Tides of History How the Horse Changed the World: Interview with Author David Chaffetz
Jul 31, 2025
David Chaffetz, an author and member of the Royal Society for Asian Affairs, dives into the transformative impact of horses on human history. He explores how horses shaped cultures in Central Asia, serving as key players in trade and power dynamics. From personal stories of horseback travel in Afghanistan to the cultural significance in Mongolia, Chaffetz reveals how these animals influenced historical narratives and social status. His insights challenge traditional views on trade, emphasizing horses as the true engines of cultural exchange.
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1975 Horseback Trip in Afghanistan
- David Chaffetz's horseback trip in Afghanistan in 1975 profoundly shaped his perspective and research on horse cultures.
- He experienced firsthand the respect and social status accorded to horsemen in local communities.
Horse Culture Varies by Environment
- Horse cultures differ substantially depending on environment, affecting their role and economic importance.
- Afghanistan's rugged terrain makes horses status symbols, while Mongolia's vast pastures allow extensive horse breeding.
Horse Trade Connects Empires
- Central Asia's rich grasslands enabled large-scale horse breeding and trade supplying horse-poor regions like India and China.
- The horse trade was a massive, often overlooked industry essential for military and economic power in empires such as the Mughals.
