ABOUT HORSES

AN IMPORTANT PART OF HUMAN HISTORY

Horses have been alive for around 4 to 4.5 million years. The modern-day horse is native to North America, but they went extinct on our continent about 11,000 years ago. The species survived due to their migration to Asia and were later brought back to their homeland by Christopher Columbus during the Spanish Inquisition. There are around 19.5 million horses in North America alone, and nearly 59 million worldwide. This was released in 1988.

Throughout history, horses have played a pivotal role in shaping human civilization. From battlefield companions to transportation revolutionaries, these magnificent animals have influenced warfare, exploration, sports, and culture in profound ways. Countless horses have made contributions to history, some stand out for their exceptional impact, heroism, or symbolic importance.

Horses carried humanity into entire new worlds. The domestication of horses opened borders, boosted communication, and birthed civilizations that spanned continents. As discovered by archaeologists in Kazakhstan’s Botai culture, horses were first tamed around 3500 BCE for both milk and mobility. They turned war and trade into global forces and made long-distance migration possible. Without them, empires like Rome or Mongolia might never have risen. Even today, the horse remains a living symbol of freedom and connection between human progress and the natural world.

There are many country songs about horses. Like this one from 2012.

I can think of fewer rock ‘n roll tunes (my true love). Thus, the songs I intersperse in this blog are related to the historical nature of them only tangentially. Here is America’s hit from 1971.

Perhaps the most famous horse in ancient history, Bucephalus was the trusted mount of Alexander the Great. According to historical accounts (which I doubt), the young Alexander tamed this supposedly untamable black stallion when he was just 12 years old by noticing that the horse was afraid of its own shadow. Bucephalus carried Alexander through numerous battles during his conquest of the known world, from Greece to India. Their partnership lasted for nearly 20 years. For me this legendary partnership has come to symbolize the special relationship between humans and horses that would help shape civilizations for millennia to come. Toby Keith 2008.

Marengo, a small gray Arabian stallion, carried Napoleon Bonaparte through numerous European battlefields including the famous Battle of Waterloo in 1815. We studied the Napoleonic Wars when I was at West Point. I still have the book.

Named after Napoleon’s victory at the Battle of Marengo in 1800, this horse became an enduring symbol of Napoleon’s military campaigns. Today, Marengo’s skeleton (minus one hoof that was made into a snuff box) is displayed at the National Army Museum in London. Paintings and statues of Napoleon frequently depict him astride this faithful steed. I think Marengo’s legacy is a testament to the crucial role horses played in warfare before the age of mechanization.

Traveller became almost as famous as his owner, Confederate General Robert E. Lee. He carried Lee throughout the entirety of the Civil War, becoming an inseparable companion to the general. Following Lee’s death in 1870, Traveller walked in his funeral procession. I believe this horse symbolizes not just the Civil War era but also the profound connection between a soldier and his horse during a pivotal moment in American history. There was a movie with the same name, but this was released in 2024.

Behind the thunder of tanks and Stukas, Germany’s war machine relied on an older force: more than 2.75 million horses. They hauled artillery, carried ammunition, and crossed terrain that trucks could not. From Poland and France to the frozen roads of the Eastern Front, horses kept the Blitzkrieg moving and paid a terrible price along the way. I understand why horses were employed but abhor the outcome.

Over the course of the war, Germany and the Soviet Union together employed more than six million horses. Millions of these horses died from malnutrition, the weather, overwork and, of course, the battles. By war’s end, nearly three million horses had labored, starved, and died supporting the German army. About a year ago Randy sang this tribute to horses.

I believe the relationship between horses and American cowboys is a profound and intricate bond that has shaped the very essence of cowboy culture. From the vast, rugged landscapes of the West to the open plains where ranching thrives, horses have been indispensable companions to cowboys, enabling them to navigate their daily challenges and adventures. This partnership is not merely one of utility; it encompasses a deep emotional connection that has evolved through generations.

For me this relationship is steeped in rich tradition and history, rooted deep in the American frontier. This connection, which has evolved over centuries, reflects not only the practical realities of ranching and cattle herding but also the cultural significance that horses hold within the cowboy lifestyle. The origins of cowboy culture and the pivotal role of horses in historical ranching illustrate how intertwined these two elements have become. From 1990.

Although horse racing is one of the oldest sports, it’s not one I enjoy. It has a rich history that spans thousands of years, evolving from ancient contests to a modern global spectacle. Horse racing’s roots can be traced back to 4500 BC in Central Asia, where nomadic tribes first domesticated horses. The earliest races were likely informal contests of speed and endurance, reflecting the importance of horses in those societies. My research found that archaeological evidence suggests organized horse racing occurred in ancient civilizations such as Greece, Rome, Babylon, Syria, Arabia, and Egypt.

Horse racing has maintained its status as the “Sport of Kings,” reflecting social hierarchies and cultural traditions. I think it serves as a vibrant social event, bringing communities together and contributing to local economies. The sport continues to adapt, facing contemporary challenges while preserving its rich heritage.

Horse racing has a storied history that reflects human civilization’s evolution, showcasing the enduring appeal of equestrian competition across cultures and eras. Here is Peter, Paul and Mary’s take on horse racing from 1969.

Przewalski’s Horse is the only truly wild horse species that has never been domesticated. Once extinct in the wild, it has been successfully reintroduced to its native habitats in Central Asia, particularly in Mongolia and Kazakhstan. This species is crucial for conservation efforts as it represents the last lineage of wild horses that has not been influenced by domestication.

Feral Horses include populations like the mustangs in the United States and the brumbies in Australia. They are descendants of domesticated horses that have returned to a wild state. While they are not considered “wild” in the same sense as Przewalski’s horse, they play a significant role in their ecosystems and cultural landscapes. We often see herds of them here in Nevada. This was originally released in 1971.

I am 81. I have been many places, seen and done many things. I have enjoyed most genres of music. I was a DJ. I was an army brat and a soldier, losing a leg in Vietnam. I learned adaptive sports and taught them to people all over our great nation and overseas. I have guided and lead expeditions down raging rivers.

I have many stories about my experiences in Vietnam, the military and at West Point. Plus, lots of life stories, stories about adaptive sports, my adventures, my travels and great music too. When you click Subscribe you will be presented with options. One is to remain or become a free member. The next level up is $5 monthly and you can unsubscribe anytime.

I publish weekly on Friday. I want you to be transported to a different time and to enjoy what you read. I want to tell you about my life and my love of music. I want music that evokes memories. I want you to escape today’s worries for a few minutes.

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