Horses

Horses were not native to Ancient Egypt and (along with their associated chariots) were introduced to the whole of the ancient Near East from the beginning of the seventeenth century BC. They appeared in Egypt towards the end of the period of Hyksos rule around 1600 bc. They were small by modern standards and Arab-like in appearance, perhaps 1.35 m tall. The partnership of horses and chariots impacted greatly on the early New Kingdom and the expansion of the Egyptian Empire. They were clearly much loved and prized possessions and were given individual names. Amenhotep II, whilst still a prince, is said to have adored his horses and was closely involved in their training. Ramesses III also trained and inspected his own horses.

Horses adapted well to the Egyptian climate, and herds were raised in the fertile Delta. Stud farms flourished, and the stock was improved by gifts to Pharaoh of new horses from Asiatic kings and by captured animals. Stable blocks were attached to most of the great palaces and estates. Burials of horses are rare, but Senenmut, an official from the time of Hatshepsut (c.1473-1458 bc) had his horse buried near his tomb. It was not mummified but simply wrapped in layers of linen and placed in a large, rough coffin. The horse was a mare and chestnut in coloring (Lansing and Hayes 1937). There are few representations of the riding of horses, a conspicuous exception being a fine scene from the Eighteenth Dynasty tomb of Horemheb at Saqqara showing a mounted rider. The horses were equipped with a bridle and reins but had no saddles or stirrups, though saddle-cloths are sometimes shown. Scenes on the walls of the funerary temple of Ramesses III at Medinet Habu also show mounted men, possibly soldiers, probably used as messengers or couriers.