pluoghing land

[Tartar Horde]

(2 November 2012, 12:58)bigpaul Wrote:

(2 November 2012, 12:53)Tartar Horde Wrote: Our (my) lack of knowledge on this subject makes me think about the very real need to grow "grains" after any significant event. Given that an experienced Ploughman could do an Acre a day (not that big really) gives us an idea how demanding this work can be, without any experience someone attempting the same task I reckon would struggle. I don't mind admitting I would find it a steep learning curve.
Regarding Horses you would definately need a larger framed Horse like Hunters or Shires, I don't think smaller Horses and Ponies will have the power to pull a Plough. Cattle seem to be the best choice for pulling power, and I think there would be more cattle available than large Horses. It seems a plough is not just a plough, there are different designs for differing soil types etc. I know how to saddle a Horse, but yoking a team of them to a plough is a different thing altogether.
I'd like to know your thoughts on the subject, and will it even be necessary to plough etc.

forget "hunters", they are too highly strung to pull ANYTHING, you need a shire or a cob for that sort of work.

So regarding Horses, shires and Cobs are the only breeds worth considering?
What about Cattle, traditionally Oxen were used, but the picture in an earlier post shows what look to be "standard" looking animals being used to plough, does this mean you can use any Cattle to plough?
I'm not sure how many "shire" and "cob" type Horses there are in uk, are they common? I know that I've never seen an Ox so I take it they must be rare these days?