Before European contact, Indigenous peoples had their own names for native horses — some called them 'big dogs' because they stood smaller than imported breeds. These equids measured about 182 cm at the ear-tops, weighed roughly 300 kg, and came in two distinct body builds.
Indigenous peoples referred to native horses as 'big dogs'
Key facts
- Indigenous peoples had their own names for native horses before European contact
- Some natives called horses 'big dogs' because they were not as large as European-bred horses
- Native horses were smaller, with ear-tops about 182 cm (height of speaker)
- Native horses weighed approximately 300 kg (600 pounds), comparable to Mongolian steppe horses
- Two physical types existed: one with thin legs, another with stout legs (stilt-legged horse)
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