The wild, wild American west, where “cowboys and Indians” ruled the land, gallivanting on their mighty steeds. This story book image of Native Americans, settlers, and the horses they rode is a common tie to the American west tagline. But there is a lot more history hiding in the details. 

Travel back in time in the comfort of your own home with the “Horses in the North American West” online exhibition, curated by Assistant Professor of Anthropology, Curator of Archaeology, Dr. William Taylor. This September, the CU Museum of Natural History explores the introduction and impact that horses had on the development and culture of the American west. 

Historical fossils and artifacts are accessible at the click of your mouse pad, and the videos from preservation officers bring far away voices close to home. Three videos accompany the 3D models and texts on the exhibition’s web page. Tribal Officers from the Pueblo and Ioway tribes and Pawnee Nation tell stories of how the presence of horses in tribal life affected native people economically and culturally.  

As the 3D horse skull models from the Pleistocene era (19,000 to 12,000 years ago) indicate, horses have existed for thousands of years. But it was not until the 19 century that Spanish colonists brought horses over from Europe, and into the native culture of the American west. What would these new creatures bring with them to America’s new land?

At first, many of the Native people associated horses with European soldiers and their violent tendencies. They were tools of war brought by the colonists. But quickly after their arrival, native peoples soon became horses’ new masters:  they accepted them for work and developed new ways of riding, herding, and creating decorative saddles and bridles for their use. Even more so, horses became part of their spiritual and ceremonial world. 

Lance Foster, member of the Ioway tribe, sets the harmonious tone that presides over the exhibition. His story tells viewers of how humans and animals were legend to once live-in harmony and mutual respect with one another. When all the animals turned away from humans, horses were the ones to stay. 

Pawnee Historic Preservation Officer, Matt Reed, emphasizes the significance of horses by recounting the Pawnee Nation’s legacy of traveling long distances to capture horses from outside tribes. The difference that horses made on Pawnee tribal life goes beyond ceremonial songs; after their introduction, such a large animal made it possible to carry more food and shelter, allowing for larger tipis and a more comfortable lifestyle.

The resources provided in “Horses in the North American West” open up a whole new world for museum goers. With COVID-19 still lingering around us, University of Colorado Boulder has found a creative way to immerse students and community members back into the museum scene while still abiding to the current Boulder health precautions. Click this link to see an interactive model and enter into the exhibit yourself.