CHAPTER IX

THE HORSE
THE horse must have been one of the first animals subjected to the use of man, b
ut there is no record made of it before the time of Joseph, during the great fam
ine in Egypt, when Joseph exchanged bread for horses. During the exodus horses w
ere used more extensively, and in consequent wars we find the horse used especia
lly by great men and heroes. This noble animal has always been held in high este
em by civilized people. In wars and journeys and exploits, as well as for transp
orts, the horse is of immeasurable value. No people cared for and loved this ani
mal as did the Arabs. The care and breeding of horses was their main occupation,
therefore their horses were noted for intelligence, high speed and endurance. T
he English and American thoroughbred has an infusion of blood of the Arab horse,
which has set the price on these animals. Pedigrees were first established by t
he Arabs.
Each country has its own breed of horses. Horses of a cold climate are smaller i
n size, as also are the horses of the tropics. The best horses are found in the
temperate zone. In Germany the horses are large, well formed and strong.