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APRIL // MAY 2019 • IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT ALL ABOUT IDAHO PAGE 7
The horse’s evolution is impressive, with
skeletons showing how the horse evolved
over 50 million years, changing from a small
dog-like animal with three and four toes into
the modern-looking horse with single hooves.
As the environment changed, their bones and
teeth adapted.
The horse’s fossil record is the most
complete evolutionary record of any known
animal, according to an exhibit display.
Although the horse originated in North
America and expanded to Asia and Europe, it
became extinct in North America about 10,000
Horses pulled a travois for their owners. years ago. Cave walls worldwide have examples of horse artwork.
PHOTO BY DIANNA TROYER. PHOTO BY DIANNA TROYER.
The Spanish re-introduced horses in
The exhibit took nearly two years for the 16th century, trading them with Native
museum staff to plan and create. Americans, whose lifestyle forever changed. critical the horse became to Native Americans
“It’s nice to finally see it all come together The horse enabled them to travel greater for travel, food, and warfare.
and see it so well received,” said Dr. Leif distances and hunt more effectively. Idaho’s state horse, the Appaloosa, was
Tapanila, museum director. “The motivation More than a dozen prints from renowned selectively bred among Nez Perce tribal mem-
for our exhibits is to showcase Idaho stories photographer Edward S. Curtis show how bers for its colorful spotted coat.
as told by artifacts and collections we curate As Idaho’s economy diversified, horses
at the museum. were indispensable for farming, mining, and
“In this exhibit, we want people to see communication via the Pony Express.
the horse as an Idaho original: the first The exhibit also pays tribute to the marvels
modern horse (the Hagerman horse) evolved of the mule and George Washington, who is
and lived right here in Idaho,” he said. “And considered America’s first mule breeder. Due
the horse remains a quintessential aspect of to their stamina, mules were often preferred
an Idahoan lifestyle.” over horses to help build roads, telegraph and
The Hagerman Fossil Beds National phone lines, and to haul stagecoaches.
Monument 35 miles northwest of Twin Falls Although mechanization has replaced
was established after a rancher found a skel- horses for work, they are still valued and
eton of the first species of Hagerman horse cherished for racing, dressage, show jumping,
in 1928. Native American saddles were beaded. PHOTO BY DIANNA TROYER. cowboy mounted shooting, rodeo, mounted
police, working cattle, re-enactments, and
physical and emotional therapy. ISI
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