With a horse, hunting took much less time. As a result, Plains Indians had more time to do other things. Women spent more time sewing costumes for ceremonial dances. Some men spent time raiding other groups for horses and supplies. They also protected their families and homes from attacks by settlers or other Native Americans.

Some groups were pushed farther west as settlers took their land. As one group moved, it pushed other groups off their hunting grounds. Many of these relocated groups, such as the Sioux and Comanche, began to use the horse.

Some Native Americans continued to farm. Often, they were attacked by warring, horse-riding Native Americans who stole their crops. Soon, even some farming groups, such as the Cheyenne, adopted the horse.

The horse brought other changes, too. It made trade easier. Horses could carry heavy loads and travel long distances. Native American groups who had never before met were now trading.

The horse, brought to the New World by the Europeans, became a major part of Native American life and legends. It changed the way Native Americans lived forever.

A Plains Indian (Assiniboine) warrior’s shirt made from buffalo hide and beads. Warriors believed the beadwork gave them special powers.