Origin of Thought
In 1975, Gary Dahl, an advertising executive, launched the sale of a fad that would make him a millionaire. This great profit is even more impressive when one takes into account the short time in which the rocks were sold, only six months, and also the low cost of the product, about four dollars. Dahl’s ingenious marketing involved commonplace gray pebbles, bought from a construction supplier, which were then sold as live pets. The idea was inspired by the hassle, mess, and money that pets such as cats or dogs or fish required. And so, Dahl began the production and sale of the Pet Rock, which did not need to be walked, wouldn’t cost hundreds in vet bills, and would not poop on the floor.
Specifics of Production
Dahl named the company "Rock Bottom Productions," and sold the rocks for $3.95 a piece. The pebbles were imported from Rosarito Beach in Baja California, Mexico, and then packaged in a small cardboard box, designed like a pet carrier. Dahl also created a "Pet Rock Training Manual," containing instructions on how to properly care for one's pet, including how to house train one’s pet: "Place it on some old newspapers. The rock will never know what the paper is for and will require no further instruction.” The instruction manual included such commands as sit, stay, roll over, play dead, and come.
Why would anyone ever buy a pet rock?
"If there were more fads, there would probably be a lot fewer psychiatrists." —Ben Hakuta, creator of Wacky Wall Walkers
Indeed, pet rocks give us more pleasure than we know. These pets support this argument through their very existence, showing us that it is not an actual item that brings joy to the child in the human mind, but merely the idea of the item. The pet sits in a niche in the mind, created by the power of the owners’ imaginations. It is in the actual exercise of the mind that such pleasure is found. It is quite a valid point that finding such productive and effective uses of recreation time can be more preventative and beneficial to the health of our minds that even the most advanced psychological treatments.
People who purchased these unusual "pets" often gave them names, talked to them, petted them, and taught them to perform simple "tricks".
Pet rocks still live on
Like most fads, it never totally died out. There are memorial pages, spin-offs, and one can still purchase such a pet, though new manufacturers have given their rocks new features and looks. For instance, not many plain gray pebbles are sold any more. One can buy rocks that are inscribed, painted, and decorated in many a manner, lending the rock much more personality than afforded Dahl’s creation. One can purchase a rock with an agenda, or one can buy a rock that is individually painted in memory of any dearly loved pet, or one can still purchase that rock that is completely void of previous perception, and let its idea grow in the mind.
Virtual Pets
Virtual Pets follow the same formula as Dahl’s product. Operating more in the mind of the owner than anywhere else, Virtual pets can be an electronic toy, a computer program, or even a video game. However, though perhaps securing more time from an owner, virtual pets do not leave as much room for imagination as the pet rock.
2008年9月16日星期二
2008年9月4日星期四
havana-brown-cat!!
The British shorthaired breed bearing this name is the brown variety of the Oriental Shorthair, while the American version is a separate breed with a distinctive body and head type.
Though originally named for the brown color, a lavender frost color is also permitted in some associations.
The Havana is a very outgoing breed that loves following its people around.
breed Traits
Rather than attempt a Siamese body style as British breeders have done, American breeders have favored a more moderate body and head type for their Havana Browns. The British Havana Brown is considerably more Siamese in conformation than North American Havanas. The American Havana Brown’s distinctive muzzle, rich color, expressive eyes, and large ears make it distinctive and exceptionally striking among the American cat breeds.
The Havana’s coat is also distinctive. Color is very important to this breed: the coat should be a rich, even shade of warm brown, tending toward red-brown or mahogany rather than black-brown. Allowance is made for ghost tabby markings in kittens and youngsters.
History
The Havana Brown is a man-made hybrid of self-brown cats outcrossed with a variety of other breeds such as black Domestic Shorthairs, chocolate point Siamese and Russion Blue cats. The breed was created in the 1950’s by a number of English breeders collaborating together using self-brown cats that existed as early as the late 1800’s. Known as Havanas in Europe, these cats were first imported to North America in the mid-1950’s. Soon after their arrival, they became known in the U.S. as Havana Browns. Modern British Havana strains are reported to have an increased Siamese cat influence compared to the North American lines. The Havana Brown is recognized by the cat Fancier’s Association (CFA), the American cat Fancier’s Association (AFCA) and The International cat Association (TICA).
Appearance
All Havana Brown cats are a rich, glistening dark brown with just a hint of red. The colour must be even from nose to tail and from tip to root. Whiskers should be brown; nose leather and paw pads are a rose colour that harmonises with the coat. Since Havanas are a shorthair breed, routine grooming is kept to a minimum.
Personality
Havanas are gentle, intelligent and remarkably adaptable. They take almost any situation in stride, and with confidence and poise set about to rule whatever roost they are given. One-room walk-up or palace – it’s all the same to them as long as they have plenty of love and attention from their human friends.
Havanas make wonderful companions if you like interactive cats. Devoted, affectionate and constantly curious, Havanas want to be where you are, preferably right in the middle of the action. They want to help you read the paper in the morning, type on the computer in the afternoon, and prepare dinner in the evening. Their playful attitudes and ability to adjust to other pets and children make them great family companions. Unlike the Siamese, they are vocally quiet.
However, like the Siamese, Havanas need human interaction and don’t do well if they are ignored or left alone for long periods. Havanas are just not happy without humans around to love. If you work all day and have an active social life at night, consider a less dependent breed.
for:htt://www.pictures-of-cat.com
2008年8月28日星期四
Turn Your Dog into the Perfect Family Companion
A well-trained dog will make a much better family companion. This is especially true in households with young children or elders. Proper dog training has been known to cut down on common problems such as biting, jumping, and messing up in the house.
Whether you are training your dog yourself, or hiring someone else to train it, there are 5 basic commands that every dog must master. These include sit, stay, down, and heel. One of the most important ones, however, is simply the word no. You cannot properly train your dog without gaining their respect. This one simple word can save you a ton of hardship.
Now, you may be wondering how to establish this vital element of respect. Keep in mind that dogs are pack animals. They continually look to their pack leader to tell them what to do. The key here is to set yourself up as the pack leader.
If you don’t establish yourself as the dominant leader, you will run into a variety of behavior problems.
Dogs were originally trained by humans to do important work. By providing your dog with basic obedience training and ongoing training sessions, you are giving them an important job to. This alone can alleviate boredom and neurotic behavior.
Don't forget to provide your dog with plenty of play time. It is important to always incorporate fun things into every dog training session. This crucial time strengthens the important bond between you and your dog.
Whether you are training your dog yourself, or hiring someone else to train it, there are 5 basic commands that every dog must master. These include sit, stay, down, and heel. One of the most important ones, however, is simply the word no. You cannot properly train your dog without gaining their respect. This one simple word can save you a ton of hardship.
Now, you may be wondering how to establish this vital element of respect. Keep in mind that dogs are pack animals. They continually look to their pack leader to tell them what to do. The key here is to set yourself up as the pack leader.
If you don’t establish yourself as the dominant leader, you will run into a variety of behavior problems.
Dogs were originally trained by humans to do important work. By providing your dog with basic obedience training and ongoing training sessions, you are giving them an important job to. This alone can alleviate boredom and neurotic behavior.
Don't forget to provide your dog with plenty of play time. It is important to always incorporate fun things into every dog training session. This crucial time strengthens the important bond between you and your dog.
2008年8月23日星期六
Pet Insurance - The Pros And Cons
The deep emotional bond we share with our dogs and cats is one of life's most simple pleasures. In return for unconditional love, many pet owners do everything they can to ensure their dogs and cats have long, productive, and healthy lives.
Certainly, veterinary science has kept up with our willingness to provide life long quality healthcare for our special friends. Treatments and diagnostic procedures once unheard of in the veterinary world are now commonplace - MRIs, radiation therapy, and specialized screenings, to name but a few.
Costs of Veterinary Care Continue to Rise
Veterinary science has seen remarkable breakthroughs in the past two decades, but just as in the human health sector, costs have risen. Many pet illnesses and diseases are being treated that often went undetected in the past.
The increased cost of veterinary care is an important issue for many pet owners.
One of our neighbors recently incurred a $2100 veterinary bill to treat his German Shepard's hip dysplacia. Similarly, another friends cat developed a stubborn urinary tract infection, necessitating lengthy diagnostic and follow up treatment, to the tune of $1400.
How Pet Insurance Works
Pet insurance has been around for decades in Europe, but is relatively uncommon in the United States and Canada. Much like health insurance for us, pet insurance drastically reduces the risk of caring for your pet. Perhaps most importantly, it can eliminate the heart wrenching decision of euthanizing your pet vs. incurring a large financial hardship.
There are several different pet insurance companies. Some policies pay for all types of veterinary care. Others pay only for accidents and illnesses. Some will cover your pet regardless of age, while certain plans have numerous deductibles and restrictions.
The decision to consider pet insurance depends upon your viewpoint as a pet owner. Sadly, many pet owners consider their pets disposable and won't get their pet medical treatment if it becomes too ill. Conversely, you're a good candidate for pet insurance if you're willing to devote a specified amount of time and money to treat and heal your pet.
Typical Plans and Costs
Most pet insurance plans offer coverage for as low as $10 per month. Typically, there is a $50 deductible, and an annual cap of about $10,000. Pet insurance plans for senior pets (normally 8 years and older) will run a bit more, normally $29.95 per month, but be aware that only one company we know of accepts senior pets for coverage. Costs for cats and dogs generally run the same.
All pet insurance plans offer coverage for accidents and illness, while some offer coverage for routine expenses like annual check ups and flea preventative. Sometimes, pet insurance companies that offer routine care coverage are set up with contracted veterinarians, similar to a PPO or HMO health care arrangement. For policies that cover unplanned illnesses and injuries, you can use the veterinarian of your choice, and these plans may also offer some discount element for routine veterinary services.
How It Works In Real Life
One of my co-workers has two pets, a 6 year old cat and an 11 year old border collie mix. Early last year, his cat Whiskers was diagnosed with a respiratory illness, similar to asthma. Complicating matters, the border collie mix was found to have a small malignant tumor during a routine check up. Several months earlier, my co-worker had taken out pet insurance on both pets, roughly $10 per month for his cat and $30 monthly for his dog. After all was said and done, his cat's veterinary bills totalled $1600 and his dog's bill was almost the same, $1500.
Fortunately, pet insurance significantly reduced his out-of-pocket expense. Instead of incurring roughly $3100 in unplanned expenses, his total outlay to treat his pets amounted to $250 ... a $50 deductible for an adult cat and a $200 deductible for a senior dog.
Make Sure Pet Insurance Fits Your Pet's Needs - And Yours
There are a handful of pet insurers available to you. Do your homework and make sure the policy is right for you and your pet. For example, if you're comfortable budgeting for routine annual expenses like check ups, shots, and flea preventative, there's no need to pay a pet insurance company to cover routine expenses. Rather, look for a company that protects you from large, unplanned expenses.
As a pet owner, your experience tells you that most pets will incur some unexpected veterinary treatment in their lifetime, whether it's illness or accident. If you feel it's important to be prepared for these unexpected expenses, consider a pet insurance policy. Consider these factors when choosing:
1. Look for Guaranteed Acceptance, no matter your pet's age. 2. The ability to use the veterinarian of your choosing. 3. Fixed Premiums/Deductibles: Your premium shouldn't increase as your pet ages. 4. Unlimited Accident Coverage: Accidents happen, particularly with pets.
Certainly, veterinary science has kept up with our willingness to provide life long quality healthcare for our special friends. Treatments and diagnostic procedures once unheard of in the veterinary world are now commonplace - MRIs, radiation therapy, and specialized screenings, to name but a few.
Costs of Veterinary Care Continue to Rise
Veterinary science has seen remarkable breakthroughs in the past two decades, but just as in the human health sector, costs have risen. Many pet illnesses and diseases are being treated that often went undetected in the past.
The increased cost of veterinary care is an important issue for many pet owners.
One of our neighbors recently incurred a $2100 veterinary bill to treat his German Shepard's hip dysplacia. Similarly, another friends cat developed a stubborn urinary tract infection, necessitating lengthy diagnostic and follow up treatment, to the tune of $1400.
How Pet Insurance Works
Pet insurance has been around for decades in Europe, but is relatively uncommon in the United States and Canada. Much like health insurance for us, pet insurance drastically reduces the risk of caring for your pet. Perhaps most importantly, it can eliminate the heart wrenching decision of euthanizing your pet vs. incurring a large financial hardship.
There are several different pet insurance companies. Some policies pay for all types of veterinary care. Others pay only for accidents and illnesses. Some will cover your pet regardless of age, while certain plans have numerous deductibles and restrictions.
The decision to consider pet insurance depends upon your viewpoint as a pet owner. Sadly, many pet owners consider their pets disposable and won't get their pet medical treatment if it becomes too ill. Conversely, you're a good candidate for pet insurance if you're willing to devote a specified amount of time and money to treat and heal your pet.
Typical Plans and Costs
Most pet insurance plans offer coverage for as low as $10 per month. Typically, there is a $50 deductible, and an annual cap of about $10,000. Pet insurance plans for senior pets (normally 8 years and older) will run a bit more, normally $29.95 per month, but be aware that only one company we know of accepts senior pets for coverage. Costs for cats and dogs generally run the same.
All pet insurance plans offer coverage for accidents and illness, while some offer coverage for routine expenses like annual check ups and flea preventative. Sometimes, pet insurance companies that offer routine care coverage are set up with contracted veterinarians, similar to a PPO or HMO health care arrangement. For policies that cover unplanned illnesses and injuries, you can use the veterinarian of your choice, and these plans may also offer some discount element for routine veterinary services.
How It Works In Real Life
One of my co-workers has two pets, a 6 year old cat and an 11 year old border collie mix. Early last year, his cat Whiskers was diagnosed with a respiratory illness, similar to asthma. Complicating matters, the border collie mix was found to have a small malignant tumor during a routine check up. Several months earlier, my co-worker had taken out pet insurance on both pets, roughly $10 per month for his cat and $30 monthly for his dog. After all was said and done, his cat's veterinary bills totalled $1600 and his dog's bill was almost the same, $1500.
Fortunately, pet insurance significantly reduced his out-of-pocket expense. Instead of incurring roughly $3100 in unplanned expenses, his total outlay to treat his pets amounted to $250 ... a $50 deductible for an adult cat and a $200 deductible for a senior dog.
Make Sure Pet Insurance Fits Your Pet's Needs - And Yours
There are a handful of pet insurers available to you. Do your homework and make sure the policy is right for you and your pet. For example, if you're comfortable budgeting for routine annual expenses like check ups, shots, and flea preventative, there's no need to pay a pet insurance company to cover routine expenses. Rather, look for a company that protects you from large, unplanned expenses.
As a pet owner, your experience tells you that most pets will incur some unexpected veterinary treatment in their lifetime, whether it's illness or accident. If you feel it's important to be prepared for these unexpected expenses, consider a pet insurance policy. Consider these factors when choosing:
1. Look for Guaranteed Acceptance, no matter your pet's age. 2. The ability to use the veterinarian of your choosing. 3. Fixed Premiums/Deductibles: Your premium shouldn't increase as your pet ages. 4. Unlimited Accident Coverage: Accidents happen, particularly with pets.
2008年8月14日星期四
Improving Communication With Your Dog
Lack of communication can not only cause problems between us humans, but also between us and our pets. If you cannot communicate effectively, how do you expect the one you are talking with to understand what you are trying to tell them? The basic rules of effective communication are to stay calm, to express yourself as clearly as possible (even if that means taking a few moments to compose your thoughts), and to only work on one problem at a time.
The same thing goes for your relationship with your dog. Many dog owners - and dogs - become flustered and angry when those lines of communication break down, or are nonexistent. But instead of assuming that your dog is deliberately trying to be disobedient, take a look at how you are attempting to communicate with him or her.
First of all, you have to remember that dogs are not people. You have to meet your pet at his level, and try to see things from his point of view. To do that, you need to keep your cool. If your dog doesn't respond right away, in the way you want him to, don't get upset. Simply try something else.
Second, express yourself clearly and concisely. For a dog to understand what you want, you need to teach him simple, one-word commands. Simply shouting, "Don't do that!" when Fido wets the floor is not going to communicate anything more than the fact that you are upset with him. He won't understand why. He won't be able to correct his behavior. He may begin to assume you simply don't like him, or even that you are slightly insane. And if your dog thinks you're insane, he won't be inclined to listen to you.
In addition, in communicating with your dog, timing is everything. Rubbing Fido's nose in a urine-soaked carpet is not only cruel and disgusting, it's counter-productive, just like yelling. What you need to do is catch him in the act. Because of the way doggie brains work, you need to give him a firm, "No!" WHILE he is urinating on the carpet, or eating from the garbage, or engaging in whatever offensive canine habits he may have developed. He will understand this.
Now, as soon as he stops the behavior - which may be immediately, due to being startled - change the tone of your voice and praise him highly for having the good sense to listen to you. Pretty soon, if not immediately, the light bulb will go on in his head.
Third, don't give Fido too much to think about at one time. His brain is already on fire with his squirrel-chasing agenda and plans to weasel more treats out of you. Give him a few days to get a handle on the fact that he isn't supposed to wet the carpet before you work on the garbage-eating project. This means you will have to prioritize.
Of course, it will take some attention on your part to actually catch him in the act, but it will be worth it in the end, both in terms of better behavior and more respect for you as his owner.
The same thing goes for your relationship with your dog. Many dog owners - and dogs - become flustered and angry when those lines of communication break down, or are nonexistent. But instead of assuming that your dog is deliberately trying to be disobedient, take a look at how you are attempting to communicate with him or her.
First of all, you have to remember that dogs are not people. You have to meet your pet at his level, and try to see things from his point of view. To do that, you need to keep your cool. If your dog doesn't respond right away, in the way you want him to, don't get upset. Simply try something else.
Second, express yourself clearly and concisely. For a dog to understand what you want, you need to teach him simple, one-word commands. Simply shouting, "Don't do that!" when Fido wets the floor is not going to communicate anything more than the fact that you are upset with him. He won't understand why. He won't be able to correct his behavior. He may begin to assume you simply don't like him, or even that you are slightly insane. And if your dog thinks you're insane, he won't be inclined to listen to you.
In addition, in communicating with your dog, timing is everything. Rubbing Fido's nose in a urine-soaked carpet is not only cruel and disgusting, it's counter-productive, just like yelling. What you need to do is catch him in the act. Because of the way doggie brains work, you need to give him a firm, "No!" WHILE he is urinating on the carpet, or eating from the garbage, or engaging in whatever offensive canine habits he may have developed. He will understand this.
Now, as soon as he stops the behavior - which may be immediately, due to being startled - change the tone of your voice and praise him highly for having the good sense to listen to you. Pretty soon, if not immediately, the light bulb will go on in his head.
Third, don't give Fido too much to think about at one time. His brain is already on fire with his squirrel-chasing agenda and plans to weasel more treats out of you. Give him a few days to get a handle on the fact that he isn't supposed to wet the carpet before you work on the garbage-eating project. This means you will have to prioritize.
Of course, it will take some attention on your part to actually catch him in the act, but it will be worth it in the end, both in terms of better behavior and more respect for you as his owner.
2008年8月9日星期六
Cats And Feline Diabetes
Cats are one of the most popular pets in North America. They are loving pets, capable of providing you years of companionship. Like other pets, cats can sometimes get sick. There are several different types of ailments that cats can get, one of which is feline diabetes. Feline diabetes is a serious disease, although it can be treated by a veterinarian.
Diabetes is more common with humans than with cats or other animals. The cause of diabetes is actually quite simple. Sugar, or glucose, is found in the blood. The level of blood sugar in the body or the animal is kept under control by hormone insulin, which the pancreas produces. When the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin, diabetes is to blame.
The symptoms of feline diabetes will vary. The most common symptoms include an increase in urine and an increase in thirst. Other symptoms of feline diabetes include a loss of appetite, weight loss, and a poor coat. An increase in thirst is easy to detect, as you can easily notice the water dish empty throughout the day.
If you don't get your cat treated for feline diabetes immediately, the cat will eventually become inactive, vomit on a regular basis, and eventually fall into a coma. On the other hand, if you get the diabetes treated in time, the cat will more than likely lead a normal and healthy life. Keep in mind that treatment doesn't happen overnight - it takes time and dedication.
Cats that have feline diabetes will need to be given food at the same time every day. They should be prevented from going outside as well. If your cat has diabetes, you'll need to give him insulin shots once or twice or a day. Once your veterinarian checks your cat, he will tell you how many shots and how much insulin you need to give your cat.
Before you give your cat his insulin shot, you should always make sure that he has some food first. If he hasn't eaten and you give him a shot anyway, he could end up with a hypoglycemic shock. This can also occur from too much insulin as well. A hypo can be really dangerous, and should be avoided at all costs. If your cat gets a hypoglycemic shock and you aren't around, he may end up dying.
If you have to give insulin shots to your cat due to feline diabetes, you should always keep a watchful eye on him after you have administered the shot. After your cat has been on insulin for a period of time, your vet may reduce the amount of insulin. Even though he may have to stay on insulin the rest of his life, he will lead an otherwise healthy life.
Diabetes is more common with humans than with cats or other animals. The cause of diabetes is actually quite simple. Sugar, or glucose, is found in the blood. The level of blood sugar in the body or the animal is kept under control by hormone insulin, which the pancreas produces. When the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin, diabetes is to blame.
The symptoms of feline diabetes will vary. The most common symptoms include an increase in urine and an increase in thirst. Other symptoms of feline diabetes include a loss of appetite, weight loss, and a poor coat. An increase in thirst is easy to detect, as you can easily notice the water dish empty throughout the day.
If you don't get your cat treated for feline diabetes immediately, the cat will eventually become inactive, vomit on a regular basis, and eventually fall into a coma. On the other hand, if you get the diabetes treated in time, the cat will more than likely lead a normal and healthy life. Keep in mind that treatment doesn't happen overnight - it takes time and dedication.
Cats that have feline diabetes will need to be given food at the same time every day. They should be prevented from going outside as well. If your cat has diabetes, you'll need to give him insulin shots once or twice or a day. Once your veterinarian checks your cat, he will tell you how many shots and how much insulin you need to give your cat.
Before you give your cat his insulin shot, you should always make sure that he has some food first. If he hasn't eaten and you give him a shot anyway, he could end up with a hypoglycemic shock. This can also occur from too much insulin as well. A hypo can be really dangerous, and should be avoided at all costs. If your cat gets a hypoglycemic shock and you aren't around, he may end up dying.
If you have to give insulin shots to your cat due to feline diabetes, you should always keep a watchful eye on him after you have administered the shot. After your cat has been on insulin for a period of time, your vet may reduce the amount of insulin. Even though he may have to stay on insulin the rest of his life, he will lead an otherwise healthy life.
2008年8月3日星期日
The Bengal Cat: a Domestic, Not So Wild Cat
If you are looking for a cat that is truly unique in its look, take a peek at the Bengal Cat. A fairly new breed that originated in the United States, breeding an Asian Leopard cat with a domestic cat developed the Bengal. With its physical resemblance to its wild ancestor, the Bengal cat has all of the exotic beauty of a leopard combined with the pleasant gentleness and domesticity of your typical house cat. Originally, Bengal cat breeders wanted a way to preserve the exotic look of the Asian Leopard while developing a truly trustworthy domesticated cat, and when first exhibited in shows in 1985, the public's reaction was indeed overwhelming as they stared in awestruck wonderment at this absolutely gorgeous cat. Their spotted and marbled coats are truly a feast for the eyes. This is absolutely the best way for people who love the look of exotic wild cats to own their very own domesticated version without the danger inherent in actually owning one of the wild exotic cats like a tiger, lion, or leopard. However, if you are considering cross breeding to create your own Bengal, importation of the Asian Leopard Cat is limited and guided by strict controls, so you are better off to just adopt one for an already certified breeder of Bengals. The first attempt at developing the Bengal cat was made back in 1871 when a Leopard cat was cross-bred with a domestic shorthair. However, the first breeding with the intention of creating a pet leopard was done in 1941 in Japan. In the United States, the effort to breed a Bengal did not take place until the 1970s, but this finally resulted in the Bengal that exists today.These beautiful cats have fur that is a rich diversity of color and can have either leopard spotted or marbled coats with a background color of brown or white. Also, there is no other breed of cat in existence that has the pearl or gold dusting effect, making the Bengal cat look as though it has been dipped in crystal or gold dust. This glittering effect shimmers in the sunlight and is extremely beautiful to behold. Bengals also have tails that appear ringed with a black tail tip and spotted tummy. Its coat has the wonderful feel of silk or satin, and even the Bengal's voice is different from any other domestic cat as they can coo or chirp. And you would have no trouble giving your Bengal a bath, as they love to play in the water as well as somersault and jump.
2008年7月27日星期日
The Horse: No Animal Has Done More
No animal has done more for the advancement of humankind than the horse. That said, it's hard to imagine ever using the horse as a source of food. But of course, that's how the man-horse relationship began. The history books contain many references to the horse as prey some 50,000 years ago, when Cro-Magnon man had to hunt for his food. Seems that no one knows for sure just when or how the horse first became a helper to man. But many have reasoned that when early Cro-Magnon man needed to move his encampments from place to place, he started using the more docile horses as pack animals. So that would mark the beginnings of horse domestication.Historians also believe that as man progressed from hunter to farmer, he continued using horses for food but also as helpers for herding. This would have brought about the need to jump on the horse's back and follow along behind the herd. And that would mark the beginnings of the horse as a means of transportation for humans.Recent archeological excavations in the Ukraine unearthed horses' teeth and evidence of the first "bridle." These findings have brought the experts to conclude that the beginnings of horseback riding began with the nomadic tribes of what is now Eastern Europe, in about 4000 BC. However, riding wouldn't really catch on until long after the invention of the wheel and the preferred use of horses as draft animals.It is believed that the horse's domestication as a draft animal began sometime between 3000 and 2000 BC. Faster than the oxen and equids that had first been used to pull wheeled vehicles, the horse soon took over and this spawned the ever-improving development of yokes, breast straps, collars, bits and bridles.Inevitably the horse was to become a major tool of warfare. Around 1350 BC the Hittite king Suppililiuma decided to go to war against the Mitannians, bought large numbers of horses, and engaged the services of a Mitannian horsemaster named Kikkuli. After defecting from the Mitanni, Kikkuli turned the king's horses into war machines that were ridden into battle until the king's militia had totally destroyed the Mitanni. Now the bonding of man and horse had truly begun. Still, horseback riding was not for the elite, much less the general populace. For hundreds of years, horses were bred to be warhorses. But when Xenophon wrote "The Art of Horsemanship" in around 400 BC, the time was approaching when people would ride horses for more than herding, hunting and fighting.Although America's wild horses had been tamed by the Indians, it is said that the Spanish explorers brought the first domesticated horses to North America in 1519 AD. By the early 1700s, Rhode Island had become America's principal horse breeding state. Horses became the primary means of transportation, soon carrying riders on their backs and pulling people and materials in wheeled vehicles across the vastness of the New World. By the 1800s the horse was a necessity of urban and rural life. The horse helped us build cities, farm the land, fight wars and settle a continent. No animal has done more for humankind.
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