Early Settlers and Horses: The early settlers of McKinney, Texas, arrived in the 1840s, drawn by the promise of free land and a better life. They traveled in wagons pulled by oxen or horses, facing numerous challenges such as harsh weather, wild animals, and conflicts with native tribes.  Despite these hardships, many settlers stayed, establishing farms, communities, and commerce in the fertile land.

Role of Horses in Agriculture: Horses played a crucial role in the development of McKinney. They were essential for transportation, farming, and daily tasks. Cotton farming, which was vital to McKinney's growth, required significant labor. Initially, farms were worked by hand and with mule-drawn plows until the latter half of the twentieth century.  Horses and mules were indispensable in these efforts, helping to plow fields, transport goods, and support the burgeoning agricultural economy.