EQUUS: STORY OF THE HORSE On NATURE

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The relationship between man and his noble steed is almost as old as civilization itself. Ever since the mysterious 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? Join anthropologist Dr. Niobe Thompson and equine experts on a two-part adventure around the world and throughout time to discover the origins of the horse.

In a stunning 3D 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. Filmed over 18 months across 3 continents, featuring drone and helicopter-mounted RED aerials, extensive Phantom slow-motion footage, and a live-recorded symphonic score.

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Bedouin on Arab horses in Wadi Rum, Jordan. From Episode 1, “Origins.”

Courtesy of aAron Munson / © Handful of Films

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Belgian Draft horse and miniature. From episode 1, “Origins.”

Courtesy of aAron Munson / © Handful of Films

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First turn at the Kentucky Derby in 2017. From episode 1, “Origins.”

Courtesy of aAron Munson / © Handful of Films

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Horseman Jimmy Anderson with Shiver, a two-year-old colt he has just “started.” Sierra West Ranch, Alberta, Canada. From episode 1, “Origins.”

Courtesy of aAron Munson / © Handful of Films

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Icelandic horse. From episode 1, “Origins.”

Courtesy of aAron Munson / © Handful of Films

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Mongolian horses in winter. Altai Mountains. From episode 1, “Origins.”

Courtesy of aAron Munson / © Handful of Films

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Warmblood Jumper. From episode 1, “Origins.”

Courtesy of aAron Munson / © Handful of Films

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White Andalusian from episode 1, “Origins.”

Courtesy of aAron Munson / © Handful of Films

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A herd of Yakutian horses near Oymyakon, Siberia. From episode 2, “Chasing the Wild.”

Courtesy of aAron Munson / © Handful of Films

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Allison Red Crow, great-grandson of legendary Blackfoot Chief Red Crow, painting his horse for the Indian Relay. Maskwacis, Alberta. From episode 2, “Chasing the Wild.”

Courtesy of aAron Munson / © Handful of Films

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A working replica of a 3000-year-old chariot, driven by horse archer Mike Loades. From episode 2, “Chasing the Wild.”

Courtesy of aAron Munson / © Handful of Films

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Sable Island horses in winter. Nova Scotia. From episode 2, “Chasing the Wild.”

Courtesy of aAron Munson / © Handful of Films

EPISODE GUIDE:

Episode 1: “Origins” Wednesday, June 3 at 8 p.m. on KPBS TV + Encore Sunday, June 7 at 3 p.m. on KPBS TV - Explore the fascinating evolutionary journey of the horse, from its tiny forest-dwelling ancestor called the Dawn Horse to the modern steed. Encounter scientists unlocking the genetic basis of horsepower and decoding their emotional intelligence.

Episode 2: “Chasing The Wind” - Wednesday, June 10 at 8 p.m. on KPBS TV + Sunday, June 14 at 3:30 p.m. on KPBS TV - Discover how humans have partnered with the horse throughout the centuries, creating more than 400 breeds, from the Yakutian horse to the Arab horse, found all around the world.

WATCH ON YOUR SCHEDULE: Both episodes, "Origins" and "Chasing The Wind" are available to stream with KPBS Passport on KPBS+, a new free streaming video app designed for ease and enjoyment everywhere you watch including Roku, smart TVs and mobile devices. It’s locally curated for San Diego by the KPBS programming team. With a clean and intuitive design, discovering and enjoying KPBS and PBS content on-demand has never been easier.

You can also tune in live to watch our four TV channels in real time: KPBS, KPBS 2, Create, KPBS Kids 24/7. We also added a new channel - FNX (First Nation Experience). Your KPBS Passport member benefit works on KPBS+ too! You’ll have access to even more great shows when you simply log in with your KPBS Passport account.

CREDITS: NATURE is a production of THIRTEEN PRODUCTIONS LLC for WNET and PBS. For NATURE: Fred Kaufman is Executive Producer. Bill Murphy is series producer and Janet Hess is series editor. A production of Handful of Films in association with THIRTEEN PRODUCTIONS LLC and WNET. The documentary is written, directed and produced by Niobe Thompson. Caroline Underwood is executive producer. Edited by Brenda Terning and Krystal Moss. Cinematography by Daron Donahue and aAron Munson. Original Music by Darren Fung. Presented by Niobe Thompson.