For thousands of years, horses have shaped the course of human history—driving our economies, carrying our armies, connecting distant lands, and transforming the way we govern and live. This slideshow brings that legacy to life through powerful imagery—historic art, sculpture, and photographs that reveal the deep bond between humans and horses. From ancient empires to modern societies, explore how these remarkable animals have influenced culture, politics, and progress across the ages.
The most common animal in cave art is the horse
Przewalski Horse is a cousin of the domestic horse
The horse provides essential mobility for the steppe
A horseman can herd 20 times more cattle than a herder on foot
The steppe provides extensive pasturage
Children often perform herding duties
the Altai Mountains divide the eastern and western steppe
Horses, unlike other livestock, can pasture in the snow
Horses can uncover grass for other animals
Ancient Siberians recorded in rock carvings the coming of chariot driving warriors
Scythians were probably the first steppe people to master mounted combat
The Assyrians soon hired steppe peoples to manage their horses
Median grooms worked for both Assyria and Persia
The Shahs of Iran never went anywhere on foot
Terra-cotta cavalry troopers accompanied China's First Emperor in the after life
The Flying Horse of Gansu typified the equine ideal for the Han dynasty
Buddha's horse Kanthaka died of a broken heart when abandoned by his master
The Tang Taizong emperor decorared his mausoleum with portraits of his faithful battle steeds
Night shining white, by Han Gan, immortalizes a favorite horse of emperor Tang Xuanzong.
The Tang dynasty celebrated horses in their three-color (san cai) glaze ware
Another san cai shows a woman polo player
Hunting on horseback was the favorite sport of both khans and kings
The Dunhuang caves depict Central Asian horsemen
This 18th century hippology manual combined 2,000 years of medical knowledge and necromancy
Starting in the 17th century Russia, China and later British India tried to conquer the steppe
Since the 19th century the Akhal Teke has been one of the world's most coveted breeds.
An Afghan carpet shows visiting Vice President Lyndon B Johnson on horseback