Oxenology

The Texian Institute of
Oxenology

The role oxen played in the creation of the great state of Texas is not fully understood by the modern public.
Pioneers of early Texas owe their success of surviving the frontier life to these noble beast. Without the hard
working oxen of old times the settlement of Texas would have been set back possibly fifty to seventy years.

The Texian Institute of Oxenology has taken on the task of
educating the public about the contributions to the civilization of
this wild country by oxen and the skilled ox drover. Longhorn
steers, Liberty and Justice, are what a person would expect to
see as work animals in early Texas. The steers travel to living
history events and demonstrate to the audience how oxen were
trained to work.

Professor Paisley Bent, resident instructor, is dressed in
1830s period clothing to give the listener a historical
feeling about the events described in the presentation.
The Professor tells stories from the Republic of Texas
days about tribulations the oxen and drover faced during
those exciting and dangerous times.

Definition of many terms used everyday by the ox drover and how some of
these words are still used in our modern language is a focus of one
segment. Professor Paisley takes all questions and settles any curiosity
about oxen and the training of these great animals. Explanation of the skills
and technology dealing with oxen is demonstrated in a “this is how it was
done back then” manner. Any person that has an interest in hearing about
early Texas history will enjoy this unique presentation. Then to see the oxen
work at pulling a cart close up is an added bonus.