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30,000 BCE
First discovery
The horse was discovered. -
3500 BCE
First Relationship With Horses
When horses became involved in human function.
The first relationship is documented in Stone Age wall paintings in Western Europe.
Many times, the horses were prey for meat, but the artists would also show the majesty of the horse -
Period: 3000 BCE to 4000 BCE
Domestication of Horses
Horses become domesticated.
Oxen and donkeys were already used for transportation (Bible), so Horses were first domesticated for meat and milk. -
1000 BCE
Driving & Riding
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Period: 500 BCE to 1401 BCE
Europe After Rome
During this time, horses had new purposes, mainly for agriculture. However, horses were expensive to buy and keep. They required specialized feed, constant care, and good shelter. During the Middle Ages, hunting deer on horseback became a popular sport. -
476 BCE
Fall of Roman Empire
The fall of the Roman Empire began the Middle Ages
The Dark Ages (beginning of the Middle Ages) caused a halt in invention and increased religious wars and barbarian invasions. The horse was a vital vehicle for battle and daily travel. -
209 BCE
Great Wall
War chariots were primarily used in China, but repeated invasions from the north and the Huns required the Chinese to change to light cavalry.
The Chinese were complete horsemen with equipment that was modern in appearance. -
Period: 201 BCE to 700 BCE
The Scythians
Emerging from scattered Russian tribes, the Scythians were a group of nomadic horsemen who were expert archers from horseback.
The Scythians would burn an entire town and then retreat. -
30 BCE
Roman Army
During the four centuries that Rome ruled, the military changed from an infantry group to a cavalry-based one. -
Period: 1450 to
Renaissance
Europe experienced a cultural rebirth, and the zeal for learning was sparked.
The horse's anatomy became a popular science, and training became a disciplined art.
The vehicle design was enhanced, and the horse was more prominent in everyday life.
Also during this time, horses were used as entertainment in Chivalry Tourneys.
They were used for jousting. -
1500
Spanish Conquistadors
When Spanish Conquistadors came to the Americas, they believed they were colonists and explorers in a new world.
However, for the many horses that were brought over, it was a homecoming. -
1519
Spanish Settlers
Coronado headed for North America with 150 horsemen. -
1539
De Soto
He arrived with 237 horses. -
1547
Antoni de Mendoza
The first governor of New Spain (Mexico) to have 11 haciendas. -
Destruction of Jamestown
Fire has been one of the greatest dangers of American life since it destroyed Jamestown. -
Horses in Coal Mines
Horses were used to haul coal out of the mines. -
Period: to
Government Mules
The government used mules for pack animals. -
Colonization & Settlement
Settlers saw the horse as a means of expansion and as power for taming the wilderness and cultivating it. -
Fire Horses
Draft horses were used to pull steam pumpers and ladder trucks for the fire station. -
Period: to
Military Horses
Cavalry—mounted soldiers
Cavalries have been used by all major powers throughout the world. -
The Pony Express
To provide the fastest mail delivery service, a horse was used. -
Commercial Use
Draft horses were extremely important for the growth of urban life.
Horse-car lines provided mass
transit systems for all cities with a population
of 50,000 or more.
They were used for hauling cargo unloaded from
railroads, ships, boats, and distributing goods from factories.
Some companies used horses for delivery services. -
Horse today
Back then, they were the ATVs and SUVs of daily life. Horses have new roles to play today, however. They provide companionship and recreation, from the backyard pet or retired horse, to competition horses, trail horses, and more.