Roughly 4500 years ago, humans forged a bond that would shape the history of our species. The domestication of horses led to significant advancements in transportation, hunting, and warfare, literally carrying human society into the modern era.

Despite how influential horses have been for humans, scientists still have questions about their domestication. New research published on  August 28, in the journal ‘Science’, offers insight into the genetic shifts that helped them become tame and rideable. The findings not only elucidate the history of a critical human-animal bond but could also help guide horse breeding and conservation efforts today.

“By travelling back in time, you can see the impact of such breeding practices on the modern world,” co-author Ludovic Orlando, research director at the French National Centre for Scientific Research and head of the Anthropobiology and Genomics Centre of Toulouse.