1

Rawhiding was a common method of transporting ore from the mines down steep, mountainous terrain. A green hide of a steer or a cow was used; the legs and tail were cut off leaving a rectangular piece attached to a length of rope, turned hair side down and pulled tightly around the load.

2

Rawhiding in Winter
1900
Toad Mountain, near Nelson B.C

3

Rawhiding trails were steep and easily became frozen and slick. The raw hides wormed their way around and over hillside obstacles. An experienced horse needed to be able to maintain a steady descent whilst keeping itself and the hide in the trough of the trail. Crude chain brakes were devised to reduce the speed of the rawhides traveling on extremely steep, icy sections.

4

Rawhiding ore
1888
West Kootenay Mountains, near Nelson BC

5

The driver rode the rearmost hide controlling the horse by his commands. It was a very dangerous occupation. On steep descents all a man could do was to hold tight onto the lacings, shielding his face from the flying ice and snow and hope he would get to the bottom of the hill in one piece.

6

Rawhiding uphill in Winter
1900
Toad Mountain, near Nelson B.C

7

Alpine forest near the Silver King Mine.
1899
Toad Mountain, near Nelson B.C