How were horses used when they first came to America?

The first horses came to America in 1519, when Spanish explorer Hernán Cortés brought 16 horses with him to Mexico. These horses were used primarily for transportation and warfare. They were ridden by Spanish soldiers to gain an advantage over the native peoples, who were not familiar with horses and were easily defeated. Horses were also used to transport goods and supplies, making it easier for the Spanish to establish and expand their settlements in the Americas.