Joker, Ace, Jack and King, our Brown Swiss show oxen were born in April, 2004 at Shelburne Farms in Shelburne, Vermont located about an hour from the guesthouse. These gentle giants are now over 6 feet tall and weigh between 2500 and 3100 lbs each—we have been told by various judges that they are some of the largest oxen in New England! The oxen are trained as a two- or four-hitch and pull an ox cart, our new authentic reproduction Conestoga Covered Wagon, and a two-seater sleigh. We show them at fairs, parades and special events around New England.

After four years of construction, our Conestoga Covered Wagon was completed by local Vermont craftsmen. The wagon made its maiden voyage at the Roxbury, Vermont, Independence Day Parade on July 2, 2011. Read more about the wagon.

Our granddaughter Analiese Morvan, who also lives in Northfield, keeps her young team of Brown Swiss steers, Doc and Dan, at the farm. They too were born born at Shelburne Farms in June, 2010. With the help of her grandfather, Ray, and the 4-H Green Mountain Teamsters, Analiese is training and showing her pair at fairs and competitions.

We welcome visitors to the farm to see the oxen, but ask that people call first to make an appointment or arrangements for ox-drawn cart and sleigh rides for up to four people.

This photo gallery is designed to give you a snap shot of the oxen as they’ve matured and an idea of the activities we do with them. Please scroll down to see the most recent pictures as they have been arranged in chronological order.

See a video with the oxen pulling the Conestoga Covered Wagon at the Green Mountain Draft Horse Field Days at Shelburne Farms in Shelburne, VT, June 30, 2011.