Which are better, horses or oxen?
Horses and oxen work very differently, each is well-suited to different conditions. Horses tend to move faster than oxen, and because they are driven with lines from behind, the driver often has the benefit of sitting on a riding implement. While oxen can be trained to drive from behind, the driver has maximum control while walking by the shoulder of the nigh ox (on the left of the team). Horses use momentum to pull heavy or difficult loads, thrusting with their chest against the harness. Oxen use their weight and muscle to pull, leaning into a load with their shouders. Horses are significantly more skittish than oxen, more prone to flight, making the ox's more event temperament a good choice for public events. Horses also typically require higher quality feed than oxen, making them higher maintenance. In many developing countries, horses are not readily available or affordable, and may not be well-suited to environmental conditions like native breeds of cattle. Horse harness is also more difficult to make and maintain than ox yokes. In the U.S. oxen were often used historically to clear and break difficult ground. After the land was opened up and could be plowed more easily and more advanced riding farm tools were developed, horses frequently replaced the oxen. Oxen were also popular for freight and wagons trains west because they could be grazed along the road. It wasn't necessary to carry additional feed for them.
It can't be said that one is better than the other. It depends entirely on situation, personal preference, and the work to be done.
|
