Horses in History

Horses have always held a special place in the hearts and souls of us humans. From the ancient cave painting, to mythology, to modern literature and movies. Horses have been the basis for so many heros and heroines.

Ancient cave painting showed that our ancestors were enamored with horses. The graceful herds run across the walls of caves in natural pigments, carbon from the end of burned sticks, even crude stick figures. They joy we today feel watching a herd of wild horses, or even domesticated ones, running free and happy in a natural herd, is a throwback to what our ancient fathers felt when watching the plains.

Then there is mythology. The Unicorn, Pegasus, Centaurs, The Trojan horse. All these things are based on an equine model. Through out the years, the human race has been obsessed with the horse, so much so, that we not only tamed and used the horse in everyday life, but we based some of our most important religious and fantasy life on them. In mythology, the horse based creatures were all very special. The Unicorn was the purest of being, so much so that it couldn't stand impurities, but would willingly be caught by a "pure maiden". The Pegasus was a gift from the Gods to help a hero attain immortal status. He served the human, even doing what he knew would cause his death out of loyalty. He was so much revered, that the ancient Gods lifted him to the heavens to be a constellation. The Centaurs were revered at highly intelligent beings, so much so that the greatest hero, Heracles was taught by one. Even the Trojan horse was based on the belief that no one could refuse such a magnificent gift!

The Nomads of Arabia valued their horses above even their family. In some cases, they Sheiks would have their mares sleeping inside their tents. Always a mare was used as a war horse, never the stallion. The Stallions were kept at the home areas, only the mares traveled. It is said that the Arabian horse was bred closer to humans than other horses because they were relied on more.

So the next time you gaze out at the pasture and see the horses playing, grazing or taking a sun bath, rest assured. You are doing no more than your ancestors have done for eons, reveled in the sight of such a magnificent animal who has gracefully chosen to reside with you.

Go To Page: 1

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic