They lived 4,000-5,000 years ago

Archaeologists recently located signs of horse riding that affected the semi-nomadic Ymnaya people who lived west of the Black Sea around four to five thousand years ago. Archaeologists discovered evidence of what are believed to be the world’s earliest-known horse riders, which included old horse harnesses, bits, and other artifacts. [i]

The Ymnaya people likely took the lead in taming and training horses, which allowed them to broaden their range of movement and access resources and territories that would have been impossible to reach without the animals’ assistance. The researchers also discovered that these horse riders had a well-developed understanding of animal behavior and could teach horses to answer specific commands. [ii]

Photo by Trautmann et al./Science Advances

This development likely had enormous implications for the Ymnaya people, allowing them to establish and maintain trade networks, settle new lands, and expand their influence. [ii]

The Yamnaya people, a community of nomadic shepherds and livestock herders, showed evidence of their mastery of horsemanship in the remains of their people. This group moved from the plains of the Pontic-Caspian region to places such as Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, and Serbia in search of more prosperous land. [i]

Evidence of the Yamnaya people’s horsemanship is evident in their skeletal remains, showing that they were skilled in riding and caring for horses. This mobility enabled them to travel long distances in search of resources and quickly adapt to their new surroundings. Furthermore, the ability would have been an invaluable asset to the Yamnaya people as they ventured into new and unfamiliar lands. [iii]

Bioanthropologist Dr. Martin Trautmann studied the use of horses by the Yamnayans, an ancient nomadic people from the Eurasian Steppe. The study included the analysis of 217 skeletons from 39 different sites. [iv]

Photo by Trautmann et al./Science Advances

Trautmann posited that the Yamnayans began riding horses for various reasons, including to herd cattle quickly, engage in raids, or even as a form of status. However, due to the lack of concrete evidence, the exact reasons why the Yamnayans began using horses remains to be determined. [v]

The survey team conducted an in-depth investigation, searching for six distinct indicators of horseriding activity that could be seen on the human body. These indicators were referred to as “horsemanship syndrome,” and were used to measure the extent of a person’s involvement in horseriding activities. The survey aimed to study the frequency of injuries caused by the sport and to identify any potential health risks associated with it. [vi]

The survey team collected data on the physical characteristics of those who participated in horseriding activities, including their age, gender, body type, and the type of horse they rode. They also took into account the duration and intensity of the activity and the type of protective gear used. [vi]

The team also considered the rider’s experience level and the various riding techniques. All of this information was then used to develop a comprehensive picture of the risks associated with horseriding and the potential benefits that it could bring. [v]