Horses

Equus ferus caballus

Horse History • Horse history can be traced back to a prehistoric animal

known as the Candylarth which was about the size of a medium-sized dog and they had five toes on each foot and thickened nails. • Horses have been around for millions of years.• Evolving over the past 45 to 55 million years, they have

changed from small multi-toed creatures into large, single-toed animals they are today. • Humans began to domesticate horses around 4000 BC

and have continued to do so ever since.

Horse Facts• There are more than 300 breeds of horses all over the world.• Horse breeds are divided into three categories based on general temperament: • “Hot bloods" – Only 2 recognized breeds: Arabians and Thoroughbreds; known for their speed and endurance; their temperament is considered difficult by some and passionate by others• “Cold bloods“– Draft horses and some ponies; strong, rugged, durable animals suitable for slow, heavy work; calm and good stable companions• “Warm bloods“ such as American Quarter Horses and Mustangs were developed from crosses between hot bloods and cold bloods

Continued….• Horses are prey animals and have developed the fight-or-flight

response.• Flight is the horse’s first response but they are known to stand

their ground if necessary to defend themselves or their offspring.

• There are many types of disciplines that horses can be used for• English riding – pleasure, jumping, dressage, showmanship• Western riding – pleasure, horsemanship, reining, trail,

showmanship• Contesting – barrel racing, pole bending• Cutting (herding)• Rodeo events• Trail riding• Racing• Driving carts• Farm work

•Depending on the breed, care, and environment of the horse, their life expectancy can range from 25 to 30 years.• There are cases of horses living well into their 40’s and 50’s however.• Foal - Male or female horse less than 1 year old.• Yearling - Male or female horse between 1 and 2 years old.• Colt- Male horse between 2 and 4 years old• Filly- Female horse between 2 and 4 years old.•Mare - A female horse older than 4 years.•Gelding- A castrated male horse older than 4 years• Stallion- A non-castrated male horse older than 4 years.

Continued…..

10 Most Popular Breeds1) American Quarter Horse• Runs the fastest quarter mile out of all of the breeds,

thus getting the name “Quarter Horse.”• They should have a muscular neck, deep chest, sloping

shoulders, and a relatively small head with wide eyes and pointed ears.• Used as an all around horse, participating in Western

pleasure, English, Contest, Herding, Trail riding, Racing, etc.• Can run up to speeds of 55mph.• They are the most popular breed in America today.

2) Arabian Horse• Originated on the Arabian Peninsula.• They are one of the most easily recognizable horses in

the world due to their distinct head shape, arched neck, and how they hold their tail so high.

• They date back 4,500 years.• Today, Arabian bloodlines are found in almost every

modern breed of riding horse.• They are good-natured, quick to learn, and willing to

please.• They have a high spirit and alertness which is needed in

a horse once used for raiding and war.• They are good for showing English and endurance riding.

3) Andalusian• They are also known as the Pure Spanish Horse.• They are most commonly found in grey color, however are

available in different colors as well.• They were used as a tool of diplomacy by the Spanish

government in the 15th century.• There are more than 185,000 Andalusian horses worldwide.

4) Welsh Pony and Cob• They existed before 1600 BC. • They were used mostly for farming and in the cavalry.• Originated in Whales in the United Kingdom.• Has four sections: the Welsh Mountain Pony), the

Welsh Pony (Section B), the Welsh Pony of Cob Type (Section C), and the Welsh Cob (Section D).• They are known for their good temperament,

hardiness, and free-moving gaits.

5) Tennessee Walking Horse• Originated from the Southern United States.• They were mainly used on farms and plantations. • They have amazing stamina.• They are commonly found in black, chestnut and bay

colors.• The Tennessee Walker is a gaited horse known for its

unique four-beat "running walk" and flashy movements.

• They are great in the show ring for English and Western, but are great for trail riding too.

• Black Allen is considered the foundation sire of the breed which means he is the first Tennessee Walker.

• They are often seen in many movies.

6) Morgan• They are the earliest American breed.• There are more than 132,000 Morgan Horses have been

registered all over the world. • They have been used for harness racing, general riding, and

as cavalry horses during the American Civil War.• They have strong legs, an expressive face, large eyes, well-

defined withers, laid back shoulders, an upright, well arched neck, and a clean cut head.• The Morgan is the state animal of Vermont and the state horse

of Massachusetts

7) Appaloosa • They are one of the most popular breeds in United States.• They originated from ancient Greece• They are known for their leopard-spotted coat pattern.• They are prone to develop equine recurrent uveitis and

congenital stationary night blindness due to the same genetics that causes their leopard coat.

• The Appaloosa is the mascot for the Florida State Seminoles. • They have influenced other horse breeds, including the Pony of

the Americas, the Nez Perce Horse, and several gaited horse breeds

8) Thoroughbred• They are best known for racing.• They are also known for their

agility, speed and spirit.• Millions of Thoroughbreds exist

today, and more than 118,000 foals are registered each year worldwide.

• They can also be used for events such as show jumping, combined training, dressage, polo, and fox hunting.

• They are commonly crossbred to create new breeds and even improve existing ones.

• They have been influential in the creation of the Quarter Horse, Standard bred, Anglo-Arabian, and various warm blood breeds.

9) Miniature Horse• To be considered “miniature” a horse must be

less than 34–38 inches (86–97 cm) and you measure from the last hairs of the mane to the ground.

• They are great as family pets due to their gently, calm personalities.

• They can be trained to be a service animal just like dogs that are used by people with disabilities.

• They are usually used for driving and showmanship in the show ring.

• Although they are tiny, they still need to be treated like any other horse.

10) Paint Horse• According to historians, the first paint horse was brought to

the Americas in 1519.They are found most commonly with white spots and a combination of black, bay, gray, palomino, roan, buckskin, dun and chestnut.• The American Paint Horse Association (APHA) is the second

largest breed registry in the United States.• Due to there bloodlines, some solid colored horses can be

considered paint even without any patches at all.• Tobiano, Overo, and Tovero are the three spot patterns found

on paints

Herds• Horse herds are usually made up of several separate small groups who share a given territory. These groups are called “bands.”• Bands usually consist of 3 to 35 animals, one being an adult male and the rest being a group of females. • Each band is led by a dominate mare.• The whole herd can range from 150-200 horses and are led by one main mare also known as “lead/boss mare.”• The herd also has a lead stallion whose purpose is to fight off predators and other males.• Herds change over time as young horses are kicked out, being forced to join other groups and older stallions are challenged by the younger ones.• Once dominance is obstained, aggression in the herd will be decreased due to member submission and fear of injury.• Herds will protect offspring at all costs, even if it puts themselves in danger.

Coat Colors Colored Breeds

Appaloosa

Paint/Pinto

By April Stiles

Biological DiversityTuesdays and Thursdays1-2:45