Rural Heritage June/July 2026

and critically examined technological innovation. What counts is an exchange of information and experience, on equal terms, by learning from the mistakes of others. So, this article will not be the end of the story. Special thanks go to Marc Elvinger of FRIENDSHIP in Luxembourg as well as to Nayeem Khan and Mohammad Sakhawat Hosen, PhD, of FRIENDSHIP in Bangladesh for the expert advice on this article. The complete list of sources for this article may be requested from the author. Paul heads up Schaff mat Päerd (Work with horses) asbl, a non-profit organization registered in Luxembourg, with the following objectives: To promote the research on the welfare of draught animal, develop new equipment for animal traction, publish information on the subject of animal traction equipment and the welfare of draught animals and to actively participate in knowledge exchange aimed at improving the living and working conditions of draught animals. www.schaffmatpaerd.com

some point, the spiral of non-renewable energy and non-natural product input in agriculture started spinning faster and faster. But this so-called modern farming system has now arrived at a breaking point, considering soil degradation and water pollution, air emissions and climate damage, over-indebtedness of many farmers or their unsustainable dependence on public funds. Keeping traditional farming practices alive, not only on the Chars, but here too, doesn't mean taking steps back to the past by rejecting any technological development. The potential of the small workhorses on the Chars seem to be overlooked.With appropriate equipment, including suitable harness, fieldwork — especially crop maintenance and harvesting — could be carried out much more efficiently and economically by using the already widely available living power. To point out the way into a low-input, but also low-impact small-scale farming system facing climate change, the main focus should not be only on improving the horse’s health (through feeding, breeding, and prevention and control of diseases) but also a revised farm power policy, as well as thoughtful

Draft Horse C lassic September 17-20, 2026

Harvest Fair Equine & Western Art Show, Live Music, DIY Days, Western Trade Show, Community Exhibits, Games on the Green, Delicious Food! 4 Days 6 Performances! Enjoy 6 Amazing Draft Horse Shows. See the majestic Draft Horses in 20 competitions. Meet the horses up close!

Free Fun for All Ages! Nevada County Fairgrounds GRASS VALLEY, CA RV CAMPING ONSITE

© TERI ROSE Show Tickets (530) 273-6217 • NevadaCountyFair.com

June/July 2026

49