Our facts today related back to the times when horses were introduced to NZ. At this time, they were key workers for farming, development, transport, and for some people, pleasure riding:
Introduction of Horses to NZ:
The first horses in NZ were a stallion and two mares brought from Australia.
They arrived in the Bay of Islands on 22nd December 1814.
By 1900 there were > 260,000 horses in NZ.
In 1911, the horse population reached its peak at 404,284 ( 1 horse per 3 people)
In 2004, horse numbers reduced to 76,918.
Horse type:
Draught horses for working were the main horse type for hauling and ploughing until 1950’s.
When mechanical engines were introduced, their power was measured in terms of horsepower: The power to life 15 tonnes, one foot high, for 1 minute.
The Scottish Clydesdale was the main draught breed in NZ.
The first Coach service to travel across the country started in the 1860’s: Reportedly it was bumpy!!
The Hackneys were imported in 1880’s for carriage work.
Next came the import of Arabians, Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds.
In the recent years, American breeds have also become popular.
Feeding:
Horses at as much as eight men or four sheep: large amounts of valuable farmland were taken up in growing oats for them.
Wow, how much times have changed 😉