Rural Heritage June/July 2026

Hooking & Unhooking A step by step method for use on the farm

by Donn Hewes O f course, there are almost as many ways to hook a team of horses to a cart as there are teamsters, but I wanted to illustrate a method I use and teach to beginning teamsters and horses. There are a few things we should discuss beforehand. First, I teach people how to do these things when they are alone, i.e. by yourself. That doesn't mean you shouldn't have help; help is great! There are many times and situations when having

more than one person is advisable. When we are out in public is one example. Hooking up a team while people are around can be difficult, and a second set of hands is a good idea and sometimes essential. Hooking four, six or eight horses is a lot no matter how good they are, and help is appreciated. So why place so much emphasis on being able to do this alone? Two reasons; first, my primary use of horses is in farming, and you are often working alone. If there is another person available, they are hooking their own team of horses. The second is about having a safe, standardized method for this important task.

Donn drives his team of Suffolk Punch draft horses to the forecart he is going hook to.

Rural Heritage

6