The oldest evidence of horse breeding in Patagonia has been discovered

An international team of archaeologists, geologists, historians and anthropologists has discovered that people who lived in Patagonia (Argentina) learnt to breed horses and ride and eat them as early as 1600. The results of the study were published in the journal Science Advances.

During the excavation, scientists found leg bones and six teeth in the Chorrillo Grande Canyon. Analysis of isolated DNA revealed that they belonged to three domestic horses, two young females and one adult male. Artefacts found with the bones, including nails and jewellery, dated between 1599 and 1653.