Hoof Beats: How Horses Shaped Human History

by William T. Taylor

Journey to the ancient past with cutting-edge science and new data to discover how horses forever altered the course of human history.     From the Rockies to the Himalayas, the bond between horses and humans has spanned across time and civilizations. In this archaeological journey, William T. Taylor explores how momentous events in the story of humans and horses helped create the world we live in today. Tracing the horse's origins and spread from the western Eurasian steppes to the invention of horse-drawn transportation and the explosive shift to mounted riding, Taylor offers a revolutionary new account of how horses altered the course of human history.    Drawing on Indigenous perspectives, ancient DNA, and new research from Mongolia to the Great Plains and beyond, Taylor guides readers through the major discoveries that have placed the horse at the origins of globalization, trade, biological exchange, and social inequality. Hoof Beats transforms our understanding of both horses and humanity's ancient past and asks us to consider what our relationship with horses means for the future of humanity and the world around us.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Science, Anthropology, Animals, Horses, Technology

360 pages, Hardcover

Published August 6, 2024

Reviews

[Matthew Gardiner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taylor gives a comprehensive framing of the horse's transformative impact on the whole human social project. His clear passion for the research is obvious, and he participated in many of the studies cited--which does not reflect any ego but rather how groundbreaking many of his field projects, which range across four continents, have been. Still, Taylor always gives a fair presentation of other points of view and admits when he relies on conjecture or where we need more research.

Hoof Beats will reframe the way you think about humans and horses, and keep the pages turning. Engaging, thorough, humble scholarship.

[Ron Nurmi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a history of the horse and humans but rather an archeology history of the horse and how it affected human history, from its evolution in North America to its disappearance in North America and finally the horse's return to the New World.
If you are interested in horses, history, or archeology, this book is worth reading.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Touched lightly on the anthropology of horses/humans globally, rather than deep-diving into specific areas. Also strictly academic; no sentimental horse anecdotes here (though I do love me a sentimental horse anecdote). Meticulously researched.

[Jess Grubenhoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I f*cking love horses !!!!!

No seriously though this is a very well written book, easy to follow, but still interesting and in depth. The author is careful to inspect and analyze different sources of information and isn’t afraid to be critical of our past (mistaken) understandings and the drawbacks of colonial scholarship.

And bluecifer gets a name drop so even if it sucked id give it 5 stars anyways

[Mackay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an interesting synthesis, packing so much into a short, very accessible book. One of its merits is how it introduces the reader, in broad-brush terms, to new interpretations, or new arenas, inviting us then to dive deeper on our own. Profusely and usefully illustrated, with good notes and a complete bibliography to help for those deeper dives.

[Kristi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have loved horses all my life. My parents were born in 1911 and 1912 and farmed and traveled via horse power. One of my uncle's draft horses was still alive when I was little. Occasionally my cousins and I would be walked around on that great horse. It was rather like doing the splits.... One of my father's brothers was a horse whisperer. People with unmanageable horses would bring them to my uncle from miles around. My second memory of a horse was when we visited that uncle's farm - I suppose I was 3 or 4 years old. The adults were visiting and discovered that I had disappeared. They knew my attraction to horses which caused my uncle to panic and run with my father to the barn. He had a new horse that would attack him if he came anywhere near the animal. They found me in the feed trough, hand feeding that horse grass and hay... The moment the men came near the horse laid back his ears and went into attack mode toward them.... The horse had obviously been abused by men but not by three-year-old little girls. I had to climb down on my own as they were afraid if they came too close the horse might injure me in the process. I begged for a horse and finally when I was about 7 that same uncle loaned a 21-year-old Sheltland pony to our family. Now that pony had been ridded by every child in the county and had learned every trick in the book. When Champ got tired of being ridden he would lie down and roll, saddle and all.... I loved and lived on that pony, usually riding bare-back as fast as we could go. He never really intended to hurt a child, but was very good at threatening if he could get away with it. I could run and jump on his back from behind and sit under his belly while he grazed. I was also bucked off repeatedly when we found some windfall apples that he did not want to leave. My uncle then loaned us a saddle horse that was the tallest horse I ever encountered (with the exception of the huge draft horses ). During the cold warin 1957 NORAD - North American Aerospace Defense Command was established by the U.S. and Canada as a protection against missiles and jets launched from the Soviet Union. ( Yes, Canada the great nation, not Agent Orange's 51st state. ) In order to test the system jets were flown at very low levels over American states ( this was Iowa ) to see if they could avoid detection. They flew so low that they would rise to go over groves or our school. You could not hear these jet until they were past you. Perhaps you can see where this is going.... Buck and I were minding our own business on the road near our farm when one of these jets flew by about 50 feet away. That was the fastest I have ever ridden a horse. I had absolutely no control and he had legs that were as tall than I was. I leaned forward, held his mane and dismounted when we were in his stall. We could have won the Kentucky Derby easily!! My parents finally acknowledged that my love of horses was not a fleeting fancy and had my uncle breed a horse for me to keep. I was about 9 or 10 - she was a golden palomino ( part quarter horse part Welsh ) so in my infinite young wisdom I named her Golden Girl. She was only a yearling when we got her so she was my pet before we could actually ride her. She hated the saddle and objected appropriately, but by the time my father climbed aboard her the first time she simply looked around at him and asked "what are you doing up there?" I loved that horse!!! She was a natural cutting horse so sometimes for our amusement I would loosen the reins, give her her head, and let her remove a particular steer from our herd all on her own. She was my mental health therapist. I cried and talked to her more than to any human being. We bred her twice to an Arabian stallion and eventually sold the beautiful colts as parade horses. I survived my childhood because of horses!!! This is How Horses Shaped my Human History................................ If you like archeology and palenontology you will love this book. I was hoping for a little more history of recent events, for example the Godolphin Arabian. My favorite portion of the book dealt with the Native American ( North, Central and South ) horse culture. Recommend if you are as crazy about horses as I am. Kristi & Abby Tabby Childless Cat Lady

[Archaeology Books for Fun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Archaeology Books for Fun read Hoof Beats: How Horses Shaped Human History, an ambitious and wide-ranging exploration of the profound role horses have played in shaping human societies. Overall, we enjoyed the book and appreciated its effort to connect archaeology, history, and human–animal relationships into a single narrative.

That said, the book can feel heavy at times. Tristan found some sections particularly dense, while Barbara, a self-identified horse girl, was perhaps more inclined to stay engaged through the detailed discussions. Your mileage may vary depending on how enthusiastic you already are about equine history.

One of our main critiques is the book’s geographic emphasis. The focus on the Mongolian Steppe is fascinating and clearly well-researched, but it comes at the expense of other regions. In particular, areas like the North American West feel glossed over, leaving listeners wanting a more balanced, global treatment of how horses transformed societies beyond Eurasia.

Despite these drawbacks, Hoof Beats offers valuable insights and a compelling argument for why horses deserve a central place in discussions of human history. While it may not be a light read, it’s a worthwhile one, especially for readers with a strong interest in archaeology, history, or horses themselves.

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.
Written by the Curator of Archaeology at the Colorado Museum of Natural History in Boulder, the author William Taylor really knows his stuff. His own research is in on the history of horses, where he uses modern tools and works with other groups including researchers from countries where key events occurred including indigenous peoples. I learned that by studying the vertebrae and the teeth, one can see patterns showing whether horses were pulling carts or chariots or they were being ridden. The importance of horses over several thousand years is shown both art (caves/petroglyphs) and in burials. Just as horses shaped human history, people also shaped horses through breeding out aggression and breeding in tolerance to different climates. Now the horses key influence in war and transportation has faded, but they are still a part of many peoples lives in different areas of the world.

[J R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found this library book, Hoof Beats: How Horses Shaped Human History by William T. Taylor which was on display at my library check out desk.

It’s an August 6, 2024 book about the ancient past on how horses forever altered the course of human history. From the Rockies to the Himalayas, the bond between horses and humans has spanned across time and civilizations. In this archaeological journey, Taylor explores how events in the story of humans and horses helped create the world we live in today. Tracing the horse's origins and spread from the western Eurasian steppes to the invention of horse-drawn transportation and the explosive shift to mounted riding, Taylor offers an account of how horses altered the course of human history.

Good read indeed

[Susan Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very much enjoyed this story of how horses evolved, and how their relationship with humans began and evolved. I've adored horses since I was a little girl, but I certainly didn't know everything about them! And while this may not be everything, it's a lot closer than most people get.
It's seen through a lens of archeological findings and anthropological knowledge, plus some emphasis on evolutionary zoology and biology.
Less than five stars because the dense writing in the first few chapters made the early parts rough going. Well worth the trek, though!

[Kico Meirelles · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this book presents intriguing insights, it tends to prioritize archaeological aspects at the expense of a comprehensive exploration of the horse's historical significance and its profound impact on human civilization.

Horses have been integral to the development of societies, yet the text only superficially addresses the multifaceted roles they have played throughout history.

For those with a deep appreciation for equestrian studies, particularly in relation to their socio-cultural implications, this work may still offer a thought-provoking quick read.

[Chris Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a terrific book by a paleoarchaeologist. In it, he reviews the current state of work in determining the development and spread of horses and other equids around the world, their relationship to humans, and the science and technology that help us learn about them. For horse lovers, it is a must. Dr. Taylor explains the science in understandable ways and brings a good story to light.

[Michelle Peck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent source of info on domestication of the horse! Readable for general public but also educational for experts. There’s a LOT of new information that we didn’t learn in college on this topic and this book is a great way to get up to speed on the latest discoveries.

[Rory Scobbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the first sections the most interesting, looking at the archaeological techniques to work out when domestication of the horse happened. After that it got a bit dry. I struggled through the last few sections.

[Abigail Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

SURELY incorporating the phrase "mean-mugging baddie" into this book had to be an inter-academician dare.

That being said, I enjoyed it IMMENSELY and have already recommended it to several people.

[Scott Buchanan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book focuses more on archaezoology and less on the cultural impacts of the introduction of horses. It’s not really what I was looking for but it was thorough and informative. What it does, it does well. An easy and interesting read.

[Olivia Moreland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very bittersweet. Not exactly what I was looking for but the writing was informative. Excited about everything I learned and will definitely be reading more about the history of horses in the future.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit dry but interesting

[Jaki]

Did not finish - February 2025.

Too dry for an armchair read despite interesting subject matter; much more of a comprehensive and well-researched academic resource.

[Sara C · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 - very interesting but also quite dry! packs a lot into a short read but lacks some of the sauce i look for in a non-fiction historical book. also Blucifer mention!

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book about the archeology of horses throughout the world.

[G Barney · Rating 2 out of 5]

From beginning to end, a series of shallow, poorly supported suppositions and assertions, repeated with little variation or substance.

[Lena · Rating 4 out of 5]

fascinating !

[Ruth Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, but far too much about killing horses for my comfort.

[Harley Gee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Hoof Beats following The Horse by Winegard. Both books cover much of the same history. Taylor's is a little more academic and a slightly drier read. I was particularly interested in their treatment of the Yamnaya people. I loved the narrative of the Yamnaya as the first to domesticate horses in the mid 4 millennia BC as an explanation for the spreading of their human genes across Europe and east into the middle of Asia. Unfortunately, Taylor suggests this is an exaggeration and over simplification. He dates the domestication of the horse to the second millennia BC. I found Taylor more convincing on this point. And Taylor is more complete, covering the equine spread through South America and Australia and the South East Islands.

Winegard was more fun to read but Taylor's expertise seems more authoritative. Several of the academic studies Taylor references are works that he helped write. Hoof Beats also includes 20 high quality color photographs that illustrate various points.

So... I really thought that reading these two books as companion volumes was very useful. Together they demonstrate how crucial horses are to the human story.

[Seolhe · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 stars

A little dry, but a pretty good exploration of the history of horse domestication and the spread of horses across the world.