What breed of horse did they use...

[EweSheep]

Here is the interesting article about Morgans:

http://foundationmorganhorse.com/article-what-is-a-morgan.asp

 

[EweSheep]

Quote:
Uh oh! Gen Grant would be upset if he rode Traveller LOL! I believe one of his horses I know of was Cinncinati.

Traveller was the beloved horse of Gen Lee. And many people are really not sure definately what his heritage is but it may be the combination of Arab, gaited horse and TB.

 

[luvarabhorses]

Wow was that a shock! I've been screamed at by Morgan people when I said the original Morgan had a lot of Arabian blood. What a great article.

I'm sorry about the General Grant reference I guess I was tired. I found an old book at the University of De library that had where General Lee actually had a breeding plan of using Arabians crossed on other breeds. I am thinking it was with a friend of his Henry Clay ??? I am also thinking that Traveller was actually used as an Arabian stud and is in the registry data base. I'm too lazy right now to check though.

The main thing I think Arabian breeders have done to their horses is not pay attention to disposition. The Bedouins used to stake the nasty horses in the desert and leave them for lion food. We've all just taken for granted that they all make wonderful riding horses and don't always test the parents under saddle. Studs excel in either halter or under saddle but rarely both.
Halter and performance classes are so far apart now in conditioning that horses never do both. There is also not nearly enough attention to leg conformation, and the trot has become this wierd high saddlebred trot, not one of a horse that was meant to move efficiently through the desert.
I made it a point to not have a horse on my farm older than 3 that wasn't broke to ride. Unfortunately with my divorce last year, move to Ark. that meant loss of a barn, no roundpen, etc.. I've got several 3 year olds I need to start.

 

[sueg6255]

They still use horses around my area. I will in IN. and we have a lot of Amish. Sometimes 6 big and I mean Big horses pulling the plows.

 

[EweSheep]

There was a horse named Traveller in the stud book but nothing like the Lee's Traveller or his owners being mentioned.

It would be nice to get a sample of DNA of Traveller to make sure what lineage he came from. One thing it did mention of the birthplace of Traveller.

Don't forget that Arabians DID have their influence on alot of breeds. Man is the one that created a wide range of breeds. I would NOT be surprised if ALL horses do trace to Arabs or a "desert" horse like the Barb or something similiar to it.

 

[EweSheep]

Sorry Lee's Traveller was a gelding!

 

[preppy*hippie*chick]

Traveller was not an Arabian. Have you ever seen a picture? Most accounts have him as an American Saddlebred or a
"Plantation Horse" with an ambling gait.

 

[Beekissed]

I'm surprised no one mentioned a Fjord horse as a possibility of a light draft horse that is an easy keeper, has little health problems, little hoof problems, etc. Nice, mid-sized heavy built horse for a multipurpose animal. I think they are beautiful!

 

[greathorse]

I think the question from OP was what horses were used here before the tractor. I am not 100% certain but I think we had few if any Fjords in this country until quite recenly. In any event I dont think to this day they are used in any serious way for heavy daily farm work.

I hear they are wonderful horses, but I gotta say I have worked with a number of them and found them less than wonderful to work with. That was just my experience. A little head strong and not the best travelers.

 

[Beekissed]

Quote:
Actually the OPs original question was this:

What breed of horse did farmers use way back before tractors?

The word "here" is not included in this question, therefore, it could be anywhere in the world....such as Norway:

The Fjord horse and its ancestors have been used for hundreds of years as farm animals in western Norway. The horse is strong enough for heavy work, such as plowing the fields or pulling timber, yet light and fast enough to be a good riding and driving horse. Today, the fjord horse is a favorite at Norwegian riding and therapeutic schools, as its generally mild temperament and small size make it suitable for children and disabled individuals. It has also been used as a sport horse. Its ability to handle difficult terrain has led to achievement in show jumping and dressage where they have reached the highest levels. They are considered very good driving horses, and are commonly used in everything from competitions to tourist transport in Norway. Fjord horses were used in mountainous terrain during WWII.

Sounds like an all around, general purpose animal to me!​