Horses – Working Animals

In the 19th century, workhorses were indispensable on farms as well as in passenger and goods transportation. Owning a horse meant for the self-sufficient to be more efficient when working in the fields, in the forest or at other strenuous chores. Every day the horses worked from early morning until late evening. Horses were valuable assets as well as great labour-saving aids. One was dependent on close cooperation with them and took care that they remained healthy. If no horses were available, cows or oxen were harnessed to the plough or the land was cultivated by hand.