Know a similar personal story. My grandfather was a blacksmith when he was younger but went on to have the largest car dealership (Dolly Chevrolet) in southern NJ during the 1930's. Saw the changing times. He also helped other Irish families emigrate to the United States to work at his business. Died before I was even born (was told the florist ran out of flowers for his funeral) but from the stories really wish I did..
Well, they kept a lot employed. Farrier's, Vets Carter's , sponge bobs( collecting shite) thieves made a few Bob...young lads learned how to scut, hay merchants Pollies, making tea .......?
He said that horses have angered motorists, so what, I am with the houses and we are going to fight back, I have told all the horses on my farm not to back down and the next time a mad motorist gets angry or wants to start a fight, we horses are going to claim our rightful place in this world, we will be back on the road in-full force so from now on I would advise all motorists to mind their own business, they do not own the roads, we were their first, we are not going to take their nasty behavior and rude words anymore
I was amazed at CIE going from horses to tractors, I would have thought they would have used the purpose designed Scammell Scarab. Three wheeled, so it could turn on the spot imitating the horses' ability to deal with tight railway sidings yards. Trying to look for a promotional film I have seen, I did find a short RU-vid film with a picture of a Scarab in CIE livery. Alas, it looks like the promotional film has been lifted from RU-vid but try ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-iy3B_-GF7KE.html from 12.35 for an explanation of the Scarab, and it's suitability for railway use.