(Assetague Island Horse)
People and Horse have a long history together. Seeing Horse gallop across the grasslands, ancient people associated Him with freedom. After taming Horse, they learned how to ride, and experienced the freedom that they had yearned for.
To understand this relationship between Horse and people, go back in the mists of time. At the end of the last Ice Age, dense woodlands began growing in areas that once were grasslands. Horses, that lived in those places, migrated to Eurasia’s grassy plains. (From the steppes of Eurasia came the first tamed Horse.) At first, ancient people hunted Horse for food. Then when they started growing crops, people saw Horse as a work Animal. However their lives changed dramatically, when people learned how to ride Horse. After that, ancient peoples could wage war, travel to new areas, and flourish courtesy of Horse.
What is this Animal that changed people’s lives so much? “Horse” encompasses three animals: Przewalski’s Horse, Domestic Horse, and Feral Horse. What people regard as “Wild” Horses are actually Domestic Horses gone feral. Mustang of North America and Brumby of Australia are Horses that escaped and reverted to their wild ways.
A social Animal, Horse travels in bands of three to twenty Horses. Complex social dynamics hold Horse Bands together, with each Individual knowing their place. To lessen tensions in the Band, Horses mutually groom Each Other. Stallion Horse guards his Mares from their enemies and keeps Everyone moving together. Also, He chases off other Stallions who would steal his Mares. When Yearling Horse becomes of age, Stallion drives Him off to fend for Himself. By encouraging his Offspring to leave, Stallion avoids inbreeding in His Band.
The only true Wild Horse remaining today is Przewalski’s Horse of Mongolia. Smaller than Domestic Horse, She has an upright mane, ass-like tail, and dark brown legs. Living in the Altai Mountains, She feeds on coarse grass and branches from shrubby trees. When She travels from her resting areas to her feeding grounds, Przewalski’s Horse etches well-worn paths into the landscape. To the Mongolians, She represents wild freedom.
(Przewalski’s Horse)
Sacred to many peoples, Horse was regarded as a companion of Gods. Being allied with Horse was such a powerful thing, that Native Americans called Horse “Sacred Dog”. Even the colors of Horse have meaning. White Horse was connected to the Moon, Red with the Sun, and Black with the Wild Huntsman. Pale Horse meant famine and death.
Europeans told stories of the Wild Hunt. At night, the Master of the Wild Hunt, mounted on a Black Stallion, would lead his Herd of Horses through the sky. Marks of their Hooves could be seen on rooftops in the morning. Horses bedded down in barns, for the night, would be found exhausted and wild-eyed. In contrast to the Wild Hunt was the lore of the “Horse Whisperer”. If a certain word was whispered into Horse’s ear, He would become compliant. This secret word was passed down among blacksmiths from father to son.
Horse teaches people how to be free. Mustang beckons to people to come on an adventure. People riding Horses speak of being One, galloping with the wind. After knowing Horse, people say that He teaches them “wild hearts can’t be broken.”
Horse’s Teachings Include:
“Ride the winds of adventure and change. Horse will take you, and will protect you on the journey.” Copyright Unknown.
“Ask for clear guidance from Horse. He can help to put things into perspective if you are lost or confused.” Copyright: Rabbit’s Warren of Wisdom.
“History was written on the back of the horse.” -- The Horse Park (Kentucky, U.S.)
Lascaux Paintings (Visipix)
Purchase adult and children's books on horses from Amazon.com
Conservation Note: Przewalski’s Horse is severely endangered. The Mongolian government is working to reestablish Przewalski’s Horse in the Altai Mountains.
Note: “Wild Horse” refers to Przewalski’s Horse. “Wild” Horses such as Mustang are Domestic Horses gone wild.
Lascaux Paintings Photo copyrighted by Visipix.com
Va. Carper
July 25, 2007