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WHAT IS IT?
Horselogging, or snigging, is the removal of felled timber using a
horse. The timber usually consists of first or second thinnings produced
during the management of a wood. Logs are dragged out and stacked by the
road or trackside to await collection by a lorry.
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WHY WE DO IT
 Horses are ideal for work on ecologically sensitive sites from where
8-10 tonnes of timber may be removed daily and hardly leave a trace.
Equipment such as a traditional chain harness or a Norwegian timber arch
may be interchanged depending on the type of site, gradient, terrain,
extraction route, etc. Horses work quietly and are good for public
relations where woodland management affects communities and amenities.
The alternative is to use heavy machinery; removal of logs using heavy machinery can disturb natural drainage patterns
due to compression, damage to topsoil and flora and may harm standing trees.
Such machinery usually needs to be transported on large vehicles, requires good
access to the felling site and is unsuitable for steep or wet terrain.
Noise, exhaust and fuel pollution can be a problem.
It is possible for horses and machines to work efficiently on the same site together where
conditions are appropriate. [top]
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HOW WE DO IT
 Transport of the
horse and all equipment to the site is by horse
trailer and four wheel drive pickup. On site, depending on the task and terrain,
traditional chain harness or a Norwegian timber arch may be used to move
logs from the felling site to the roadside. The horse is driven from behind
by the handler, using long reins and verbal commands.
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WHERE WE TRAVEL TO
Bodfari Horse Logging will consider a variety of contracts in the
Denbighshire, Cheshire and Merseyside areas or be happy to recommend other
horseloggers if necessary. An initial visit to the site, free of charge, to
discuss strategy is routine. Bodfari Horse Logging carries full public
liability insurance and will provide references if required. [top]
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WHAT DOES IT COST ?
A charge of approx. £100/day, plus travel expenses, is usual. [top]
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