Draft Breeds:
* Percheron: Known for their strength, size, and calm temperament.
* Belgian: Powerful and sturdy, often used in pairs for heavy work.
* Clydesdale: Recognized by their feathering on their legs and their good temperaments.
* Shires: Large, powerful, and intelligent, often used for plowing and pulling heavy loads.
* Suffolk Punch: A smaller breed known for its strength and stamina.
* Friesian: Known for their elegance and powerful build, though they are less commonly used for farm work than other breeds.
Other Breeds:
* American Quarter Horses: Versatile and strong, often used for pulling and hauling in rural areas.
* Morgan Horses: Intelligent and willing, making them suitable for many farm tasks.
* Tennessee Walking Horses: Known for their smooth gait and endurance, making them suitable for working long hours in the fields.
The specific breed used often depended on the type of work, the size of the farm, and local availability.
Important Considerations:
* Strength and Stamina: Farm work is physically demanding, so horses need to be strong and able to work for extended periods.
* Temperament: Horses need to be calm and docile to handle the demands of farm work, as they will be working closely with people and equipment.
* Trainability: Horses need to be trainable and responsive to commands, especially when working with equipment.
While modern farming practices have largely replaced horse power with mechanization, there are still some farms that utilize horses for specific tasks, such as plowing, harrowing, and pulling wagons.