Horses and mules in SHTF

[Bisley Man]

In whatever SHTF situation where oil, gasoline supplies are curtailed,short or long term, how do you think horses and mules will figure into transportation? Of course I think those who have them already will ride them or pull wagons like the19th century. Could another economy rise from this scenario,like barter animals and/or their use for other goods? My wife and I are amazed at the amount of horses we see in our rural travels.

 

[Mudcat]

I believe they would be valuable if you could keep people from stealing them. We have 2 hay burners now, you could always eat them if it got real bad. At least that is what I tell my wife and daughter.

 

[Eddie]

Absolutely. With the number of Amish over in Parke County and the number of people that ride recreationally I think it would be inevitable that somebody will take one of the old horse drawn wagons that are sitting here and there as decorations and use it as a template to start building more.

 

[Indy_Guy_77]

I oft think that if things get bad enough...Wife and I will head to her horse barn where she boards her Appy. Can utilize all the animals that way AND have an automatic "mutual aid group"

 

[ThrottleJockey]

I definitely see horses and other livestock as potential transportation. I also see them as farm labor for pulling plows, turning grist mills, pumping water, etc...... I also see some "old" laws again being enforced. Since my families livelihood may depend on our horse or mule, and I will have traded a great deal of resources for it and its upkeep, I would most definitely hang a man for trying to steal it. Also, I don't see anyone trying to blueprint and build the old wooden wagons, but rather modify and use the equipment we already have laying around.

 

[caneman]

I agree with everyone including Throttle Jockey. Horse stealing will become a necktie justice offense. When you condemn a family to starve it doesn't get much worse.

I'm seriously thinking of looking for a pony. Too old and feeble for riding anymore but a gook Welsh, Fjord, Haflinger etc. would be a huge asset.

 

[Cain71]

If you are serious about looking into something buy a mule pony or any mule, you get the hybrid vigor, twice the work for half the feed,easier to keep, the only draw back is that you can't breed em. Mules will be the way to go if Shtf.

 

[tenring]

Just talking with an individual this last weekend about all the horse barns we saw while out and about. People are trying to get rid of the hay burners they have, prices are really low, cost to feed them are high, buy now if you think they are a good idea. Recent spot on Fox News showed a place that takes in abandoned [some are just being turned loose] or unwanted horses. They usually had 5-8, had 28 on hand, expecting to have 35 by the end of the month.

 

[flatlander]

Just another mouth to feed......and care for.....and worry about. They are actually pretty fragile animals. 1st wife and I took care of up to 50 at 1 time and I'm sure glad to be away from the madness that both those things caused.
Bob

 

[Armed-N-Ready]

Ample supply.

There will be plenty of Jacka$$es in DC looking for work.

 

[Cat-Herder]

There will be plenty of Jacka$ in DC looking for work.

and not too many of 'em i wouldn't mind seeing yoked.....

 

[trailrider]

I imagine just about any "beast of burden" would have significant value in a real shtf scenario. I also agree that getting horses, mules, etc. would be easy initially, keeping them would be a little tougher.

 

[DRob]

OK

So you got your mules. You got your wagon loaded with all that stuff you think you'll need. Now, where are you gonna' go? Just wondering.

 

[ThrottleJockey]

So you got your mules. You got your wagon loaded with all that stuff you think you'll need. Now, where are you gonna' go? Just wondering.

???Ummmm,

I definitely see horses and other livestock as potential transportation. I also see them as farm labor for pulling plows, turning grist mills, pumping water, etc......