Smaller centers in France are considering a centuries-old solution to rapidly rising fuel prices and carbon dioxide emissions. The horse is making a big comeback in French towns, where the animals are already being used in some areas to replace gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles such as school buses. The Regional Horse Promotion Commission is also suggesting the use of horses for collecting recyclables and street cleaning.

There definitely appear to be some advantages to trading in your Escalade for a Clydesdale, though I can’t imagine the smell that will eventually permeate these towns. But I suppose if horses were once the premier choice of transportation for the likes of Clint Eastwood, they’re good enough for me. While they’re working on the horse initiative, let’s see if those French trendsetters can also bring back the poncho.

» Reuters