Introduction

Over the course of time horses have proven to be one of the most valuable animals of all kind to us humans. From the beginning they served as food to us, then became a mode of transportation, followed by hardworkers on farms and such, until machinery replaced their functions. Now they are a source of leisure and companionship. People may keep them as pets for company or ride them in order to exercise the creature or improve their personal riding skills.

Horses have been racing across the landscape for more than 50 million years—much longer than our own species has existed. But once horses and humans encountered each other, our two species became powerfully linked.

Humans domesticated horses some 6,000 years ago, and over time, we have created more than 200 breeds, from the powerful Clydesdale to the graceful Arabian. As we have shaped horses to suit our needs on battlefields, farms, and elsewhere, these animals have shaped human history. They have also captured our imagination and hearts. Millions of people rely on horses as their spirited, dedicated, much adored companions.