Contributor / Researcher: Johnathan Greer
Kentucky is known around the world for many things — from KFC to Muhammad Ali — but the two biggest assets the commonwealth has become synonymous with are bourbon and horse racing. And believe it or not, both thrive in the area due to one common denominator: the natural limestone-filtered water that flows throughout Kentucky’s 40,407 square miles. And just as the water flows strong, so does the history of horse racing in Kentucky.
Kentucky Derby History
- Today in History: Kentucky Derby by PrimarySourceNexus.org (READ ARTICLE)
“The oldest thoroughbred horse race in the United States, this famous event held at Churchill Downs in Kentucky was begun by Meriwether Lewis Clark, child of William Clark who named his son after his exploration partner Meriwether Lewis.” Includes images, newspaper clippings, coverage and legislation related to the Derby. - History of the Kentucky Derby, 1875-1921, by the Library of Congress (READ BOOK)
Includes history of Horse racing in Kentucky and the Kentucky Derby - Kentucky Derby Evolution on History.com (READ HISTORY ARTICLE)
The first Kentucky Derby, Evolution of the Derby, Colonel Matt Winn, Horses and Jockeys, Triple Crown, Kentucky Derby Traditions, and Run for the Roses - Kentucky Derby History by KentuckyDerby.com (READ ARTICLE)
The Kentucky Derby is the longest continually held sporting event in America, and it is one of the most prestigious horse races in the world. Includes timeline in history, fashion, traditions of the Derby.
Ancient Civilizations:
- Horses in Ancient Egypt, by Garstang Museum [READ ARTICLE]
“There have been developments in the research into E.6953, regarding its context and Ancient Egyptian attitudes to horses.” - Horses in the Era of Pharaohs, by SahiHorse.com [READ ARTICLE]
Horses entered Egypt at the end of the Middle Kingdom, which is around 1780 BC, Its entry was linked to the arrival of nomadic groups known by the ancient Egyptians as the Hyksos, who are the Desert rulers. - Superweapon of the Ancient World: A History of Chariots – Part I, by Ancient-Origins.net [READ ARTICLE]
The chariot is often associated with the ancient Egyptian civilization. It became a prominent weapon of war during the New Kingdom. In fact, it is often considered a superweapon of the ancient world. - The Horses of Kush, by JStor.org [READ JOURNAL]
Journal of Near Eastern StudiesVol. 56, No. 2 (Apr., 1997); , pp. 105-114 (10 pages); Published By: The University of Chicago Press - Ancient Mesopotamians Bred Horse-like Hybrids, by The-Scientist.com [READ ARTICLE]
A genomics study reveals the parentage of a long-mysterious creature called a kunga, the earliest-known hybrid animal bred by humans. - Kunga: How ancient Mesopotamians created the world’s first hybrid animal, by BigThink.com [READ ARTICLE]
Hybrid animals emerge when two different species from the same family reproduce. For many years, the kunga’s lineage was just another genetic mystery.
Superweapon of the Ancient World: A History of Chariots – Part I
The chariot is often associated with the ancient Egyptian civilization. It became a prominent weapon of war during the New Kingdom. In fact, it is often considered a superweapon of the ancient world.
Some have speculated that the chariot was introduced by the invading Hyksos (although there is no factual evidence to support this claim). The history of the chariot, however, stretches back more than a millennium prior to its introduction into ancient Egypt. Additionally, one has to travel to the west of Egypt’s borders to discover its ancient origins.
In 1927/8, the British archaeologist, Sir Leonard Woolley was excavating the Royal Cemetery of Ur in modern day Iraq, when he discovered an artifact known today as the Royal Standard of Ur (dated to the third millennium BC). Portrayed on one side of this artifact is the Mesopotamian war machine, which included four-wheeled, cart-like structures being pulled by four donkeys. The artist even demonstrates the use of this weapon by depicting it in different states of motion. Thus, the donkeys, first shown walking, begin to trot, and then break into a gallop. To clarify that this was a weapon of war, the artist adds a trampled enemy or two under it for good measure. This is one of the earliest known depictions of the chariot, though it is far different from the ones used by the Egyptians. Apart from the fact there were four instead of two wheels, another big difference was that the wheels of these Mesopotamian chariots were solid rather than spoked. In a way, these may be regarded as ‘proto-chariots’.
Black Equestrians in History
- How Well Do You Know Black Equestrian History?, by ChronoofHorse.com [READ ARTICLE]
As we celebrate Black History Month, how much do you know about Black equestrian history in the United States? Black horsemen and women have shaped modern sport on its frontlines and, when forced out of the spotlight by racism, behind the scenes and in the barns where they trained and rode horses but were not allowed to compete. - Black History Month: Equestrian Edition, DBRL.org [READ ARTICLE]
When the first Kentucky Derby ran in May of 1875, 13 of the 15 jockeys were Black Americans. Oliver Lewis, a 19-year-old Black man rode the winning horse. The horse’s trainer Ansel Williamson had been born into slavery in the mid-19th century. In 1864, Williamson had been purchased by Robert Alexander, owner of Woodburn Stud in Kentucky, where he worked as a trainer for the Woodburn horses. After emancipation, Williamson continued training horses. After his win at the first Kentucky Derby Williamson trained many more stakes winners. - The Legacy of Black Horsewomen, by Corralriding.org [READ ARTICLE]
Throughout equestrian history, the stories of Black horsewomen have often been overshadowed and forgotten. Cheryl White, Selika Lazevski, and Johanna July are just a few of the remarkable women who helped lay the foundation, breaking barriers with each stride! The compelling stories of these three historic Black Equestrians show their passion for horsemanship and illuminate their impact on the equestrian community and black culture. We must continue to honor these forgotten and invisible figures to keep their legacy alive. - African Americans and Horse Racing, by Brittanica.com [READ ARTICLE]
From the beginnings of the sport in the United States, and particularly from the early 19th century, African Americans have made significant contributions to horse racing. - Throwback Thursday: A Look At The World War II-Era All-Black Horse Shows, by ChronoofHorse.com [READ ARTICLE]
At most horse shows, Black trainers were allowed behind the scenes in the stable but rarely under the lights in the show ring. Jim Crow—in both custom and law—operated in the equestrian world. Black equestrians were present, but usually not as riders or drivers. They were behind the scenes serving as instructors and trainers as well as grooms. Many a high-stepping champion had been brought along by Black horsemen and -women, and many white riders had been coached by Black teachers.