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The magazine of the art-form of the photo-essay “A free, really high quality photo-essay magazine.  Fabulous!” Stephen Fry. British actor, writer and film & documentary maker
July 2015 back issue
Horse Logger
by Nat Wilkins
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Amber, a 15.2 hand Comtois from the Jura Mountains, worked with Jonah Maurice in the woodlands of Northumberland. Horse logging may seem an archaic practice but interest in the low impact forest management alternative is growing in the conservation and heritage sectors as the need for sensitive timber extraction is recognised. This story followed Jonah’s work and home life as he extracted timber from some of Northumberland’s most ecologically sensitive woodlands. Since recording this series last winter I have found out that Amber very recently died on Monday the 22nd June 2015. This is an absolute tragedy for both Jonah’s livelihood and for his family. Subsequent conversations with Jonah and witnessing his own and his families grief, really brought home to me the closeness of the relationship between the two. Whilst shooting, Jonah would tell me the process of grooming was very important to build up, and to reinforce a strong working bond between the pair. I was definitely aware of this bond but because of the ‘work’ aspect of the situation I don’t think I ever truly understood how personal and heart felt the bond was. In truth it was much more than a ‘working relationship’. Amber and Jonah had a true friendship that has unfortunately prematurely come to an end.
Jonah Maurice and wife Louise prepare for the mornings work at the breakfast table.
Jonah makes adjustments to the harness before work starts.
Dragging timber begins; the issue of bashed or even broken ankles and legs is very real and Jonah needs to stay highly alert to the many variables of a drag.
Amber drags a large length of timber from the bushes. The most energy is needed at the start of the drag and after the momentum is established the logs flow out of the woods with a lot less effort.
A fire is maintained throughout the day for food, drinks and heat.
Amber rests at the end of a long drag.
Amber ploughs through a pile of brushwood creating new access paths through the woodland.
Work stops and Amber refuels on oats, a high energy food.
Work stops for food cooked on an open fire.
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