There is no historical evidence or record to suggest that the Eatons, or any other prominent family of the time, transported horses instead of slaves on their ships.
It's important to understand:
* Slavery was a widespread practice in colonial America. The Atlantic slave trade brought millions of Africans to the Americas, where they were forced into labor.
* Horses were valuable animals. They were used for transportation, farming, and military purposes. However, they were not considered a substitute for human labor, particularly in the context of slavery.
* The Eatons, like many other wealthy families, likely owned slaves. They would have transported slaves on their ships to work on their plantations or other businesses.
Therefore, the premise of the question is incorrect. The Eatons, like many other families of the time, would have transported slaves on their ships for economic and social reasons.