CMU Professor of History and NYT bestselling author Tim Winegard releases new book, July 30
In his New York Times bestselling book, The Mosquito: A Human History of Our Deadliest Predator, Dr. Timothy C. Winegard presented an entirely new understanding of the enormous historical and cultural impact of the pesky, disease-vectoring insect. This summer, he addresses a vastly more appealing and well-beloved animal in his groundbreaking book, THE HORSE: A Galloping History of Humanity.
In this meticulously researched nonfiction narrative about the indelible relationship that began 5,500 years ago when a daring human first jumped on the back of a wild horse, Dr. Winegard traces the horse’s unrivalled historical influence across millennia to the present day. Readers will learn how the horse dominated every facet of humanity—as a mode of transportation, a vehicle of trade, an essential farming tool, a status symbol, a formidable weapon of war, a source of energy, an agent of both lethal disease and lifesaving medicine, a participant in sport, and, of course, a steadfast and loyal companion.
For most of us, horses are not part of our everyday, practical lives, and are instead relegated to entertainment and recreation through racing, rodeos, and equestrian or television shows and movies depicting bygone eras. But this is a relatively recent development as cars “unseated” the horse as the primary method of transportation a mere one hundred years ago. To demonstrate the profound historical impact of the horse on our global civilization, Winegard examines the noble animal’s sweeping supremacy as our pivotal sidekick from all perspectives.
The surprising insights and facts include:
- The world’s oldest pants were created specifically for horsemen in western China roughly 3,300 years ago, and the folding camping chair was invented by nomadic horsemen in Mongolia 1,000 years later.
- All modern Thoroughbreds can trace their pedigree to just three Arabian stallions imported to England around 1700.
- The first ever “moving picture” or movie was of a galloping horse. It was created in 1878 to settle a bet. Equestrian enthusiast Leland Stanford was determined to prove that while galloping, all four hooves of a horse were off the ground at the same time. He hired photographer Eadweard Muybridge to create the 3-second clip, The Horse in Motion.
- Horses were invaluable in producing the serum for the original diphtheria and tetanus vaccines, saving millions of lives.
- From a global peak of roughly 150 million in 1920, there are currently an estimated 58 million horses—making them the ninth most abundant mammal on the planet, followed by the donkey. Humans top the list, followed by cows, sheep, pigs, goats, domestic cats and dogs, and water buffaloes.
- By the 1860s there were an estimated two to five million wild mustangs in the United States. By the early 1900s, they were considered pests, and were rounded up for mass-produced dog (and cat) food. Currently, wild mustangs and bald eagles are the only two animals that are completely protected by Federal Law.
- The annual economic impact of the estimated 7.25 million horses in the United States (and 270,000 donkeys and 200,000 mules) is $122 billion, supporting 1.74 million full-time jobs. Racing accounts for roughly $60 billion of this total.
- Roughly 43 percent of US horses are considered private, recreational, or pets. Another 34 percent are classified as breeding, showing, racing, or competition animals. Workhorses in farming, ranching, police, military, or equine therapy make up 16 percent. The remaining 7 percent are divided among Indigenous and Amish communities, wild horse herds, and BLM holding facilities.
Entertainingly educational, brainy, and full of scientific facts and historical detail,THE HORSE is essential reading for not only equestrian fanatics, but for anyone interested in history, science, nature, and technology. Dr. Timothy Winegard, a history professor at Colorado Mesa University, is available for interview about his fascinating research, discoveries, and insights.
Upcoming Timothy Winegard Events for THE HORSE
- Mesa County Libraries, Central Branch with Out West Books, Grand Junction, CO July 30 at 5:30pm
- The Bookworm of Edwards, Edwards, CO – August 7 at 6pm
- Turn the Page with Colorado Matters/CPR – Live audience event at Colorado Mesa University’s Love Recital Hall – September 11 at 6:30pm