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Spanish conquistadors came to the americas in the early 1500's they brought with them many different breeds of horses.
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Coronado set out for North America with 150 horseman.
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DeSoto soon followed Coronado to Norht America but instead he brought 237 horses with him on the long journey
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By 1547, Antoni de Mendoza who was the first governor of New spain or common day mexico had 11 haciendas and over 1,500 horses.
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Towns and cities began showing signs of the importance of horses. For example towns all over put up hitching posts, mounting blocks, water troughs, stables and even carriage houses.
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American farms were on average 100 acres
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The horse population grew rapidly. They were an essential part of the rural economy
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The horse was a central element in urnam life. It hauled goods, pulled omnibuses and cabs, and transported people from one place to another.
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Farmers chose horses over oxes for thier versatility and they were a more valuavle asset to them
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The heavy farming machinery called for a stronger and heavier horse. Mules were in high demand because of this problem. Mules were especially valued in coal mines where the poor working conditions defeated many horses
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The first European draft horses were inported to the US because the oxen and horses already here couldnt work the sticky virgin soil of the prairie.
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The first fire horse was purchased in New York City.
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the horse became an esential part of urnam fire protection. The introduction of the heavier more efficient steam pumpers and ladder trucks in the 1850's, caused horses to become an integral part of urban fire departments.
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Congress authorized the raising of two horse-mounted regiments know as the 1st and 2nd Cavalry.
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Congress passed the Morrill Land Grant Act that led to the establishment of state agriculture colleges.
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At this time the rural horse population in America was estimated at nearly 8 million, while the number of farm workers was well under 7 million.
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The first of the nation's veterinary colleges opend at Cornell University.
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The first Kentucky Derby was run on May 17, 1875. The Derby was sponsored by the Louisville Jockey Club and Driving Association.
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Horse-car lines were operating in every city in the US with a population of 50,000
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Over 100,000 horses and mules were in use on more than 500 street railways in more than 300 American cities
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the number of fire horses in New York City had grown to nearly 1,500.
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500-acre wheat farms were not uncommon.
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Long before the US sent their men into the struggle, it had sent another resource- its horses. this was the twilight of the calvary
