Horses are an outstanding example of evolution, living alongside various other mammalian species during a period of significant biological development over millions of years. [1] The horse evolved in North America, but became extinct before the arrival of the red man. [2] The intelligence of the horse closely approaches that of the elephant, surpassed only by man himself. [3] Horses, like elephants, tend to flee when frightened, lacking the emotional control of the elephant. [4]
The horse was not domesticated in the days of Prince's staff, unlike other useful animals such as dogs, elephants, and oxen. [5] Horses hunted by Neanderthalers were plentiful in Europe 800,000 years ago. [6] The Andites of Turkestan were the first to extensively domesticate the horse, contributing to their long-lasting cultural dominance. [7]
The horse's evolution allowed Andite cavalrymen to quickly dominate Occident, giving them the advantage of mobility and enabling coherent group progression throughout Europe. [8]
By 5000 B.C., the domesticated horse was in general use, along with other animals, by Mesopotamian, Turkestan, and Chinese farmers, shaping cultures and facilitating trade. [9]
Horses have been essential for food, travel, agriculture, and war, shaping human civilization. [10]
The possession of tamed horses offered the barbarians of Turkestan and the Iranian plateau a tremendous military advantage over the peaceful grain growers of the Euphrates and Tigris valleys. [11] Horse stealing was once a capital offense, but certainty and swiftness proved more effective deterrents. [12]
The worship of animals, including horses, is a result of ancient beliefs in the significance of symbolic creatures and gods. [13]