Contrasts between Ancient Greek and Native American Views on Horsemanship

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Teddy Kurth.
Dr. Charlie Apter and Dr. David Christiansen, Faculty Mentors.

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The United States represents the intersection of Greek ideals as preserved in Western Civilization and the Native American homeland. The horse was on the North American continent before humans, but died out, only to be reintroduced by Europeans. The philosophy and lifestyle of the Ancient Greeks and Native Americans differed greatly, influencing each group’s attitude toward and interaction with horses. The Greeks saw horses as a symbol of speed, competition, and human mastery over nature. In contrast, Native American viewed humans as a piece of the whole, a piece of equal importance but not superior to any other piece. Though these two groups approached horse training from very different viewpoints, we can find examples of effective trainers from each. This presentation will consider the opposing world views and lifestyles of these two groups and present visual artifacts that provide an understanding of each culture and their interaction with horses.