Here's a breakdown:
* Earliest evidence: Archaeological evidence from the Botai culture in Kazakhstan suggests horse domestication around 3500 BCE. However, the evidence is not conclusive and the debate continues about whether this represents true domestication.
* Widely accepted date: The Sintashta culture, also in the Pontic-Caspian Steppe, provides strong evidence of horse domestication around 2100 BCE. They were known for their horse-drawn chariots and used horses for transportation, warfare, and milk production.
* Spread and evolution: Domesticated horses spread from the Steppe region to other parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, and eventually the Americas. Over time, horses were bred for various purposes, resulting in the diverse breeds we see today.
It's important to note that domestication is a gradual process. It likely started with humans interacting with wild horses and gradually influencing their behavior and breeding. The transition from wild horse to domesticated horse occurred over centuries, with different cultures and regions contributing to the process.