The Book of Draft Horses - Paperback

by Donna Campbell Smith (Author)

Before trucks and tractors, draft horses performed the heavy work of pulling wagons, plowing fields, and hauling logs. But the internal combustion engine did not entirely replace these animals; they are still used in many parts of the country for agricultural and other jobs. The Book of Draft Horses is a celebration of these "gentle giants," as well as a practical handbook on breeding, care, training, competition, and working horses.

Front Jacket

Before trucks and tractors, draft horses performed the heavy work of pullingwagons, plowing fields, and hauling logs. But the internal combustion engine did not entirely replace these animals, and they are still used in many parts of the country for agricultural and other jobs, as well as for pleasure driving and county fair pulling contests. This book is a celebration of these "gentle giants," as well as a handbook on their breeding, care, and training, and their use as competition and working horses. Each chapter focuses on a particular aspect of these magnificent horses: - History of the Draft Horse- Draft Horse Breeds- Preparing for Ownership: Housing, Transportation, and Equipment- Buying Your First Draft Horse- Health and Care of the Draft Horse- Showing the Draft Horse- The Draft Horse Pull- The Draft Pleasure Horse- Real Work- Breeding Draft Horses Profusely illustrated and with a glossary of terms, The Book of Draft Horses will appeal to everyone who has been thrilled at the sight of these gentle giants.

Back Jacket

The multi-horse hitch pulling big wagons loaded with supplies was a common scene in American history in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Cities bustled with horse-drawn wagons loaded with goods, moving them from ships and railways to warehouses and businesses or carrying loads overland from city to city. Some of the wagons were works of art as companies had them painted to promote their businesses. As the horses moved goods from one location to another they also carried moving advertisements for attracting customers along their routes.Today you can still see these magnificent horses pulling beautiful wagons that are also moving billboards, but usually during parades or as an exhibition at festivals and horse shows. The famous Budweiser Team is just one of many hitches used to promote products today. They have been so successful that the Clydesdale is often referred to as the Budweiser Horse. - from The Book of Draft Horses

Author Biography

Donna Campbell Smith is a freelance writer with a degree in equine technology. She writes for USA Equestrian, The Chronicle of the Horse, and other equestrian magazines.