Ancient DNA evidence traces origin of horses’ smooth ride
Horses have held an important place in human history since ancient times. So-called ambling horses are particularly prized for their ability to travel in a way that’s comfortable for riders, with a smooth, four-beat rhythm. Earlier studies traced that easy gait to a single typo in a gene involved in coordinated limb movement. Now, researchers who have genetically examined historic horse remains say that gaitedness in horses made its first appearance in Medieval England around 850 AD and rapidly spread from there.