The steady rise in farm horse numbers from 1851 to 1901 reflected the pattern of land development, for which horses were needed. Over the 10 years, from 1901 to 1911, the rate of increase was even greater. After 1911 there was a dramatic decline in horse numbers, following the introduction of tractors and farm machinery. Over the next 50 years horse numbers declined by 300,000, and were replaced by 78,000 tractors. After 1972 statistics on farm horse numbers were not recorded.