The image of a Native American on horseback has become ingrained in the American consciousness. But the Plains Indians and the horse were not always inseparable. Once, Native Americans used dogs to help carry their goods, and even after the Spaniards introduced the horse to the Americas, horses were considered so valuable that the Spanish would not allow the Indians to have them. But soon horses escaped from Spanish settlements, and Native Americans quickly learned how valuable the horse could be as a hunting mount, beast of burden, and military steed. Follow the story of this transformative partnership, starting in the early sixteenth century and continuing today.

Dorothy Hinshaw Patent is the author of more than 130 nonfiction books and received theWashington Post / Children's Book Guild Award for Nonfiction for the body of her work. She lives with her husband in Missoula, Montana.

William Munoz has photographed many photo essays written by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent. He holds a B.A. in history from the University of Montana. He is now resettling in Montana after living for several years in Canada.