22/11/2024
Ridden evolution of the domestic horse 🐴
It is crucial to keep in mind the evolution of horses when considering their current state. Horses that exist in the wild may appear vastly different from our modern, domesticated counterparts, yet they remain the same 'variation'—the same species they have been for the past million years.
Over time, we have domesticated them for various tasks, such as plowing fields or carrying loads, but today they are primarily utilized for leisure and sports. Nevertheless, the fundamental needs of horses, which are linked to their evolutionary history, have not changed.
In their natural habitat, horses cover more than 20 miles a day in search of water, food, shelter, and safety for their herd. This lifestyle is known as 'nomadic,' and it is essential to recognize that horses are adapted to be 'on the move,' which is how their bodies function most efficiently.
As prey animals, horses must be wary of predators like tigers, which target the weakest or slowest members of the herd. This instinct can explain instances of 'spooking at the bush'—the fear that a tiger might be lurking nearby!
However, this survival instinct also has a downside. Horses have learned to 'keep going' to avoid becoming prey, which means they can mask low-grade pain and discomfort through subtle changes in posture. In modern horses, this might manifest as tightening in the back to cope with ongoing discomfort while continuing to move forward.
When it comes to diet and movement, horses are naturally inclined to consume rough grasses rather than the lush, rich pastures many domesticated horses inhabit today. They also evolved to move extensively—over 20 miles a day—as part of their natural behavior. In domestic settings, however, their diets are often too rich for their needs, and their movement is significantly restricted, leading to weight management challenges.
Now, let's talk about ridden horses. Interestingly, horses are not ideally designed for riding and are not evolved for the sports and activities we engage in with them.
We sit on the lowest part of their backs, where the bones (dorsal spinous processes) are closely spaced and angled towards each other. This is why 'kissing spine' issues are most frequently seen in the midsection of a horse's back.
we recently discovered a link between a single genetic mutation that emerged in the medieval United Kingdom and Iceland that enabled horses to "amble," walking with a smoother, four-beat rhythm instead of a more erratic pattern, as reported by researchers in Current Biology. The mutation in the gene DMRT3, which affects limb movements, was first identified in all ambling horses in 2012, although its impact on gait remained unclear. In this new study, researchers analyzed DNA from the bones of 90 ancient horses dating back to 3500 B.C.E., tracing the mutation's origin to approximately 850–900 C.E. The scientists hypothesize that Vikings brought horses from the United Kingdom to Iceland, where they were bred together, later spreading these horses to mainland Europe. Research in mice suggests that the DMRT3 mutation influences spinal cord development, allowing for longer strides. The team's theory posits that riders' preference for the smooth rides provided by ambling horses facilitated the rapid spread of this mutation worldwide.
When we consider all these factors, it becomes clear that domestication is a significant departure from a horse's natural lifestyle. As we impose domestication on them, it's easy to see how many common horse issues—such as injuries, kissing spine, digestive problems, lack of movement, and challenges faced by stabled horses—are practically unavoidable.
So next time you sit on your horses back just remember that it is an honour and a privilege that they allow us to do so.
