Horse ancestors
A great deal of study has been given by paleontologists to the evolution of the horse from Eohippus to Equus and much work has also been done to establish the immediate ancestors of the domestic horse and the wild forms involved in the progression following the establishment of Equus.
It is now assumed that the foundation of the domestic horse is attributed to the Przewalski's Asiatic Wild Horse, the Forest horse and the Tarpan.
The Forest horse
Known also as Equus caballus silvaticus or as the Diluvial horse, it survived into post-glacial times in the probable form of Equus caballus germanicus. It may have existed in the marshlands of Europe a million years ago. It would have stood at about 15 hh (60 in). It was thick-legged and heavy-bodied but not as massive as the modern draft horse. The hooves were broad and suitable for a swamp environment. It was covered in thick, coarse hair and had a heavy mane and tail.
The Asian Wild Horse
Its scientific name is Equus caballus przewalskii. Also known as the Taki in Mongolia or called Kertag by the Kirghiz people, it was rediscovered in the Central Asian steppes by a Russian explorer in 1879.
The Tarpan
Its scientific name is Equus caballus gmelini. It was a wild primitive horse that ranged right into Eastern Europe and over the Ukrainian steppes, although when it was first observed scientifically by the 18th century, the wild animals had mated with domestic stock.
Today, a herd, bred-back from Tarpan-related stock, exists in a semiwild state in .2 forest reserves in Poland.
The Tundra horse
It is a fourth "primitive" horse but has had no influence on subsequent equine development. Its habitat was in and beyond the Artic Circle.
