On humanity and equids: Ecologies, trajectories, and relationships

Here we explore the long-term trajectories of human–domestic equid relationships from the domestication of donkeys and horses to the present day. We consider some of the characteristics of these animals that have shaped their relationships with humans, and how the plasticity of these traits has enabled them to adapt to new socio-ecological contexts. Regionally restricted domestication processes are assessed and located in the ecological contexts of the past natural ranges and behaviours of the wild animals. We follow the subsequent spread throughout the world of domestic equids and hybrids associated with their fundamental contributions to mobility, trade, subsistence, warfare, and social stratification. As transport animals in particular, domestic equids have supported larger interacting human communities, and the movement and circulation of humans, ideas, possessions, and diseases. The value of equids to human communities fluctuates significantly by context, from one of elite status to one of neglect. In the world today, the mechanisation of work and transport in many regions has re-defined human–equid relationships again, for example to contexts of leisure and conservation. In taking a long view, we here explore these transitions in economic roles and value. In cross-referencing case studies through time, we consider the contribution that archaeology and history can make to understanding and valuing modern human–equid relationships.