Britannica AI Icon

Quick Summary

A "wheeler" is a draft animal, such as a horse, that is positioned nearest to the front wheels of a wagon. These animals are crucial for pulling heavy loads and have been used for farm work and transportation for millennia. While cattle have historically been the most common draft animals, horses, donkeys, and water buffalo are also widely utilized, especially in certain regions. Specific breeds of horses, like the Belgian and Clydesdale, have been selectively bred for draft work due to their size and strength. The use of draft animals offers advantages such as readily available feed, minimal maintenance, and their manure as a valuable resource.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
3 Britannica Sources
  1. wheeler
  2. off-wheeler
  3. draft animal

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.