How to Plow With a Horse

For centuries, farmers used horses to help plow their fields. When engine-powered tractors were invented, farmers began transitioning to this new technology, and today it is rare to see a farmer plowing his field with anything but a machine. But for those few who stay true to farming's origins, they wouldn't consider plowing a field with anything but a team of horses. Most farmers use a team of two to four horses, depending on the size of the plow and the field, but more can certainly be used. Practice is the key to becoming adept at plowing with a horse, as is a good team of horses.

Things You'll Need

  • Horse-drawn plow
  • Plow harness
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place your plow in the location you want to begin plowing. Lead your horses over and hitch them to the plow. Move them a few steps into the hitch until the ropes are tight.

    • 2

      Move behind the plow and wrap the ropes around by placing them over your left shoulder, behind your neck and beneath your right arm to protect yourself from being dragged if the horses happen to be spooked. Adjust the knots at the end of the ropes to a comfortable distance.

    • 3

      Start your horses out slowly, keeping an eye on the location at which you will turn around, and continue in a straight line until you reach the end of the field.

    • 4

      Stop your horses when you reach the end, and tip the plow on its side. Rotate the horses around, lining them up parallel with the previous row. Pivot your plow to line back up with your horses, and start them toward the opposite end of the field.

    • 5

      Continue until you reach the end, stopping the horses if the plow needs to be adjusted. Tip your plow on its side and turn your horses, lining them up parallel with the previous row, and pivot your plow to line up with your horses. Continue plowing in this manner until your field is plowed.