Few animals have had as sweeping an impact on a civilization as did the horse when the Spanish re-introduced the animal to North America in the 1500s. The horse brought power to the American West. It brought wealth, trade, mobility and led to widespread conflict. 
 
The importance of the horse is underscored in Splendor on the Range: American Indians and the Horse. Presented by PlainsCapital Bank and researched by South Texas Heritage Curator Bruce Shackelford, Splendor on the Range runs from March 5 through August 21, 2016 in the Kathleen and Curtis Gunn Gallery.  

The arrival of the horse by the Spanish led to profound changes in the lifeways of the American Indian tribes throughout the Plains and the Southwest. Explore this important period in history with more than 300 artifacts - some on display for the first time - from the Witte’s unrivaled American Indian collection. Splendor on the Range tells the story of the critical relationship between American Indians and the horse with artifacts including moccasins, painted buffalo hides, saddles and Buffalo and Ghost Dance attire.
 
“Splendor on the Range is a wonderful example of what the Witte embodies,” says Marise McDermott, President and CEO of the Witte Museum. “It shares a stunning narrative of Texas and the Plains, but also shows how one animal led to dramatic changes in the American West – changes which you can see here in Texas today.”
 
“This exhibit tells a beautiful, and at times, painful piece of history in a respectful way,” notes Bruce Shackelford. “We will be exhibiting artifacts that many people have not seen, and some dating back to when the museum first opened.”
 
The Witte will be offering public programs throughout the Splendor on the Range exhibit run. The museum is proud to present a Louis A. and Frances B. Wagner Series presentation with Bruce Shackelford and Dr. Daniel Gelo, Professor and Dean of the Department of Anthropology at UTSA, The Fort Parker Raid Revisited on Wednesday, March 30 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. A Splendor on the Range: American Indians and the Horse Time Travel Saturday Family Day on Saturday, April 9 from Noon-4 p.m. The Witte is also providing two new options for the Witte Museum Spring Break Camp, including a Splendor on the Range camp Monday, March 14 – Friday, March 18 from 1-5 p.m. For more information about Witte Museum programs, call 210.357.1910.

Splendor on the Range: American Indians and the Horse runs through August 21, 2016. Admission is $3 for members and $5 for non-members, plus general admission.

For more information call 210.357.1900 or visit www.WitteMuseum.org.