Horses are versatile animals and can be used for many purposes on a farm. Even though over the past 100 years, the advent of mechanization has diminished the role of horses, they are still an important part of many farms, both large and small.
Some farmers are even choosing to return to using horses for certain tasks, as they can be more environmentally friendly than some mechanized equipment. Also, sometimes horses can be used in places that are inaccessible to vehicles making them indispensable.
So, what do horses do on a farm? As it turns out, they can do plenty!
Let’s find out what.
What Do Horses Do On A Farm?
The role of horses on farms has evolved significantly in the past century. Before the 1st World War, horses were the main source of power on farms across the United States.
They were used for pulling plows, carts, and other equipment. They were also used for transporting goods and, in some cases, people. However, with the advent of mechanization, horses were gradually replaced by tractors and other machines.
In general, the role of horses in society has diminished significantly and working on a farm is just one of the few uses for a horse in the modern world.
So what do horses do on a farm these days?
Here are the top 7 ways horses still provide value to the modern farmer:
- Horses help herd cattle
- Horses are used for riding, recreational and entertainment purposes
- Horses can be used for tilling, plowing, and other agricultural tasks
- Horses can help carry or pull heavy loads
- Horses can be used for transportation
- Horses can provide fertilizer for crops
- Horses can provide companionship
Let’s look closely at each of these things that horses can do on a farm.
#1. Horses help herd cattle
One of the primary ways that horses are used on farms is for herding cattle. In the past, this was their main way added value. Cowboys would ride their horses out to the pasture to herd cattle.
Some farmers continue this practice today, as it is an effective way to move cattle from one place to another. In some cases, it may even be more effective than using a motor vehicle.
For example, if the terrain is rough or there is a lot of vegetation, a horse may be able to move cattle more effectively than a vehicle. Also, the noise and pollution created by a vehicle can stress cattle and make them more difficult to herd.
(A little fun: Do you know why cowboys ride horses and not cows? Here’s why. :-))
#2. Horses are used for riding, recreational and entertainment purposes
Many farmers and their families learn to ride at a young age. Recreational riding, whether it is around the farm or on a trail, is a popular activity. For instance, many people enjoy going for a leisurely horseback ride on a beautiful trail.
In addition, some farmers participate in rodeos or other horse-related events. This can be a great way to show off the skills of both the horse and the rider. Many rural communities organize dressage, jumping or racing events in which farm horses can participate.
Some farms also offer riding lessons or allow people to come and ride the horses for a fee. This can be a great way to generate additional income for the farm.
#3. Horses can be used for tilling, plowing, and other agricultural tasks.
Despite the fact that most farms in many parts of the world have replaced horses with mechanized vehicles, many people are beginning to use horses for agricultural tasks once again.
This is because horses can be more environmentally friendly than mechanized equipment. They do not require fossil fuels and they do not produce emissions (well, I mean toxic ones!).
In addition, horses can be used in places that are inaccessible to vehicles. For instance, they can be used to till fields that are too small or have too much vegetation for a tractor.
They can also be used for plowing, as they were in the past. In some cases, horses may even be more effective than tractors because they can maneuver around obstacles more easily.
This is why horses are sometimes used in vineyards. The narrow rows and delicate grapes make it tricky to use a tractor. Also, the light tread of a horse’s hooves is often preferable to the heavy tread of a tractor’s wheels.
Of course, using horses for agricultural tasks requires more time and effort than using mechanized equipment. It also requires a different kind of training for both the horses and their handlers than it does for something using a tractor. But for many farmers, the benefits of using horses for agricultural tasks outweigh the disadvantages.
#4. Horses can help carry or pull heavy loads
A classic use for horses is to help carry or pull heavy loads. This was especially important in the past when there were no motorized vehicles.
Horses can still be used for this purpose on some farms. For example, they may be used to carry hay or firewood. They can also be used to pull a wagon or cart.
This can be a great way to save time and energy, especially if the load is too heavy for one person to carry. Horses are also used in logging and forestry operations to help carry or drag logs.
#5. Horses can be used for transportation
Horses have been used for transportation since they were first domesticated. In many parts of the world, they are still used for this purpose.
For example, in some rural areas, people may use horses to ride to and from town. This isn’t as much about saving money but rather a lifestyle choice or preference. Riding a horse is sometimes simply a statement.
Many farms used horse transportation to attract tourists. For instance, a farm could offer horse-drawn carriage or sleigh rides. This can be a great way to generate additional income while also providing a unique and fun experience for visitors.
#6. Horses can provide fertilizer for crops
Horse droppings can be used as fertilizer for crops. This is a great way to recycle what would otherwise be waste.
Horse manure contains important nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It also contains other minerals and organic matter to help improve the structure of the soil.
This is a clear benefit of a horse over a tractor. A tractor’s exhaust doesn’t quite offer the same beneficial qualities as horse manure does!
#7. Horses can provide companionship
Sometimes, simply having a horse on a farm can be joy in itself. Horses are intelligent and social animals. They can form strong bonds with their handlers and provide companionship.
This companionship can be symbiotic. Both the horse and farmer can benefit from it. The horse gets a sense of purpose and belonging, while the farmer and the farmer’s family get a farm animal to be close to.
In some cases, horses may even help with the farmer’s emotional well-being. Interaction with horses can help reduce stress and anxiety and improve moods. While it’s not that common, farms could use their horses for providing equine therapy. Not only could this be a revenue generator it can be an opportunity to help someone in need.
In Closing
So in case you’ve been wondering, what do horses do on a farm, now you know!
There are many different ways that horses can be used on a farm. From transportation and agriculture to recreation and entertainment, horses can play a variety of roles. It is no wonder that they have been such an important part of farm life for centuries. And let’s hope they continue to do so!
