Why Were Horses the Popular Mode of Transportation Before Steam Engines?

Even though steam engines had been invented, the West lacked extensive train tracks. In the early 19th century, a transcontinental railroad line was not completed until 1869, and it took several more decades to fully integrate rail into the western regions of the United States. The mass slaughter of bison in the 1870s was partially driven by the need to feed railroad workers, but also to facilitate further westward expansion by eliminating the vast herds of bison.

Before automobiles and trains, the choice of transportation typically narrowed down to the available domesticated animals that could either ride or pull carts. Among these animals, horses stood out as the most versatile and efficient choice. Horses have been man's companion since prehistoric times, serving as a means of transportation both by enabling them to be ridden and by pulling various forms of vehicles—ranging from simple platforms to chariots and nineteenth-century carriages. As transportation methods for horses have diminished, they have been increasingly utilized for herding cattle and for various equestrian sports such as polo and pleasure riding.

Horses possess a unique magic. Despite their substantial size, these animals are docile and often enjoy being ridden and trained. There is often a profound bond between a horse and its rider, enabling a level of communication beyond what can be achieved through mere cues from the rider's hands, seat, and legs. This connection is crucial in many aspects of using horses for transportation.

Advantages of Horses in Transportation

Faster and Further: If you sought to travel swiftly and over long distances, horses offered a superior alternative to walking. Carrying goods and people, they could transport large loads and people more efficiently.

Fearful Forces: To instill fear in enemies, a cavalry charge or mounted archers, such as the Parthians and later the Mongols, could be employed.

Mobile Warfare: For a mobile weapons platform, chariots pulled by strong horses were a viable option. Historical figures like Achilles, Ramses, and possibly Boudicca all utilized such vehicles in warfare.

Transportation and Agriculture: To carry produce from fields to markets and to plow fields, horse-drawn carts were widely used. Instead of humans, cattle could also be employed, but horses were found to be more efficient and reliable for these tasks.

Symbolic Superiority: Riding a horse could also serve as a symbol of superior status, highlighting the wealth or significance of an individual. This is evident in various historical and cultural contexts where equestrianism was a mark of prestige.

In conclusion, the dominance of horses as a mode of transportation before the advent of steam engines can be attributed to their adaptability, efficiency, and the deep bond that formed between man and these magnificent creatures. Their unique attributes made them an indispensable part of pre-industrial society, serving various practical, military, and symbolic purposes.