Jesse, the draft horse and Lee, the Horse Logger, stand in front of their wagon, which serves as their home during cross-country travels.

Text and Photos
By Libby Hubbard
InkFreeNews

AKRON — Lee the Horse Logger, a traveling horseman who has spent nearly two decades on the road, made a stop in Cutshall Park on Wednesday, July 2, accompanied by his 19-year-old Suffolk Punch draft horse, Jesse, also known as “Moose.”

Lee, who began his journey in 2005 after leaving Montana, has traveled through 27 states with various horses and wagons, living what he describes as a “way of life” rather than a lifestyle.

He currently resides in Alaska but continues to travel year-round across the United States by horse-drawn wagon, averaging 10 to 12 miles per day in cooler months.

The Suffolk Punch breed, Lee said, is considered one of the most endangered major draft horse breeds, with possibly only 500 to 600 remaining worldwide.

Lee the Horse Logger applies fly spray to his draft horse Jesse to help deter insects and protect against disease during their travels.

Jesse, who pulls a lightweight aluminum-topped wagon built on hay wagon running gear, was originally from Nevada.

Maintaining Jesse’s health on the road is Lee’s top priority, including regular veterinary visits and careful planning to avoid heat and disease risks found in the southern U.S. He spends approximately $700 monthly on care and supplies for Jesse.

Lee’s travels have brought him to nursing homes and schools for informal educational visits, though he noted Indiana’s outreach opportunities can be limited due to institutional restrictions. He described the work as physically demanding and no longer recreational.

“I used to be on TV and radio all the time,” he said. “But the fun wore off about 19 years ago.”

Now, Lee keeps a low profile, relying on occasional public generosity and connections with local individuals.

During his Akron stop, he received assistance and a meal from residents, including John and Penny Niccum, and support from Akron Park Board President Kirk Robinson and community member Chad Kuhn.

Jesse, known to tip water buckets and nibble on supplies, remains his steadfast companion on the journey.

“You connect to them in a way that other people just don’t understand,” Lee said.

Readers wishing to support Lee and his horse, Jesse, on their journey can donate via Venmo, a mobile payment service, to @xamericabyhorse.