Horse

May 17, 2008 — January 4, 2009

The sound is unmistakable: the thundering hooves of a running horse. Horses have been racing across the landscape for more than 50 million years—much longer than our own species has existed. But once horses and humans encountered each other, our two species became powerfully linked.

Humans domesticated horses some 6,000 years ago, and over time, we have created more than 200 breeds, from the powerful Clydesdale to the graceful Arabian. As we have shaped horses to suit our needs on battlefields, farms, and elsewhere, these animals have shaped human history. They have also captured our imagination and hearts. Millions of people rely on horses as their spirited, dedicated, much adored companions.

Thumbelina, the world's smallest horse—17½ inches tall—was on hand to greet visitors.
Roderick Mickens/AMNH

Thumbelina, the world's smallest horse—17½ inches tall—was on hand to greet visitors.
Roderick Mickens/AMNH

Thumbelina, the world's smallest horse—17½ inches tall—was on hand to greet visitors.
Roderick Mickens/AMNH

Thumbelina, the world's smallest horse—17½ inches tall—was on hand to greet visitors.
Roderick Mickens/AMNH

Ringmaster Alan Keeley 'sounded the call' to announce the Opening Day Celebration for The Horse exhibition.
Roderick Mickens/AMNH

A vintage horse-drawn equine ambulance from the ASPCA was on display at the Opening Day Celebration for The Horse. Attendees learned about the history of the horse in the city.
Roderick Mickens/AMNH

Farrier Walter Varcoe demonstrated shoeing horses and explained the importance of proper footcare.
Roderick Mickens/AMNH

Farrier Walter Varcoe demonstrated shoeing horses and explained the importance of proper footcare.
Roderick Mickens/AMNH

Members of the Parks Enforcement Patrol (PEP) mounted units were on patrol through the Opening Day Celebration of The Horse. The unit's volunteer riders go through extensive training and help ensure the park's safety.
Roderick Mickens/AMNH

Roderick Mickens/AMNH

A key member of the Parks Enforcement Patrol (PEP) mounted units.
Roderick Mickens/AMNH

Crowds gathered on the 81st Street Driveway outside The American Museum of Natural History to celebrate the opening of The Horse exhibition.
Roderick Mickens/AMNH

Seven life-size fiberglass horses, each over 6½ feet tall, were delivered to the American Museum of Natural History from the Saratoga County Arts Council in upstate New York on Wednesday, May 7, for display in conjunction with the Museum's upcoming exhibition The Horse, which opens to the public on Saturday, May 17.
Denis Finnin/AMNH

The horses will be installed at various locations around the Museum, including the Museum's main entrance on Central Park West at 79th Street, the Weston Pavilion on Columbus at 78th Street, and outside the 81st Street entrance between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue.
Denis Finnin/AMNH

Horse of a Different Color will be displayed outside the Museum's main entrance on Central Park West.
Denis Finnin/AMNH

Horse Power II and Polo watch over a young girl in front of the museum entrance on Wednesday, May 7, 2008.
Denis Finnin/AMNH

Horse Power II and Polo provide a perfect photo opportunity for a young fan.
Denis Finnin/AMNH

The seven life-size fiberglass horses were each painted by a different artist for the Saratoga County Arts Council in upstate New York, and will be in place around the Museum throughout the summer of 2008.
Denis Finnin/AMNH

The Horse was made possible, in part, by the generosity of Rosalind P. Walter.