News Animals

Scientists found modern domestic horses’ homeland in southwestern Russia

Two genes tied to endurance and docility may help explain the equines’ success

a herd of horses running across grassland in Mongolia

The modern domestic horse (seen here in Mongolia) powered much of recent human history. A new analysis of ancient DNA reveals where and when this human-equine partnership began.

L. Orlando

By Jonathan Lambert

Much of human history was made astride, or beside, a horse. The animal’s stolid speed and strength powered massive migrations of people, pulled plows that transformed agriculture and revolutionized warfare.