Question

Discuss how the use/purpose of horses has changed over time and describe how the horse industry differs from the various livestock production animals we've discussed this term. Discuss the structure of the horse industry. Compare and contrast it with the other animal industries discussed thus far.

Answer 1

Purpose of horses has changed over time - Horse were domesticated around 4000-3500 BC in europe and asia and since then it has proven itself as one among the most friendly human companian animal. Initially they might have been domesticated for their use in agriculture, plowing, and riding but around 3rd millennium BC, their use for warfare is apparent and they were also linked with people of high status (like kings and warriors) and sometimes also buried along with their owners. It shows that even at that time, horses were having a close bond with human. They have played a major role in long distance trade during ancient times by transporting goods. By the late 1000 BC, reports of elite horseman in West Asia, Europe, Central Asia, China, and India were found and it was associated with royalty. With the change in time, since we dont need horses in modern battel fields or in transports as we have far advance modes and methods, today their role has changed and it is limited to agriculture, sports (racing), and entertainment. In some places (mostly hills and tourist places) we can still see horse cart being used to give a toure but people try it mostly for different experiance and entertainment.

horse industry differs from the various livestock - horse industry is often reffered as 'hybrid industry' due to its diversity in different fields. Unlike other livestocks involved in providing meat, eggs, milk, fur, leather, and wool, horses are having different utilities like carrying loads in farming and also they are way more friendly than others which helps in easy control and bonding. They have a higher life span compared to other livestock, therefore they provide service fore longer time. They have a different food requirements compared to other livestocks and they are directly related to business like equine nutrition, equipment, veterinary care, sports clothing and others.

structure of the horse industry - based on the two major usage of horse (work and recreational uses) the modern horse industry revolves around all the fields directly or indirectly related to it, like Sports, nutritions, clothing, veterinary and others. It involves , training, tractor and farm machinery purchases, and employment opportunities for permanent and seasonal workers. Breading is another big field which is to ensure the quality and quantity of horses.

Compare and contrast it with the other animal industries - other animals in animal industry are mostly used for provinding food (ex- beef, sheep, pig, poultry, milk) but as already mentioned previously, horses are used for many other fields too, and affects many business like sports, veterinary, racing, rodeo, polo, ranch use, breeding, etc. which makes them very diverse.