Earthenware sculpture of horse with saddle, dated to late 7th century – early 8th century, Tang Dynasty. Ever since the Chinese domesticated the long-legged, swift-running wild horses from the plains of Ferghana (now modern Kazakhstan), there developed a love-affair with the horse over succeeding generations and dynasties. Models of horses, such as this well preserved example, appeared in the tombs of military leaders to accompany their souls in the afterlife.