An early case of path dependence is that apparently it took a long time for people to realise that riding horses would be easier sitting just behind the withers

An early case of path dependence is that apparently it took a long time for people to realise that riding horses would be easier sitting just behind the withers (as we ride now) rather than just in front of the hips (as they rode donkeys). [see also Absalom v. David: don't bring a donkey to a horse fight]