A265 North American
Horses
This great new poster provides a comprehensive overview
of the subject by presenting the important breeds in
historical context. The horse evolved in North America
during prehistoric times. Around 20,000-30,000 years ago, it
crossed the land bridge into Asia and its descendants
migrated into Europe. The horse became extinct in North
America about 11,000 years ago.
Columbus reintroduced the horse to the New World on his
second voyage in 1493, when he brought them to Cuba. In
1516, Cortez landed a small herd on continental North
America. The Spanish later brought many others. During the
next century, the English carried them to Virginia and New
England and the French transported them to Canada and
Louisiana. Later, the Germans, Dutch, Swedes and Finns
brought their distinctive breeds into New York, Delaware,
Connecticut and Pennsylvania. These colonial imports make up
the first section of the poster as they provided the
bloodlines for the many breeds that followed. Several very
important but now-extinct breeds are included.
The next section shows the feral and Native American
horses. The term “wild” refers to an animal that has never
been domesticated. “Feral” refers to domesticated animals
that have returned to the wild. All North American feral
horses are called “mustangs,” but there are several very
important breeds. The last section shows the many other
breeds that originated in North America. The importance of
the horse to our nation is conveyed through illustrations
showing ways they have been used by conquistadors, patriots,
the U.S. Army cavalry, cowboys, modern-day police and
others.
Fifty-four magnificent breeds are faithfully and
accurately illustrated, making this poster an essential
reference for horse lovers. |
