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The horse was discovered. -
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 -
Horses become domesticated.
Oxen and donkeys were already used for transportation (Bible), so Horses were first domesticated for meat and milk. -
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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.
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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. -
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. -
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. -
During the four centuries that Rome ruled, the military changed from an infantry group to a cavalry-based one. -
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. -
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. -
Coronado headed for North America with 150 horsemen. -
He arrived with 237 horses. -
The first governor of New Spain (Mexico) to have 11 haciendas. -
Fire has been one of the greatest dangers of American life since it destroyed Jamestown. -
Horses were used to haul coal out of the mines. -
The government used mules for pack animals.
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Settlers saw the horse as a means of expansion and as power for taming the wilderness and cultivating it. -
Draft horses were used to pull steam pumpers and ladder trucks for the fire station. -
Cavalry—mounted soldiers
Cavalries have been used by all major powers throughout the world. -
To provide the fastest mail delivery service, a horse was used. -
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. -
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.