Using horsepower to run logging business

Patty Ramus

By PATTY RAMUS

News Staff Writer

A team of large harnessed draft horses stood in the snow tied to a trailer Thursday morning.

Breath from their nostrils steamed into the morning air, as they waited for their driver to ready the next load for the work they were about to undertake.

Their job wasn't to pull plows or people, but to haul large logs through the snow to the place where the wood is to be cut. The horses' work is an integral part of Rusty Hale's custom logging operation and provides an alternative to using heavy machinery.

Hale and his wife, Kathy, Hawes Township residents, started their business Hale's Log & Lumber in June 2008 after they acquired a team of Belgian mares named May and June. The two mares were trained by Hale and an older Belgian mare named Molly. While there was some expense up front for the horses, the investment wasn't nearly as large as what it would have cost to buy large logging equipment that requires fuel.

"The biggest thing with horses, you don't have as much overhead with them. Vet bills and grain is still a lot cheaper than the overhead on a skidder engine," he said.

Kathy Hale said they have been able to save money because the horses are used by the couple to make their own hay.

"I can't imagine trying to put all that money into all that heavy equipment," she said.

Rusty Hale decided to pursue a business in logging after being employed by the Alcona County Road Commission for 14 years. He acquired his knowledge of logging while working for a lumber yard several years ago. He grew up working with draft horses and specifically wanted to use them for his operations.

May and June earn their keep by pulling for tree harvesting, logging off of cedar swamps, or moving wood from one site to another. They typically work two to three days each week or as needed.

"It really starts with the horses. Without them you need some kind of machinery to get that log from the pile to the mill," Kathy Hale said.

The overall operation includes making custom cuts for clients such as individuals, NEMROC and flooring companies. The wood is purchased from other local loggers. He uses any type of wood, but often works with oak poplar and pine with the assistance of his neighbor, Don Sharboneau.

"I can saw up to a 21-foot log with a 36-inch diameter. I've sawed enough lumber for a little log cabin," Rusty Hale said.

People with small plots of land often call loggers who use horses to make select cuts because the animals don't tear up the land, and larger logging operations don't want to go into an area to cut a few trees. Horses are able to get into places that aren't always accessible by trucks, Rusty Hale said.

Patty Ramus can be reached via e-mail at pramus@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5687.