History of Horses in the U.S. Horse Care and Management

Colonization and Settlement Hitching posts, mounting blocks, water troughs, stables and carriage houses were developed 1800’s it hauled goods, pulled cabs, and moved people A huge market for horses came about and so did other industries to make equipment for the horses Horses were used for exploration of new land More useful than the ox because of their versatility on farms Mules were used to transport supplies in packs and under harness in the army Mules were also used to haul coal in mines – horses had a hard time in those poor working conditions

Commercial Uses Horsecar lines used as mass transit systems in large cities Heavy horses hauled cargo unloaded at city terminals by railroads, steamships and canal boats Businesses had brightly colored wagons with beautiful horses hauling them 6 harnessed draft horses began competing in the show ring

Fire Protection 1850’s was used as urban fire protection A crew could hitch up their horses in 2-3 minutes Draft crosses chosen for speed and strength

Transportation One horse shays to run local errands (2 large strong wheels) Stages had 2-4 horses that carried 9-12 passengers Light wagons were used between towns and farms Pleasure wagons had springs under the seat

Agriculture Oxen were used as draft animals because they were cheaper than horses, but only worked half as fast They weren’t built to use new equipment either Morrill Land Grant Act – created agriculture colleges which helped educate farmers in how to care, feed and breed horses New equipment reduced manpower, but increased horsepower Giant combines might be pulled by teams of over 40 draft horses Draft horses became very important and their genetics created an increase in horse size from 1200-1500lbs. Used for railroads when constructing them, take mail and passengers over dangerous, rough roads and used for powering plows, threshers and combines

Recreation, Sports, and Shows National Horse Show in NYC Olympic Games Rodeos: stated as an amusement among cowboys who had reached the end of the long cattle drive andhad to remain with their herds until they were sold. They would challenge each other to a calf-roping contest or dare to ride the “meanest horse” for a certain distance. Racing: started in Rhode Island Place wager’s on their town’s horse and running the quarter-mile race Kentucky Derby started in 1875 and 3-year old Thoroughbreds are raced competing for the triple crown

Old West The original cowboys were Native Americans Cattle business flourished once railroad was built and American cowboys would raise them for beef Ranges were not fenced, chores included cutting out calves for branding, and fighting off Native Americans who were protecting their hunting grounds The horses needed much cow-sense to round up the cattle for market in the fall of every year and each cowboy had riding and roping skills

Decline of Draft Horses Horses were replaced by motorized taxis, electric streetcars, and subways as well as trucks Horse drawn hearse continued its use through the 30’s and is still used today for dignitaries and presidents Since everything because electric or gas-powered there was no need for draft horses Horses were sometimes used for the Sunday drive in the early 1900s, but the car was most often utilized

Horses in the Military The American Calvary traces its origin to the Revolutionary War (Mounted Riflemen) During the Mexican/American War, mounted troops played a strategic role in order to achieve success 1st and 2nd Cavalry created by Congress and used in the Civil War Cavalry used to assist citizens and Native Americans after the war WWI – horses were sent to our allies to help with the war before our men were sent WWII – the last use of the horse in cavalry form

Movies and Entertainment Famous Stars and Horses Roy Rogers and Trigger The Lone Ranger and Silver Tonto and Scout TV: Flicka Black Beauty Mr. Ed http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g13Dc-ddpAE&feature=related Movies: Return to Snowy River The Mask of Zorro The Horse Whisperer Seabiscuit Hidalgo The Legend of Zorro

Circus The horses and rolling stock paraded through the village streets to advertise Dappled Gray Percheron was a trademark Carved carousel horses display the fancy circus horse