History of horses in chronicles relating to the Spanish exploration and conquest of the Antilles

Abstract

The American history of horses was compiled and systematized, reviewing its embarking in Spain (1493) and their evolution in the Antilles, until the expedition of Hernán Cortés from Cuba (1519). Colonial documents and contemporary texts on the subject were consulted, applying a multidisciplinary approach. The Catholic Monarchs wanted to found a Spanish colony on American soil and thus paid for ships, sailors, settlers, and animals; their acquisition, embarking, and feeding during the transatlantic route were examined. Horses were more costly than other animals, and Crown officers came with their horses. Columbus intended to multiply domestic animals and therefore preferred to embark females. After a long journey (14 weeks), people and horses arrived sick and landed with haste at Hispaniola. Expeditions to the West Indies continued, and European animals kept coming.  Horses multiplied rapidly at the beginning of the sixteenth century and dispersed throughout the islands before the expedition of Hernán Cortés.