Draft Horses

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Dec 1, 2000

The current increase in oil prices worldwide has placed increased pressure on farming operations. Crop prices rarely keep up with rising costs such as fuel or oil. This can be particularly difficult for small farms with already limited profit margins. Taking a step back and looking at how farming was done in the past is sometimes appropriate.

The tractor's arrival heralded the end of the draft horse on most farms. The need for increased productivity and larger farms made tractors the logical choice. However, with the rising cost of oil small farms can find horse power more cost-effective than horsepower.

Using draft horses on the farm is both an environmental choice and a lifestyle choice. It takes a patient person who also enjoys developing a rapport with their team of horses. Anyone who does not appreciate the beauty, personality and intelligence of a horse should not give up their tractor. For the progressive and sustainable farmer a team of horses provides many benefits to the farming operation.

A horse can feed itself off the land it works. It also distributes the fertilizer in many ways. A farmer can purchase a good horse for a fraction of the cost of many tractors and it will depreciate at a much slower rate. Not only do horses cause less damage to the soil, they also can work on hilly and wet terrain that would be impossible for a tractor. Finally, a horse can reproduce. A tractor manufacturer has yet to figure out how to do that.

The draft horse is not like a tractor where a farmer can jump on it and get to work. Horses (and people) need training both initially and ongoing to work effectively on the farm. They need regular work to keep in shape. High quality feed and sufficient rest are also important. A good health and hoof care program is very important. Veterinary care and professional hoof trimmers will be a critical and ongoing expense. Horsedrawn equipment is no longer a normal item at farm equipment dealers. The initial purchase of equipment may involve some searching. Many people modify tractor equipment or design their own. Horses are well-suited for tasks such as logging (horse logging movie), harrowing, plowing (horses plowing movie), pulling wagons, cultivating, etc. Draft horses can be found on small farms whose owners believe the use of a mindless and impersonal tractor is not for them. Horses are quiet and allow the farmer to work at a natural pace. They are a daily commitment and respond poorly to parking for extended periods. However, if a farmer is willing to put in the time and effort, farming with horses can be immensely rewarding.