God created horses and gave them a purpose. He made them useful to man. Horses are hard workers. They are helpful. They are smart and strong. They are also beautiful. Horses bring people joy! Maybe that’s why we read much about them throughout history.

A group of horses is a herd. In ancient times, people kept herds for meat. That was before they realized horses could be trained to work.

The Bible tells about working horses. Pharaoh commanded hundreds of two-wheeled chariots for war. Exodus 14:7 says that Pharaoh took 600 chosen chariots and all the other chariots of Egypt to pursue the Israelites.

Years later, David led thousands of horsemen. In 2 Samuel 10, God gave David victory over the Syrian army. That was a big deal because the Syrians had 700 chariots and 40,000 horsemen!

For centuries, the muscular, sure-footed, hoofed beasts have pulled wheeled vehicles like chariots, carts, and wagons. They’ve done the heavy labor of hauling freight and plowing fields. They proudly carry royalty on their backs.

Spanish explorers brought horses to North America in 1519. European settlers came with more. First, small breeds were shipped to the Americas. That was due to size restrictions on ships. Later, huge draft horses arrived from Europe.

Native Americans valued the European animals. They used them for hunting, travel, and war. Early pioneers who didn’t have oxen used sturdy horses to pull their heavy Conestoga wagons. Horses were faster than oxen. But they also had much bigger appetites! They eat as much food as a family of 10!

As America grew, so did the jobs for mares and steeds. Cowboys and farmers came to rely on them. People in big cities also needed horses for transportation.

Today, our equine friends have been replaced by machines in many roles. But they still have jobs to do! Horse racing, trail riding, equestrian shows, and rodeos are popular for entertainment and recreation.