Nickerdoodles: Horses in American History Trivia Quiz
Challenge your trivia knowledge with this quiz!
In honor of our 239th birth-of-a-nation-day, NickerDoodles is proud to challenge YOU with a new trivia contest, Horses in American History!
Put on your best red, white and blue,
Decide if the question is false or it’s true,
Tally your scores and see how you do!
Questions
1. The Budweiser Clydesdales were introduced in 1967 in a beer commercial during the first Super Bowl broadcast on national TV.
2. Plowing a 40-acre field with a team of horses took a 19th century American farmer approximately 16 ten-hour days (160 hours).
3. In 2001, U.S. special operations teams rode stallions into combat in Afghanistan.
4. The John Butterfield Company made the first trans-continental U.S. mail delivery via stagecoach.
5. Revolutionary Patriot, Paul Revere rode his chestnut stallion, Aristides, on his famous midnight ride warning Americans, “The British are Coming, The British are Coming!”
6. During the depression, the U.S. Government provided funds for librarians to distribute books and magazines in rural Appalachia on horseback.
7. During the revolutionary war, mounted military units proved indispensable to General Washington in defense of the American colonies against the British.
8. By 1910 there were approximately 2000 cars and 1.5 million horses in the United States.
9. A former racehorse, Reckless, was purchased by members of a U.S. Marine Division during the Korean war. Her heroic service during combat earned her a battlefield promotion to sergeant.
10. Between 1914 and 1917 (WW1) the United States shipped approximately 1000 horses a day overseas to serve in the war effort.
Answers
1. The Budweiser Clydesdales were introduced in 1967 in a beer commercial during the first Super Bowl broadcast on national TV.
False. The Budweiser Clydesdales were introduced in 1933 to celebrate the repeal of Prohibition. The six-horse team was a gift to August Busch, Sr from his two sons, August Jr. and Adolphus.
2. Plowing a 40-acre field with a team of horses took a 19th century American farmer approximately 16 ten-hour days (160 hours.)
True. That farmer and his team would also walk 330 total miles walking back and forth along the furrows. By comparison a modern tractor can plow the same 40 acres in less than an hour.
3. In 2001, U.S. special operations teams rode stallions into combat in Afghanistan.
True. It was the first use of horses by an American military unit in nearly a century. Afghan culture mandates that only stallions or geldings be ridden in combat, no mares allowed. A statue commemorating these modern horse soldiers was dedicated in 2011 and resides across from the World Trade Center.
4. The John Butterfield Company made the first trans-continental U.S. mail delivery via stagecoach.
True. Two years before the Pony Express began delivering mail across country, Congress contracted for mail delivery via stagecoach. The first trip was completed October 1858 taking 22 days and covering over 2800 miles.
5. Revolutionary Patriot, Paul Revere rode his chestnut stallion, Aristides, on his famous midnight ride warning Americans, “The British are Coming, The British are Coming!”
False. For his famous ride, Paul Revere borrowed a mare, “Brown Beauty” from Charlestown merchant John Larkin. Aristides was the first Thoroughbred to win The Kentucky Derby, May 17, 1875.
6. During the depression, the U.S. Government provided funds for librarians to distribute books and magazines in rural Appalachia on horseback.
True. The WPA funded the Pack Horse Librarians. Women were hired to distribute books in Eastern Kentucky. They rode mules and horses averaging 50-80 miles a week. Considered one of the most successful WPA programs, the Pack Horse Librarians served approximately100,000 residents of Appalachia.
7. During the revolutionary war, mounted military units proved indispensable to General Washington in defense of the American colonies against the British.
False. Cavalry units during the Revolutionary War were generally considered ineffective because of the heavily forested terrain and few roads. Most units served primarily ceremonial duties. Washington actually dismissed several units shortly after they were commissioned. Regarding the Connecticut Troop of Light Horse, Washington wrote, “…they can be no longer of use here…and I do not care how soon they are dismissed.” (yikes!)
8. By 1910 there were approximately 2000 cars and 1.5 million horses in the United States.
False. At the turn of the 20th century the principle means of transportation was still horse power of the 4-legged kind. In 1910 there were approximately 6000 cars in the U.S. but those were far outnumbered by LOTS and LOTS of horses – 21.5 million! Today there are 254 million vehicles (including trucks, buses and motorcycles) and far fewer horses, only 9.2 million.
9. A former racehorse, Reckless, was purchased at a local race track by members of a U.S. Marine Division during the Korean war. Her heroic service during combat earned her a battlefield promotion to seargeant.
True. Someone needs to make a movie about this incredible little mare! During one fierce engagement, Reckless made 51 solo trips to resupply multiple front line units – solo, without a handler – absolutely amazing!
10. Between 1914 and 1917 (WW1) the United States shipped approximately 1000 horses a day overseas to serve in the war effort.
True. The British government was in desperate need for horses to pull heavy guns, transport weapons and supplies, to carry wounded and dying for medical treatment and to mount cavalry charges against the Germans. The United States provided nearly 500,000 horses for the war effort. It is estimated that more than 8 million horses died along with 10 million military personnel and approximately 7 million civilians. WW1 was among the deadliest conflicts in human history.
So how did you do? Share in the comments section!
About Melanie: I am an artist in Atlanta. When I’m not painting, I’m riding horses. I have 3 retired Arabians and a snotty pony at home. They keep me on my toes. Three years ago I bought a young OTTB straight off the track. My new fella, Bubba, and I are learning dressage. Sadly, I’m the weak link on Team Bubba, but I learn something every time we ride so it’s all good. I started NickerDoodles to document the horsey antics that abound within my world. I’m very fortunate to balance my life with things that I love – painting and riding – and NickerDoodles gives me a forum to share. If we’re not laughing at our horses and ourselves, we’re probably crying. I prefer to laugh! I hope everyone enjoys NickerDoodles.
Please visit my central website, nickerdoodlescartoons.com, and follow Nickerdoodles on Facebook here.
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