Trotting Through the Horse at Chicago's Field Museum

Visitors are galloping to Chicago's Field Museum to view more than dinosaurs and digs or mammoths and mummies these days. "The Horse" opened recently at the Field Museum of Chicago, bringing a treasure trove of artifacts and artwork to trace the shared history of humans and horses.

"The Horse" came to the Field Museum from the American Museum of Natural History and is sponsored largely by Chicago's Harris Bank. The exhibit is scheduled to remain at the Field Museum through August 14, 2011.

What is included in the Field Museum's "The Horse" exhibit?

"The Horse" begins with a high-resolution video. Next, self-guided visitors wind through shadowy warrens of artifacts, diorama displays, posters and video screens. The museum exhibit focuses on horse evolution, domestication and uses (warfare, work, sport, spirituality, transportation, trade and more).

Intriguing items include a sixth century German horse armor, an 18^th century Siberian saddle, a 19^th century horse-drawn fire engine, an ancient Greek stone relief, an ornate terra cotta horse, tons of antique horse toys and several horse skeletons.

Throughout "The Horse" exhibit, placards offer brief explanations of equestrian disciplines, equine science facts and historical highlights. A few interactive displays are included, such as a spinning zoetrope of equine gaits and a computer-animated horse physiology display (which was malfunctioning when we visited).

The exhibit ends with a stunning life-sized dressage horse sculpture, Deborah Butterfield's "Isbelle," crafted of Hawaiian ohia wood and cast in bronze. Of course, visitors exit through the gift shop.

Is "The Horse" worth the trip to the Field Museum?

Entry to "The Horse" costs $22 (for adults), which includes Museum basic admission. Seniors, students and children are offered discounted tickets. Museum parking costs $16 (by Chicago's Soldier Field), although remote parking options cost less.

The equine education offerings at Lexington's Kentucky Horse Park, Amarillo's American Quarter Horse Museum, Louisville's Kentucky Derby Museum and other horse-centric spots feature many more interactive and kid-friendly opportunities. Such spots lean more heavily on equestrian content, as opposed to the more scientifically-slanted emphasis of "The Horse" exhibit. Besides, museum-goers never know what equestrian headliners might show up at horse museums, from FEI dressage stars to champion racing jockeys.

However, "The Horse" merits the effort and expense, particularly for adults, to view the variety of genuine historical items and intriguing reproductions on display.

Photography is not allowed inside "The Horse" (except by advance press permission).

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