Focus on the Farm – Horse Drawn Days at Hanley Farm!  Pamela Sasseen, Hanley Farm Volunteer

Horse-drawn Days at Hanley Farm

There are so many events planned for August, including “Horse Drawn Days at Hanley Farm just outside Jacksonville, Oregon.” I’d like to tell you a little about a couple of the horses you’ll see, in particular the Haflinger and the Miniature (or Mini).

The Haflinger is a beautiful horse, bred for riding as well as for driving. They are an average 13 to 15 hands tall, or 4 to 5 feet from the ground to their withers, or shoulders. And are chestnut in color, ranging from light gold to a golden chestnut. They were bred in Austria to be used as a packhorse and to work in mountainous regions. A versatile breed, in the late 20th century the Indian Army attempted to use the Haflinger as pack animals for mountainous terrains. But their program wasn’t successful as the horses couldn’t withstand the desert heat. Today, this lovely animal is used in many events, including western-style horse shows, trail & endurance riding, dressage, etc.

Haflinger Horse

Miniature horses are, in deed, miniature – measuring less than 38 inches tall, from the ground to their withers. The first mention of a “small Horse” being imported to the US was in 1888. It is believed that the American Miniature horse was bred from English and Dutch mine horses brought to the US in the 19th century, and were used in Appalachian coal mines as late as 1950. While the Miniature is often kept as a family pet, they are still considered to be “real horses,” as they retain many horse characteristics. These little guys are healthier when allowed to live outdoors with proper shelter and room to run; not sleeping at the foot of your bed!

August 4 – Bracero! Stories of the Migrant Workers of Southern Oregon

The second in our dinner series, Origins – A Discovery of Place, is sure to please the palate of all those attending. Alex Lamoreaux of Northwest Seasonal Workers Association, with veterans of the Bracero program, talk about the migrant workers of Southern Oregon. Kristen Lyon will prepare a culinary feast, along with chef-selected regional wines. Join us and learn about the life of Bracero veterans.  $55/person ($40/SOHS members). Reserve your space early via the SOHS website (www.sohs.org) or call 541-773-6536 Ext.1002.

 August 12 – Artist Day at the Farm!

Artists, you’re invited to participate in “Artist Day at the Farm!”. To complement August 12’s “Picnic at the Farm,” we’re extending an invitation to artists to come to the farm (be sure to bring a picnic!) and paint, take photos, etc. Also, bring finished art work you wish to sell. If you do sell something, we ask that you donate 10% of your total sales to the farm. If you choose not to bring finished art work, that’s okay too! Just come out, have a picnic, paint, draw, whatever! To confirm your attendance, or for additional information, contact Pam Sasseen at 541-608-8091, or psasseen@q.com.

 Every Sunday – Picnic at the Farm!

Throughout the summer months, Sundays, 11am-3pm, you’re invited to bring a picnic, play turn-of-the-century games with your children, take self-guided tours of the farm, or just spend a quiet day in the sun. If you choose to take a self-guided tour, we ask for a $3 minimum donation. Feel free to donate more if you’d like! Come out, bring a picnic and spend a relaxing Sunday at Hanley Farm.

 August 18 – Horse Drawn Days at Hanley Farm

The Southern Oregon Horse & Carriage Club (SOHACC) and Hanley Farm invite you to “Horse Drawn Days at Hanley Farm.” Enjoy harnessing, hitching demonstrations, and demonstrations of horse-drawn equipment; carriage rides; horses, including Mini & Haflingers; Hanley Farmhouse tours; and possibly a Farmers Market! We look forward to seeing you at the Farm – it’s sure to be a fun day for all! 10am-4pm; $4/adults; $2/seniors (65+) and children (3 to 12 years)

 August 25 – Food Preservation Day at Hanley Farm

Hanley Farm and OSU’s Family Food Education Volunteers (FFEV) hosts Food Preservation Day! There will be several food preservation demonstrations; food preservation mini-classes; Hanley Farmhouse tours; the Hanley Mercantile; and children’s activities, such as apple peeling, butter making and wheat grinding. So plan to come out August 25. Hours are 10am-3pm. $4/adults; $2/children and seniors.

 For more information about Hanley Farm or upcoming events, call us at 541-773-2675; e-mail us at hanleyfarm@sohs.org; visit us on-line at www.sohs.org/properties/hanley-farm; or check out our Hanley Farm Facebook page! Hanley Farm, owned and operated by the Southern Oregon Historical Society, is located at 1053 Hanley Road, between Jacksonville and Central Point.