South Strome Forest — VSA horse sledge
Photograph is courtesy and copyright of Forestry Commission, Forest Research, Roslin, and provided with help from Glen Brearley. FR Photo number No A2858 taken by Stan Forrester.
Here the VSA sledge has been set out roughly as it would have been at work. The shafts lying on the ground are attached to a large swingle tree.
Why did the Scandinavian foresters use shafts as opposed to chains? One advantage could be the slowing down of the load on steeper slopes or on snow and not have wood running under the horse. Chains could also cause rubbing sores on horses legs if incorrectly fitted. Thoughts welcome.
Any comments and tales of working with this sledge would be very welcome.
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Groups: Forest Research, Forestry Areas, Horses at work in Forests, Other Vehicles and Machines