good husband wife family project for those who want to learn upholstery. There will also be a buggy seat project for students to work on.
Participants must bring a magnetic tack hammer and a tape measure.
Workshop Location: Old Dairy barn at Grant Kohrs Ranch
Class Dates: Thursday and Friday September 11-12 8 AM to 5 PM
Fee: $105 including materials
Audit or Observe: $15/day
Registration is limited to 10 students
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MALH - 48 CROCHET BASKET
Presented by: Cecelia Goodman
Prerequisite: An interest in this practical craft.
"Use it up wear it out, make it do or do without" is a wise old saying that we can still learn from today. In this class, you'll learn to recycle cast-off fabric into a colorful basket.
Recycling was inherent to life for most families during the draft horse era. Clothing and other fabric was repaired and patched until no longer serviceable and then used for other purposes.
Crochet basket making is a simple technique. This class will teach you how to prepare fabric for use, connect fabric strips and then how to start making a basket. (It's helpful if you know how to do a single crochet stitch.)
Participants will need a crochet hook and a selection of fabric to start your rug or can buy a hook and material at class time.
Workshop Location: The Pen (Across from the Territorial Prison)
Class Date:Thursday, September 11, 10-12 AM
Fee: $15
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MALH - 58 TRADITIONAL VICTORIAN CRAZY QUILTING
Presented by: Cecelia Goodman
Prerequisite: An interest the history of buttons
Quilting is a wide spread hobby that has become an art form. Cecelia will teach how the early Victorian Crazy quilt is made. This course will include a brief history of crazy quilting which was popular from 1870-1910. Participants will then learn hands-on construction and embellishment of a block suitable for a pillow or a table mat.
Participants will need an embroidery needle, thimble (if you use one) scissors, sewing thread, and black embroidery thread. Kits will be available for purchase for $17.
Workshop Location: The Pen (across from the Territorial Prison)
Class Date: Thursday, September 11, 1-4 PM
Fee: $15
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MALH - 68 NATURAL ANIMAL HIDE TANNING
Presented by: Mark Brown, Montana History "Live"
Prerequisite: An interest natural tanning methods and producing material for rawhide
This will be a demonstration of brain tanning - both hair on and hair off. This will demonstrate hair removal and brain tanning, and hair removal rawhide preparation.
As it is not practical to complete the process in the time available, a comprehensive demonstration will be given. (A finished brain tanned buffalo robe (hair on) will be shown.)
The demonstration will begin with a green buffalo hide. In addition, a hair-off demonstration will use deer hides.
Workshop Location: Visitor Center, Grant Kohrs Ranch
Class Date Friday, September 12, 9 Am-3 Pm
Class will be canceled if there are less than five registered.
Fee: Free
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MALH - 78 DUTCH OVEN COOKING
Presented by: Colleen Sloan
Prerequisite: An interest in this early skill.
Iron pot cooking has evolved over the centuries and was used on wooden ships at sea. When the western U.S. migration began, pioneers and settlers needed ways to cook and bake over open fires. Dutch Ovens were extensively used during the migration as well as by cooks on cattle drives.
This course is an introduction to the techniques of Dutch oven cooking. Participants will prepare and cook selected recipes alongside experienced cooks. The class will begin with a discussion of equipment, tools and techniques. Care and cleaning of Dutch Ovens will also be covered.
Participants will be given a Dutch Oven workbook which includes some history, recipes and cooking techniques.
Workshop Location: Grant Kohrs Ranch
Class Date:Friday, September 12, 2008 9AM -1PM
Fee: $15 per person
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MALH - 88 DRESSMAKER'S MANNEQUIN
Presented by: Donna Worth and Sharon Brown, Montana History "Live", Whitehall, MT
Prerequisite: An interest in learning to make early period clothing
The need for an accurate mannequin aids tremendously when reconstructing historical clothing. This a fun and very practical class.
This workshop will create a personal mannequin to one's exact measurements. All that is needed is two rolls of duct tape and two tight fitting, high necked T-shirts (one of which will be destroyed in the process.) Participants can bring a "tape wrapping helper" if so desired.
Materials to bring with you: Two rolls of duct tape, 2 tight fitting T shirts, and a good sense of humor. Open to as many who wish to participate.
Workshoplocation: The Pen (across from the Territorial Prison)
Class Date: Friday, September 12, 9 Am -Noon
Fee: $20 per mannequin person
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MALH - 98 MISSOURI SLAT BONNET
Presented by: Donna Worth and Sharon Brown, Montana History "Live", Whitehall, MT
Prerequisite: An interest in learning to make early period clothing
The workhorse of the bonnet world, the Slat Bonnet is named after the "slats" used to stiffen the brim. Originally these slats were made from hickory or cedar, but when wood was scare, "pasteboard" or cardboard was used. The Slat Bonnet was often worn by those who were working in the fields or around the homestead. The deep brim and long bavolet (curtain at the back) protected the face and neck from the harsh elements. This style bonnet was seldom worn "for good".
Recreate an accurate working bonnet from the collection of the Missouri Sate Historical Society. This is simple project for a great beginning to a period wardrobe. The history and use of the bonnet will be discussed during the workshop.
Bring a sewing machine, scissors, and sewing supplies. One yard of period material is needed. Bring your own or purchase some at the class.
Workshop Location: The Pen (across from the Territorial Prison)
Class Date: Friday, September 12, 9 Am -Noon
Fee: $15 per person
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MALH - 108 FIFE AND DRUM MUSIC
Presented by: Beth Kidwell, Tobacco Root Reveilliers Fyfe and Drum Corps, Whitehall, MT
Prerequisite: An interest in learning about this music and history.
In the days before radio and satellite communications, battlefield commanders needed to a way to send messages to troops on the battle field. Fife and drums were an integral part of the communications.
This workshop provides hands-on learning of fife and drum as well as musical demonstrations and drilling. Instruments will be available to use and/or to purchase.
Location: Grant Kohrs in front of the Ranch House
Class Date: Friday, September 12 2-5 Pm
Fee: $15 per person
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MALH - 118 INTRODUCTION TO HAYING WITH HORSES
Presented by: Doc Hammill
Prerequisite: An interest in learning how horses are used in haying
A four hour basic introduction to the selection, restoration, maintenance, and operation of equipment for making hay with horses. Important safety considerations and requirements for the horses when hitching and operating the equipment is emphasized and demonstrated. The format will be discussion, demonstration, and question/answer (no hands on driving of horses by the participants).
This course is for those who would like to hay with horses, or those who would like to hire horse hay outfits.
Location: Grant-Kohrs Ranch
Class Date: Friday, September 12, 8-12AM
Fee: $60
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MALH - 128 INTRODUCTION TO LOGGING WITH HORSES
Presented by: Doc Hammill
Prerequisite: An interest in learning how horses are used in logging
A four hour basic introduction to the equipment, techniques, and safety considerations for working in the woods and logging with horses. Important safety considerations and requirements for the horses when hooking to and skidding logs is emphasized and demonstrated. The format will be discussion, demonstration, and question/answer (no hands on driving of horses by the participants).
This course should be of interest to anyone wanting to log with horses, or wanting to hire horse loggers.
Location: Grant-Kohrs Ranch
Class Date:
Friday, September 12, 1-5 P
Fee: $60
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MALH - 138 INTRODUCTION TO THE WESTERN SIDESADDLE
Presented by: Debara Whitmore and Judy Hastings, Northwest Aside Group (NAGs)
Prerequisite: An interest in learning about buying, fitting and/or riding the western sidesaddle.
The western sidesaddle was conceived and developed during the 1860s. During that period respectable 'Lady' would ride astride a horse or mule.
This workshop will trace the development of the modern sidesaddle with emphasis on the western sidesaddle, proper fit to horse and rider – including how to create a wither tracing for saddle fit, safe attire, and the basic seat. Handouts will be available, including “Tips for Buying a Sidesaddle”. A Demonstration ride will be given by a member of the Northwest Aside Group.
This workshop should appeal to women who wish to add a new dimension to their reenactments or who have mastered other riding disciplines and are looking for a new challenge. It also should appeal to men or women with physical disabilities that prevent them from riding astride. (Sidesaddle is often used by amputees.)
A sidesaddle will be available for interested parties to sit on.
(This group will perform at the Big Sky Draft Horse Expo in Victorian Attire.)
Location: Grant-Kohrs Ranch
Class Date: Friday, September 12, 1:30-4:30 PM
Fee: $15
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MALH - 188 LOW STRESS CATTLE HANDLING
Presented by: Lloyd Bradshaw
Prerequisite: An interest in learning low stress techniques for handling animals with a focus on cattle.
All through the history of time ranchers and farmers have worked animals and the land and throughout that time many have developed techniques for working animals in a calm and low stress manner.
This workshop is designed to show participants low stress animal handling techniques with an emphasis on cattle.
With a focus on the basics of animal handling, handling cattle on the range and a special segment on weaning. Come and enjoy the workshop, the videos and have your questions ready and don’t forget to come and enjoy lunch and goodies throughout the day.
Location: Powell County Community Center
Class Date: Thursday, September 11, 10:00-4:00 PM
Fee: $20
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EVENING PROGRAMS
MALH - 148 HORSE WHISPERERS, HORSE CHARMERS, AND WILD HORSE TAMERS—their secrets and how we can apply them today
Presented by: Doc Hammill
Doc Hammill will discuss the history of horse whisperers and what they understood about the nature and language of horses that allowed these individuals to exert seemingly supernatural powers over horses to get them to do amazing things. This is a 2.5 hour lecture program and does not involve the use of live horses.
Location: 7pm Pen Convention Center
Class Date: Tuesday, September 9, 2008 TBA
Fee: Free (Donations accepted) - Back to class list...
MALH - 168 Spirit Tailings
Presented by: Dr. Ellen Baumler
The historic prison—as the shadows creep and a chill settles over its stone walls—is the perfect setting for Ellen Baumler’s storytelling. Weaving history around things that go bump in the Big Sky night, Baumler spins a ghostly web and explores the subtle presence of the spirited past in modern-day Montana. Haunted mines, cemeteries, hotels, and houses where spirits walk will leave you looking over your shoulder. Richly embroidered with Montana’s historical legacy, stories include uncanny tales about the prison, Grant-Kohrs Ranch, and other heritage places across the state.
Location: Visitors center at Montana Territorial Prison Visitors Center
Class Date: Thursday, September 11, 7 PM
Fee: Free - Back to class list...
MALH - 178 HOT DOGS AND HISTORY
This is a family program for kids from 5-95. Come burn a hot dog and marshmallows over a campfire at Grant Kohrs and enjoy some fun history or entertainment.
Location: Grant-Kohrs Visitors Center
Class Date: Friday, September 12, 6 PM
Fee: Free - Back to class list... |