Horses in Indigenous Cultures

In 2018, researchers discovered horse remains in Lehi, Utah, initially thought to be from the last Ice Age. However, radiocarbon dating revealed the horse lived between 1680 and the mid-1800s, before European settlement. The horse was likely domesticated by indigenous people, possibly the Utes or Shoshone. Horses have a long history in North America, disappearing around 10,000 years ago but reintroduced by Spaniards in the 16th century. The Lehi horse provides insights into the early relationship between indigenous people and horses, showing evidence of domestication and care despite its age and ailments.

What was the initial belief about the age of the horse remains found in Lehi, Utah?

• They were from the 20th century.

• They were from the 16th century.

• They were from the last Ice Age.

• They were from the 19th century.

What did radiocarbon dating reveal about the age of the horse remains?

• They were about 340 years old.

• They were over 10,000 years old.

• They were from the 20th century.

• They were from the 16th century.

Who likely cared for the domesticated horse found in Lehi?

• European settlers

• Modern archaeologists

• Indigenous people

• Spanish explorers

When were horses reintroduced to the Americas?

• In the 18th century

• In the 16th century

• In the 12th century

• In the 10th century

Which cultures are believed to have integrated horses into their societies swiftly?

• African tribes

• Indigenous cultures

• Asian traders

• European settlers

What does the Lehi horse reveal about the relationship between indigenous people and horses?

• It was irrelevant to indigenous cultures.

• It provides insights not found in European histories.

• It was a new discovery with no historical significance.

• It was well-documented in European records.

What was the age of the horse when it died?

• 15 years old

• 12 years old

• 8 years old

• 5 years old

What condition did the horse's spine indicate?

• It showed signs of horseback riding.

• It had been used for plowing.

• It had never been ridden.

• It was used for racing.

Why might the indigenous people have kept the older mare?

• For breeding with stallions

• For racing purposes

• For ceremonial purposes

• For agricultural work

What other maladies did the horse suffer from?

• Arthritis

• Blindness

• Lameness

• Deafness