Poseidon was also the creator of horses; he taught men to ride horses and use the bridle. The common tradition that relates the story of Poseidon’s creation of the horse is as follows: Poseidon created the horse during the time he paid court to Demeter. In hope of subduing his desire for her, she requested he craft the most attractive animal hitherto unknown. After several failed attempts in which he created a variety of animals, he fashioned a horse. Unfortunately, the time it took to create the horse was enough time to have him loose interest in Demeter. Her plan worked. After the failed revolt spearheaded by Hera to overthrow Zeus, Poseidon and Apollo were punished by Zeus to serve King Laomedon of Troy. The king asked them to build a wall that encircled his city and in return promised a very lofty reward. The king, however, did not stay true to his word. Upon the completion of the walls of Troy, the King chased the gods away without giving them their reward. Poseidon retaliated by descending upon the Trojans a sea-monster who nearly devoured the daughter of King Laomedon. The monster was stopped by Heracles, who killed it.
Poseidon (Neptune) and His Kingdom in Greek Genealogy of Gods
