Welcome to the Equestrian Outreach Horse History Page

Humans and Horses in History (Click Here to See A Timeline)

Human-Horse Overview
Humans and horses share a long and special history. It is suggested that humans have relied on horses for transportation since 4000-3500 BCE, over 6,000 years ago. Only recently have we stopped relying on them as our main mode of transportation.

Equidae: Horses Evolve

The earliest ancestors of the modern horse were tiny, measuring only 0.4 meters (15 inches). They walked on three spread-out toes, adapted to life in primeval forests. As grass species flourished, the Equids' diets shifted, necessitating larger, more durable teeth. Changes in climate led to the development of open plains, requiring greater speed to evade predators, achieved through the lengthening of limbs and adaptation of toes for traction.

Eohippus / Hyracotherium (Dawn Horse)

Around 50 million years ago, the first proto-horses emerged, resembling a small fox. Initially named Hyracotherium, they are now commonly referred to as Eohippus, meaning "Dawn Horse."

Mesohippus (Middle Horse)

In the late Eocene, the climate shifted, prompting early Equidae to adapt. Mesohippus developed tougher teeth and grew slightly larger, about 0.6 meters (1' 10").

Merychippus (Proto-Horse)

Merychippus, appearing in the Miocene Epoch, had three toes and was the first horse known to graze, living in herds and growing up to 1 meter (10 h) tall.

Pliohippus (Final Link?)

Pliohippus, an extinct genus, arose in the late Miocene, standing almost as tall as modern horses and showcasing adaptations for life on open plains.

Modern Horse - Equus Emerges

Cave paintings suggest that modern horses resemble the Przewalski Horse, with evidence of their domestication appearing around 30,000 years ago. The domestication timeline varies based on definitions and available evidence, indicating early uses for meat and later for work.

Early Domestication

Domestication likely began in the steppes of Central Asia between 3000 and 4000 BP (about 5,000 to 6,000 years ago), transitioning from meat and milk sources to pack animals. Evidence includes dental pathologies and changes in burial practices related to horses.

Early Equine Utilization

By 2500 BP (4,500 years ago), horses were used in warfare and agriculture. The introduction of wheeled vehicles transformed warfare tactics, paving the way for the chariot's prominence.

Horses in the Bronze Age

By the Bronze Age (2500 BP to 1200 BP), horses were widely distributed and used for farming and transport, including riding.

Horses in Warfare

Horses were first used in warfare over 5,000 years ago, marking a significant evolution in military strategy and technology.

Horse-Driven Chariots

By 1600 BP, advancements in harness and chariot design led to a strategic arms race in the Bronze Age, revolutionizing warfare.

Chariots Replaced by Cavalry

The transition to cavalry marked the leading edge of military technology, with significant contributions from notable figures like Xenophon in horsemanship.

Horses in Nomadic Warfare

Nomadic cultures utilized horses effectively in warfare, with various civilizations adopting cavalry tactics throughout history.

Horses in Middle Ages Warfare:Europeans used several types of war horses in the Middle Ages, and the best-known heavy cavalry warrior of the period was the armored knight. In the middle and late middle ages these knights rode war horses shroded in armor fefered to as barding.

In England, King Henry VIII ordered the destruction of all horses under 15 hands in height, believing they consumed too much food relative to their utility. This decision may have also aimed to address a shortage of large war horses, likely contributing to the development of the Shire horse.

Middle Age Horse Types

Record keeping in the 13th century was inadequate, and horses were classified by physical type or purpose rather than breed. Thus, many terms for horses in the Middle Ages described their appearance or function.

European Middle Age Horse Types Included:

Charger Horse: Medieval war horses were categorized into three types: Destriers, Coursers, and Rounceys, collectively referred to as chargers. (Images courtesy of Wikipedia)

Courser Horse: A swift and strong horse frequently used in warfare, ridden by knights and men-at-arms.

Destrier Horse or "Great Horse": The best-known war horse of the medieval era, used in battles, tournaments, and jousts. Its name derives from the Vulgar Latin "dextarius," meaning "right-sided." Although highly prized, destriers were not very common; most knights rode other war horses like coursers and rounceys.

Irish Hobby Horse (See Asturian Below): An extinct breed native to the British Isles, it contributed to the foundation of several modern breeds. Known for its agility and speed, the Irish Hobby was popular in skirmishing and was employed by both sides during the Wars of Scottish Independence.

Asturian Horse: Originating in Northern Spain, this small breed is known for its comfortable ambling gait and was favored by both Romans and French during the Middle Ages. Its ancestry likely includes influences from the Garrano pony and Sorraia horses.

Asturian information provided courtesy of the University of Oklahoma

Jennet (Spanish Jennet Horse): A small Spanish horse known for its smooth, ambling gait and compact build, the jennet was ideal for light riding and contributed to the foundation of several horse breeds in the Americas.

Palfrey Horse: Valued as a riding horse in the Middle Ages, the term "palfrey" is derived from Latin "paraveredus," meaning a post horse.

Rouncey Horse: An all-purpose horse used for riding and as a pack horse, rounceys were trained for various tasks, including warfare.

Eurasian Middle Age Horse Types Included:

Basuto Pony: This small breed from Lesotho and South Africa was imported by 17th-century Dutch settlers and has Arab blood. Known for its toughness, the Basuto stands up to 14.2 hands high and is characterized by its long stride.

Batak Pony: Originating in Central Sumatra, this pony breed is thought to have descended from Mongolian and Arabian horses, and is selectively bred for improved quality.

Bhutia Pony: An inter-bred mixture from the Himalayan region, these ponies are adapted to mountainous terrain and are known for their toughness and endurance.

Boer Pony: A calm and tough pony from South Africa, it played a significant role during the Boer wars due to its mobility and resilience.

Bosnian Pony: Part of the Balkan breeds, it is believed to have developed from a cross between the Tarpan and the Asian Wild Horse, with influences from oriental stock during the Ottoman Empire.

Horses in Early Modern Warfare

With the decline of the knight and the rise of gunpowder, light cavalry regained prominence in European warfare and the Americas. Although horse cavalry began to phase out after World War I in favor of tanks, some units remained in use until World War II. Today, while formal horse cavalry units have mostly disappeared, horses are still utilized for patrol, reconnaissance, ceremonial purposes, and historical reenactments.