Horses play such a significant role in our daily lives, as well as in the lives of everyone else who works and/or plays with these amazing animals, so I think it is essential that we at least have an idea of the history of the equine. Believe it or not, researchers have discovered that the first traces of equines dates back to 75 million years BC. These equines would not be easily recognized in today's society as horses because they were dog-sized, 5-toed animals. Over the years though, the species has developed into the familiar horse we cherish so sacredly. Millions and millions of years have passed, new names cycled through - mesohippus, archaeohippus, dinohippus, and eventually the equus, about 5 million years ago. More recently, in the realm of human existence, horses have been a necessity for survival, and, now, for pleasure and work. About 5,000 years BC, in Asia and Western Europe, the horse became domesticated, revolutionizing the way of life for the rest of time. Chariots, war, olympic games, transportation, market, colonization, noble steeds, royalty; only a handful of the various uses horses have served in the vast history of their existence. When we jump our horses around a 4 ft course or take them for a sunset trail ride or simply watch them peacefully chomping on grass in the green pastures, we forget about the significance these creatures have to the history of man, the history of our world. We must be reminded occasionally of our fortune to be able to spend day in and day out with these animals who derive from a long line of contribution and success. Friend, partner, athlete; we are lucky to have the equine in our lives today and everyday.
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