Domestication of Horses

Between 4500 and 2500 BC the first horses were domesticated and used as draft animals on the Eurasian Steppes in the Near East. The inhabitants of these vast streches of landscape had already domesticated sheep, dogs and goats and they needed a larger animal to carry their belongings. There were a total of four primeval types of horses that over time were developed and domesticated.

The four primeval types of horses consisted of two pony types and two horse types. The first pony type was developed in Northwest Europe and his direct descendant is the Shetland pony. They were approximately 12 hands tall and considered waterproof. They had very thick skin and were bay or brown in colour.

The second pony type was developed in North Eurasia and had a heavier build than the first pony type and was considered frost proof. This horse was the forefather of the Przswalski's Horse. It was dun or cream colour and had a dorsal strip and bars on the legs.

The first horse type was developed in Central Asia and west into Europe. This horse type was considered to be drought proof. It was the forefather of the Andalusian. It had a long narrow Roman head and long ears and neck. Its tail and mane were sparse.

The second horse type and fourth primeval equine type was developed in the western area of Asia and was considered to be heat proof. This horse type is what provided the quality in today's breeds. It was fine boned and had a long thick mane and tail. He was the forefather to the Arabian horse.

All of the breeds today are crosses or descendant of the four original types of horses. In the beginning the physical characteristics of groups and breeds were determined by climate. The animals were originally used as pack horses and only later on did the horse become a riding animal.

Today, of course, entire civilisations, industries and economies have been built to a greater or lesser extent around horses and many still rely on our equine friends for survival. This said, it is important in this day and age to make sure we have adequate equine insurance in place, particularly if relying on a horse for a source of income in one way or another.

Horses have been around for a very long time and not only make wonderful riding companions, but can also contribute to our health, wealth and happinesss in many other ways.