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Earliest remains found from the Paleocene epoch (about 54 million years ago in North America) More recent fossils found from the Eocene epoch
(about 50 million years ago) in Europe -
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-Eohippus "dawn horse" the earliest version of the mordern horse
-Small, primitive horse about the size of a fox.
-elongated skul, arched back and short tail
-Four functional toes on each front foot, only three toes on each hind foot. -
-During Oligocene epoch(about 35 million years ago/earths temperature and climate changed)
-Forests thinned and grass became more prevalent, thus Mesohippus appeared (Meso means middle) -
-Larger than Eophippus
-Only three toes on its front feet
-Toes became little hooves
-Became extinct in North America and Europe about 7 million years ago -
-Appeared in the Miocene epoch, 20 million years ago
-Merychippus evolved in North America and adapted to the grasses of the plains
-Beginnings of the grazing horse today -
-First horse with hoofs
-Increased in size to 35 in
-Lived in herds
-Two outer toes diminished and middle toes hardened into a hoof -
-Middle Miocene, around 15 million years ago
-Two long extra toes on both sides of the hoof, externally barelt visible as callused stubs.
-Believed to be the ancestor of present day horses, because of its many anatomical similarities -
-About 10,000 years ago many of the prehistoric horses became extinct.
-Resuits of climate changes
- Only surviving horses were in Asia along with several Zebras
-Horses were wiped out in North America -
-Scientists call it Equus caballus
-Some believe Spanish explorers brought the animlas with them on their voyages to the New World in 1500s
-Were let loose in prairies -
-Asian nomads first domesticated horses nearly 5000 yrs. ago
-Horses have played a central role in shapng human life.
-3000yrs ago, jthe horse had become a fixture of many ancient civilizations.
-Horses were used primarily for food, riding, or to pull carts
-Horses quick feet impressed the Persians.
-1800s the US. Pony Express borrowed the same method.
-American Horse Council estimates direct impact on the economy in the US over 39 billion.
-Changed the practices of Farming and industry.
