Ponies [antikvár]

Horses and poniesHorses in the field look so peaceful swishing their tails as they feed that they seem to belong to another world. It is easy to forget how important they have been in Man's history.^Wild horses were probably tamed for the first time somé 5,000 years ago. They were small, stocky animals that lived in herds on the grassy plains of Asia. Men prized the bigger, stronger animals. They were kept and carefully tended so that, in time, tame horses became bigger than wild ones. The strength and speed of these horses enabled their masters to conquer much of the ancient world. Horses could alsó carry baggage or puli heavy loads. They even took over much heavy farm work. The great shire horses that are still seen sometimes puliing ploughs or harrows are the last of a huge workforce of horses that once existed in Britain.Horses are still an important form of transport in parts of the world where there are few roads. But in Britain, they are now used mostly for pleasure. Many people enjoy riding. Many more find a thrill in watching races, show jumping, driving or dressage events.Different kinds of horses are chosen for different kinds of jobs. Slender, long-legged horses are for speed. Strong draft horses are best at puliing heavy loads. Small, tough, nimble animals are for tasks in rough countryside. Horses of this sort are known as ponies.