As someone else said, everyone who farmed needed a horse or mule.  They had to come from somewhere.  Every horse needed a mother, so mares were probably in demand.  I breed horses today and it is all about having good mares.
Al Adams
________________________________________
From: Research and writing about Virginia genealogy and family history. [[log in to unmask]] on behalf of Madaline Preston [[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Friday, April 04, 2014 12:48 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [VA-ROOTS] Value of horses in 1860

It seems to me the a gray mare appraised at $90.00 and a strawberry grey
mare at $80  in the 1860s is a goodly price for a horse to pull a plow,
etc..  Isaac had 3 other mares valued at $30, $ 50 and $15.  He did own a
barouche and harness....$25 and an assortment of plows, harrows, etc.

Any thoughts on the use of these horses would be greatly appreciated.
M. Preston

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