The Impact of horses in America

Purpose/Value

Introduction

• When the Spaniards came to America with horses, the horses did not have to adapt to the place at all because it was coming home; it was native to flat land. The people of America used to hunt horses and eat them, but later they recognized them as tools to expand their lifestyle. They used them to hunt effectively, especially in the Great Plains where they had a special meat called bison. This not only helped them get meat but also the women processed the hides of the animals to ropes and sold it in the market. Trades became often as people could travel faster and further. Horses had a brought up completely new military tactics, some groups quickly developed amazing skills and proceeded to conquer weaker neighbors. They were probably the most used animal in wars due to its strength, speed and endurance level. It seemed as if a strong horse and talented soldier would seem invisible in front of everyone. A bust of confidence, freedom and empowerment was coming through as native Indians adapted to horses and what they offered. As this ‘horse culture grew ‘people started measuring status’s to how many horses you have. The no. of horses signifies the importance of you in the society Soon, it became their essential need and partner in life

• The Spanish travelers had first bought horses to the Americas in the early 1500’s. Due to Columbian Exchange, the arrival of horses became more often.

• Horses were first domesticated in Central Asia, around 5000 years ago. The horses tremendously helped them in trade, hunting and especially in warfare.

• The people after conquest often adopted horses. Thus, from Central Asia, the horses spread to Middle East, North Africa, China and Europe.

• The first horse was found millions of years ago but as a form of small dogs. It evolved from that to an Equus (modern horse).

Positive Consequences of the arrival of horses in America

• Horses can carry a lot of load; horses have the potential to carry around 25% of their weight. That is roughly around 125 kg. The people of America could travel to place quickly even with a heavy load.

• Horses are fast and can travel relentlessly for far. It is said that they can travel almost for 30-40 miles in a day. This will help in travelling further and faster and enhanced the trade system between various countries, allowing the people to explore new items of various culture’s

• Warfare- The arrival of horses had brought up a stronger army for countries in America, people started learning astonishing skills as mount men. Horses have high endurance level due to their physique, so even if a war goes on for days, horses have the ability to cope up with it.

Negetive Consequences of the arrival of horses in America

• It looked like when horses reached the Northern Plains it had lost all of its momentum. Due to the harsh weathers horses could not reproduce quickly .The snowfall made it tough for people to feed the horse, leading to severe winter losses .Thus, the people of the North plains could not completely use what the horse offered.

• In the South Plains, where food and water was not surplus, it was tough to manage when you even have to feed the horse. Animals and humans had to compete for water and food. The lack of water led to an early decline of bison. The women’s status too was decreasing as the bison became more of men play rather than a society.

Legacy/Uses today

Until the early 1900’s, horses were an important part of the people’s life. Then, machines starting developing and performing majority of the things better and faster than the horse. From 21 million in America to a mere 3 million, it had looked like the horse had gone hiding after its best partner had abandoned it. Horses are no more an essential need in life but it is still used quite often. Here are some things it is used for-

• Horse racing- A very popular sport in America, 2 or more jockeys are on the top of the horse and compete to see who cover a particular distance faster.

• Polo- Still a developing sport, 4 people in each team and again are in top of the horses. It is basically hockey played in grass with people in top of horse, the objective of the game is to score in the opponent’s goal.

Horse manure- Horse manure is the most preferable option for a fertilizer when planting plants. It is rich in nitrogen and carbon and is extremely easy to compost.

The impact of horses in America

A brief overview