What animals were used to pull the praire wagon?

The most common animals used to pull prairie wagons were oxen. Here's why:

* Strength: Oxen are incredibly strong and can handle the heavy loads and rough terrain of the prairie.

* Endurance: Oxen are known for their stamina and can travel long distances without needing frequent rest.

* Adaptability: Oxen can survive on limited resources and thrive in harsh environments.

* Temperament: Oxen are generally docile and easier to manage than horses, especially for inexperienced travelers.

While horses were sometimes used, they were less common due to their:

* Sensitivity: Horses are more prone to injury and disease in the harsh prairie environment.

* Cost: Horses were more expensive to acquire and maintain than oxen.

* Temperament: Horses can be more unpredictable and difficult to handle, especially for inexperienced travelers.

So, while other animals like mules or even dogs were occasionally used, the trusty ox was the real workhorse of the prairie wagon.