Mustangs and Man

petting a horse This section presents the romantic/historic connections between horse and man through history. The horse was a crucial partner with man in settling the west, in war and in play. The horse contributed to our country's progress. Further, the development of the spiritual bond between Native Americans and the horse will be traced in this section.

The topics of this section include:

• The Ancient Connection
For thousands of years, there has been a partnership between humans and wild horses-- a mysterious relationship which involves both the meaning of "wild" and the difference between romance and reality.
• Moving Man and Machinery
The first stagecoach in the American colonies made the trip from Boston to Providence, Rhode Island, on May 13, 1718. Horses still carry men.

• Spiritual Connections/Native Americans and their Horses
The alliance of the American Indians and the Spanish horse gave the Indians great mobility and changed their way of life. • Horses and Waging War
Horses have served as comrade to man on the fields of war since horses were domesticated. Many gave their lives in service to their countries, just like their riders.

• The Horse and Agriculture
Before the advent of the tractor and automobiles, horses were an integral part of the everyday worklife and a companion to man. • The Sporting Horse
Given the competitive nature of humans and horses, it is fair to assume that the first time a horse and rider met another horse and rider, a race ensued. Since then new tests of speed, agility and strength have developed.