Horses are a common sight. But long ago, Native American people had never seen a horse. Christopher Columbus and other explorers brought horses to this land.

Some native people were afraid of the strange new animal. But over time, horses became an important part of American Indian culture.

Native people used horses to travel, hunt and fight. Horses still play a part in the lives of many American Indians.

A Song for the Horse Nation

The National Museum of the American Indian is in Washington, D.C. It has a special show about native people and horses. The show is called A Song for the Horse Nation. Visitors can see the show until January 7, 2013.

Emil Her Many Horses helped make the show. He is a member of the Oglala Lakota tribe. His name was passed down from his great-great-grandmother. She owned many horses.

Her Many Horses says tribes no longer use horses as they once did. "But horses still inspire our songs, our stories and our artwork," he says.

At the Museum

Life-size models of horses, beaded clothing, musical instruments and tools are just a few of the items on display in A Song for the Horse Nation. The museum show includes more than 100 historic objects and photos, like the one below. Visitors can also hear Native American stories and songs. To learn more about the show, go to nmai.si.edu.

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