In the American West The Horse Changed Everything

When Christopher Columbus brought domesticated horses to Hispaniola in 1493 – the arrival of the horse in North America would eventually have a dramatic impact on the lives of Native American tribes on the Western Plains.

Later, Spanish explorers including Cortez and de Soto would bring more horses to the continent as they explored North American lands. Occasionally, horses strayed, were traded or stolen. As, Native American Tribes acquired horses, they quickly realized how valuable these animals could be in improving their way of life.

Tribes could travel more easily using horses to carry increasingly heavy loads. They could ride horses to travel farther distances more easily. In addition, hunting proved more bountiful especially for tribes on the plains of the West.