From Molinero to Siete Leguas: the most famous horses in Mexican history

Since the emergence of agriculture and animal husbandry more than 10,000 years ago, humanity has evolved with other animal species, which it has managed to domesticate and with which the big cities have consolidated. However, this relationship of mutual cooperation also changed until it became friendly.

In this way, not only the dog It was established emotional ties with men and women, but the horse He also managed to pass this milestone. Thus, some of these animals have played – with their masters – in important episodes of universal history and, in particular, of history. mexican history.

About half a million years ago, certain species of equines inhabited the territory now occupied by Mexico, which were known from their fossils. However, the call “Mexican Horse” it died out towards the end of the Pleistocene, so that the inhabitants of the American continent did not know it.

Two of the most famous horses in national history were among the first to arrive in America with the Spanish invaders. It is Muleteer and Head of Moors, also known as Miller and El Morcillo, who belonged to Hernan Cortes.

These two horses were the first to be seen by the Mesoamerican peoples along with 15 other horses, which the natives first conceived as supernatural beasts.

Miller was the horse Cortés rode when he arrived in tenochtitlan and the one who accompanied him in all his subsequent battles. It is even said that he saved him during the battle of The sad night on July 1, 1520, when the Spaniards were defeated by the Mexicans. Likewise, said animal accompanied him to Spain and was buried in the former Palais Montpensier.

Three centuries after this siege, horses also played an important role in another historical moment: the Mexican War of Independence, although there is no record of the most notable horses during the confrontation that gave birth in modern Mexico. However, in some paintings the first Mexican emperor was captured, Ignacio Iturbideriding an imposing black steed.

Years later, under the second empire of Mexico, the emperor Maximilian of Habsburg He came to the country with his best horses. It was about Orispelo and Anteburro (which had nothing to do with donkeys). The first was a palomino with shiny golden fur, with a white tail and mane. The second was completely white.

For its part, Porfirio Diaz — who held power for more than thirty years — had a chestnut tree named Eaglewith whom he repeatedly posed in photographs, oil portraits and even in the first Mexican film titled The General on Horseback in the Chapultepec Forest.

During the Revolutionary era, several steeds also stood out, taking as much credit for battles as the caudillos. Francisco I. Madero, who succeeded in overthrowing Díaz, arrived at the National Palace of Chapultepec Castle riding a Destinedhis favourite.

Another character in the story who had a great love for horses was the southern warlord, Emiliano Zapatawho received a sorrel as a sign of confidence for who was ultimately his executioner. Jesus Maria Guajardo sent as a gift to golden acea sorrel that the chief shoe could not refuse. However, it was on this horse that the leader of the Southern Liberation Army was ambushed and shot.

For its part, Pancho Villa he also enjoyed horseback riding. And, despite having had dozens of horses throughout his life, his favorite was seven leagues, as a classic corrido says. “Siete Leguas, the horse that Villa held in high esteem. when he heard the trains whistling, he would stop and whinny.”