The horse and human relationship throughout history has played a significant role in the Evolution of The Modern Day Horse. Knowledge of the evolutionary history of the horse and the impact of domestication will allow for satisfaction of a horses physical and psychological needs. This can promote ethical and sustainable practices within management of Equine Industries of the Modern Day Horse (Equus) providing an increased focus on the individual horse level.
The mammal family of horses or “Equidae” have evolved over a geological period of at least 50 million years to become what they are today. The evolutionary timeline of horses is known as a model species and is recognized as one of the best documented species in vertebrate paleontology. Evolutionary trends of ‘Eohippus’ (1st ancestral horse the size of a fox) are exhibited in the modern day horse (Equus) like dentition, evident in fossil records. Environmental changes may have contributed to the diversification of Equids as “horse’s survival has depended on adaptive behaviour patterns which have allowed it to exploit a diverse range of habitats” (D. Goodwin, 2007, p.1).
The fundamental relationship between horses and humans through domestication began at least 6000 years ago. It involved taking horses from environments where they evolved, to ones which were primarily controlled by humans to serve a set purpose in a captive environment. “Throughout history the role of horses in human culture has changed and diversified, the constraints of domestication have restricted many aspects of horse behaviour” (D. Goodwin, 2007, p.1). Natural horse behaviour consists of social interaction, reproduction, flight behaviour and grazing but due to domestication restriction of these behaviours occurs. In captive environments horses no longer have the freedom to carry out these natural behaviours without human interference. Domesticated horses have restricted opportunities to interact socially with other horses, as well as restricted feeding and diets.
Early use of horses included; as a source of food, a display of status, a mode of transport. Later they became a method of communication, used in warfare, agriculture, sport and leisure. Horses have played a significant role in the development of the world, bringing cultures and languages closer together and particularly transforming the agricultural industry. Horses allowed for increased efficiency in farming, greater productivity and a greater contribution to the economy, leaving farmers with more time for trade and leisure. Horses were also used to assist soldiers in battle, acting as an efficient wartime tool in communication, transportation and battle techniques, particularly with the Cavalry. Horses were used as a vehicle for communication, carrying messages with speed, before the time of the telegraph or cars, revolutionizing the worlds communication. Today, the horse is used for companionship and competition in various activities all over the world of their choice such as racing, showing, sport, breeding, recreation and work. (D W Anthony, D R Brown, 2007)
Horses rely on people to meet their basic needs as a domesticated animal. Basic needs include food, water, shelter, comfort, protection from harm, freedom from pain, freedom to move and the freedom to express normal horse behaviours. Horses must have access to fresh and clean water at all times, in sufficient quantity in order to maintain body weight and hydration. It is also necessary for horses to have access to shelter, light and the freedom to move around in order to promote its wellbeing and good health. A horse needs people who look out for it and make an effort to learn how to handle and care for it properly” (Alberta SPCA, 2012).
Through horse training the understanding shared between the horse and human requires the human to recognise the horse as a prey animal. “The horses subsequent thoughts and behaviours are derived from their vulnerability to perceive attack. Their constant vigilance is the foundation of their survival” (E Johnson, 2008). Understanding of the horses’ primary method of defense being flight meaning humans should be understanding of reactions and be patient in order for the horse to be trusting.
In order to effectively Manage the Modern Day Horse all horse and human relations should be considerate and understanding of the impact of domestication on natural behaviours as well as the physical requirements and psychological needs of a horse. Knowledge of how the horse came to be what it is today can result in a positive relationship between human and horse encouraging better management and training techniques.