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. |