Equine
About Equine
Horses have a long and important history in agriculture. Until the middle of the 20th century, horses were the "power" on the farm. Horses were so important in agriculture that James Watt, the inventor of the steam engine, calculated the pulling power of a steam engine to that of a horse. This calculation is called "horsepower" and is still applied to all forms of modern engines.
Horses were utilized as one of the major forms of transportation well into the 20th century. In rural settings and on ranches, horses were utilized for herding of other domesticated animals and still play a pivotal role in ranching in the United States.
There are some cultural groups in New York, such as the Amish and Mennonite communities, that still utilize horses for their primary mode of transportation, pulling, and for other agricultural practices.
In 21st century America, horses are primarily used for hobby riding or for horse racing.
Fun Facts
- There are five main categories of horses: draft horses, light horses, gaited horses, warmbloods, and ponies.
- The American quarter horse is the most popular breed in the United States.
- Horses, mules, and donkeys played a major part in the booming industrial economies of New York as they were essential for pulling freight barges along the Erie Canal.