Throughout history, horses have served as vital connectors of people and knowledge, transcending gender and status through infrastructure, technology, and communication. For thousands of years, horses and humans have shared homes, territories, and workloads. Their roles have evolved from essential partners in transportation, warfare, hunting, and agriculture to primarily companions in today's recreational or performance-driven leisure activities. This evolution presents new ethical questions regarding the purpose and welfare of horses within the sector.
The research group the Horse is bringing archaeological collections to life by exploring diverse time periods and object groups. They are developing a digital portal for equine-related data and scientific works, utilizing the extensive collections of the Museum of Cultural History. These collections, comprising a wide array of objects from numerous eras—such as archaeological finds, rock art, church art, and rune monuments—offer valuable insights into the horse's role in our shared history.
Through historical perspectives, the research group contributes to discussions on sustainable knowledge, motivation and animal welfare in equestrian sports.