"The Horse" exhibit at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History will feature dioramas such as this one, along with paintings, sculpture and replicas of Pony Express saddles all showing the interactions between horses and humans.

PITTSBURGH — The Carnegie Museum of Natural History will begin its list of 2009 exhibits with "The Horse" opening Feb. 28.

The exhibition is a comprehensive look at the bond between horses and humanity.

Through various forms of artwork and artifacts, "The Horse" explores early interactions between horses and humans, and shows how horses have, over time, influenced civilization and major changes in warfare, trade, transportation, agriculture, sports, and many other facets of human life.

The exhibition showcases spectacular fossils, models, dioramas, and cultural objects from around the world.

"The Horse" will continue through May 24.

Future exhibits, subject to change, include:

• "Life: A Journey Through Time," July 20 to Sept. 20.

Frans Lanting's epic multiyear project is a lyrical interpretation of life on earth from its earliest beginnings to its present diversity.

In the year 2000, Lanting set off on a journey to educate and inspire through images and stories of the amazing biodiversity that surrounds us.

• "Whales," Oct. 31 through May 2, 2010.

This exhibit explore the dramatic undersea world of whales — alive with stories, intriguing objects and interactive science for adults and children alike.

A life-sized blue whale heart, rare whale skeletons, and interactives combine to present the latest scientific research on whale anatomy, evolution and adaptation plus the cultural significance of whales.

• Evidence for Evolution: A Celebration of Charles Darwin's 200th Birthday.To celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Brit biologist's birth and the 150th anniversary of his groundbreaking book, "The Origins of Species," Duquesne University and Carnegie Museum of Natural History are presenting a lecture series exploring the impact of evolution from a variety of perspectives and nationally-known scientific minds.These lectures are free and will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday and Feb. 21 and 28, March 14 and 28, and April 4 and 18.Additionally, Janet Browne will give a "Charles Darwin 200th Birthday Lecture" at 7:30 p.m. Monday in the Carnegie Music Hall, 4400 Forbes Ave.The Museum of Natural History, 4400 Forbes Ave., is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays plus Feb. 16, Presidents' Day; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays, and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.Admission to both Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History is $15 for adults, $12 for senior citizens, $11 for children ages 3 to 18 and full-time students with ID, and free to children younger than 3. Call 412-622-3131 or visit the Web site, www.carnegiemnh.org.

Riders of the Pony Express made quick transfers at each station on their cross-country route. To speed things up, a removable leather mochila (Spanish for pack or pouch) for carrying mail, like the replica shown here, was laid over the saddle. At each transfer station, the mochila was removed and slapped onto the saddle of a waiting horse.