Frequently Asked Questions

Where are you located?
We are just 6 miles from The Main Lodge at Big Powderhorn Mountain. Take Big Powderhorn Rd. To Black River RD. Turn LEFT go 1/4 mile to Airport Rd. Turn LEFT. Take Airport Rd. 5 miles. WINTERWIND FARM is on the RIGHT.

If you are lodging at one of the hotels on US 2. Take Lake Rd. North 4 miles to Airport Rd. Turn Left. Take Airport Rd 2 1/2 miles. WINTERWIND FARM is on the right.



What should we wear?
Dress like you were going skiing or snowmobiling. Hats and gloves are a must. We supply plenty of snuggling blankets, you are welcome to bring your own.


Will we see any wildlife?
Sightings of deer are common. We have seen fox, coyote, occasionally owls glide overhead, but you are much more likely to hear them hooting in the woods at the bon-fire.


Do the horses like to do this?
Yes, I believe that they do. Just like an athlete enjoys a good workout so does the draft horse. The Draft horse has been bred for generations, to do this sort of work. Our Draft horses are trained at Winterwind Farm with the utmost care and in the most gentle way. We take exceptional care of our horses and their well-being and your safety are most important to us.


How much do the horses eat?
During heavy work periods they will eat a bale of good quality hay a day. In addition to hay they get a ration of grain daily, usually 10-12 lbs. We also feel a daily vitamin supplement is called for, during the peak work months. People are always bringing treats for "the boys" Apples and Carrots. Because of the bits they wear, I usually save them for the morning grain ration. I cut them up and stir them in. They really love the treats but aren't very good about thank you notes.


How much do the horses weigh?
We prefer a draft horse around a ton and 16- 17 hands tall. This size horse is heavy enough for hard work, but not so tall that they are hard to harness. To large of a draft horse expends energy in short bursts. We prefer the old type horse that is heavier bodied and not so leggy, this type of horse can work for longer periods of time and expend energy much more efficiently. We have always used Percheron draft horses, blacks and greys.


Do their feet get cold?
No


Can they see in the dark?
Yes


Are they afraid of the Bon-fire?
No, they enjoy the rest there.


How deep of snow can the horses pull in?
It really isn't an issue here, we groom our trails mechanically every day.


Will the sleigh tip over?
No. We use logging bob-sleds that are meant to be very stable, with much taller, heavier loads than what we take out.


Do you use wheels or are these real sleighs?
Our Sleighs are authentic bob-sleds, we don't access any roads, we are NEVER on wheels.


How much does the sleigh weigh?
About a 1000lbs.


How much does the harness weigh?
About 60lbs.


Does the Driver get cold?
Who cares? No, really, Dean dresses in traditional logging gear, Wool Malones, and Wool Coats, he wears a fur hat, usually Coyote and Beaver Mitts. We all wear Steger MUKLUKS on our feet and have found them to be the warmest footwear ever made. Ask us, we have extra catalogs.