The Journal

Horse trading has run parallel to the progress of all civilisations. It began thousands of years ago as an essential way to employ the newly domesticated animals as a mode of transport, tools for agriculture and even as weapons of military might. In Ancient Egypt, they were often controlled by the Pharaohs and used as diplomatic gifts to cement their elite status. In Greece and Rome, formal trading markets began to move horse stock all over Europe and North Africa for use in chariot racing and ceremonies. It was during this time that written contracts and breeding records began to appear, which are still in use in the modern bloodstock industry of today. Pedigree with provenance was now a financial asset and the finest examples brought the biggest rewards at auction.