PBS documentary ‘Equus: Story of the Horse’ premieres tonight

The relationship between riders and their steeds is almost as old as civilization itself. Ever since the beginning of our extraordinary partnership, horses helped shape the human world. At the speed of a horse, our ancestors conquered distances and built empires. Together, humans and horses flourished side by side. What makes us so perfect for each other?

Anthropologist Dr. Niobe Thompson and several equine experts go on a two-part adventure around the world and throughout time to discover the origins of the horse. The first of these two episodes airs at 8 p.m. ET tonight, Jan. 16, on PBS, with the second airing a week later on Jan. 23.

In a stunning 3-D reconstruction, see the earliest member of the horse family rise from a fossil bed and begin a transformation into the magnificent animal we know today. Discover why horses have 360-degree vision and gallop on a single toe. Explore the science of speed with renowned racehorse trainers. Uncover the emotional intelligence of horses and their deep connection with humans. Encounter extraordinary horse breeds from Saudi Arabia to Kentucky to Siberia, and meet the horses of Sable Island that are truly returning to the wild ways of their ancestors.

This documentary was filmed over 18 months across three continents.