Business Is Booming For Horse Loggers

Business Is Booming For Horse Loggers SPECIALTY/SERVICES Specialty/Services 28-1-9 Dave and Dona Goodin, Shobonier, Ill., have been experiencing a growing demand for logging with horses. Their ad in the Effingham, Ill., newspaper reads: D and D Horse Loggers The Low Impact Loggers Specializing In Aesthetic Logging What's happening is that more and more people are seeking out homes in wooded areas where selective tree removal often is a necessity. "Horses are ideal in this kind of situation because they keep scarring of the landscape to a minimum," says Dave. "Tractors and other big equipment often leave deep scars. With horses, most tracks are healed over within 30 days. And, horses can get into places where tractors can't go." Horse logging is no novelty in the Goodin family. Dave's father and grandfather were both horse loggers. The Goodins take on logging jobs many miles from home. Most times they "commute" with their horses. They have a 6-horse trailer, so they can get to and from jobs with little effort. Both Dona and her sister, Loralyn Valencia, drive teams. According to Goodin, there's a strong demand right now for both hardwood and softwood lumber. The hardwood goes into making furniture, and much of the softwood is used for crating. Not surprisingly, there's a big demand for softwood from Japan and other Asian nations. Horses today fetch some hefty prices, according to Goodin. He likes Belgians. A team of Belgians can sell for anywhere from $1,900 to $5,000. A set of harnesses can cost $600, and a horse collar can cost $125. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Dave and Dona Goodin, 1950 Washington St., Carlyle, Ill. (ph 618 594-2638).

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