Horses at the Olympics remind us of long standing traditions that fusion man and beast to unity. In war, in labor, in games. Is it an archaic practice? Or is it willfully anachronistic?

When images of Team USA’s Ralph Lauren-designed Olympic uniforms began making the rounds in anticipation of this year’s opening ceremonies, most of the ensuing debate appeared to focus on sartorial quibbles, like the perceived anachronism of a double-breasted blazer. It [...]