The earliest direct evidence of horseback riding was discovered in central Europe, indicating that the practice dates to at least 5000 years ago. Researchers examined 200 Bronze-Age skeletal remains looking for signs of riding, including telltale marks on hip sockets, thigh bones, and the pelvis. Of the 200 individuals, five were likely riders. These riders apparently belonged to a people called the Yamnaya, a fascinating culture that you might remember me touching on in issues #27 and #48. According to Alan Outram, “There is earlier evidence for harnessing and milking of horses, but this is the earliest direct evidence so far for horseback riding.” The researchers note that the Yamnaya were responsible for the spread of Indo-European languages and “reshap[ing] the genetic makeup of Europe” — horseback riding likely had a big impact on both. But it’s important to note that very few of the Yamnaya actually rode.