THE REAL HORSE POWER

Real "horsepower" is the only mode of travel and working the fields for Amish. If you've ever been in Amish country, you will see horse-drawn buggies or teams plowing the fields. 

Horses are generally housed in barns along with buggy storage, tie-stalls and room for hay.  Generally the Plain People have two types of horses. The work horse, Belgium's, or draft horses pull heavy loads and always stand ready for the job.  Sorrels, Pintos, Morgans, Trotters, the so-called "skinny-legged" horses are used for pulling buggies. 

The work horses usually aren't shod, while the buggy ponies wear shoes which are changed regularly.  Work horses have thick legs and are very muscular. They are bred to work and thoroughly enjoy "field" work.



Fall Harvest in Centreville, MI    



As you can see in the photo, anywhere from two to six horses will march in unison while plowing the fields. An Amish farmer told me that nothing gives him more pleasure than to be in the field and behind the horses, "it is my way of praising God." Horses are trained to march in unison. They "drive" machinery or plows. There is no exhaust or belching engines, just the sound of hooves in the dirt. Sounds from a bygone era.

Amish shun modern conveniences and prefer to work the earth and live off the land. They farm the very old-fashioned way. When in Amish country, you will see horse and buggies, teams of horses during spring planting or fall harvesting. Truly, it's a marvelous experience and one that brings calm.  It's the back roads in Middlebury, IN where you will see the horses and be transported to a different time and place -- it's well worth the drive to see the real power of the horses.  

See how Amish horses can inspire you. As Winston Churchhill once said: There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man. Find out.