Dr. Chris Mortensen tells the history of draft horses and
their considerable influence on many aspects of society like farming, transportation and industrialization. He talks about their manifestation following the prohibition era in the United States and their subsequent popularization through the Anheuser-Busch Clydesdales.
Dr. Mortensen introduces the term 'horsepower' and discusses
its origin in relation to the strength of a draft horse. Details are given on draft horse breeds such as Percheron, Shire, and Belgian, highlighting their individual strengths and attributes. The significant decline of these species due to the invention of modern machinery like tractors and automobiles is
lamented.
He concludes with a plea to the listeners to acknowledge the
historical importance of these 'gentle giants' and the profound contributions they have made to human civilization.
 
00:00 Introduction to the History of Draft Horses
00:00 The Budweiser Clydesdales: A Symbol of Draft Horses
03:55 The Importance of Draft Horses in History
05:48 The Evolution and History of Draft Horse Breeds
06:20The Role of Draft Horses in Agriculture and Transportation
09:00 The Myth of Knights and Draft Horses
12:52 The Origin of Draft Horses: The Black Horse of Flanders
16:54 The Legacy of Draft Horses: From the Percheron to the
Shire
21:07 The Decline of Draft Horses in the Modern World
31:52 The Power of Draft Horses: Understanding Horsepower
37:44 Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of Draft Horses
Visit https://madbarn.com/mad-about-horses/ to learn more about the Mad About Horses podcast.
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