Horses | Definition, Breeds, Pictures, Evolution, & Facts

Horses are four-legged animals that have a long relationship with humans. They were once a major form of transportation for humans. They have also done a lot for humans over the years. The scientific name of the horse is Equus ferus caballus.

Breeds of Horses

There are more than 300 different horse breeds. Horse breeds come in a variety of sizes, colors, and skills. There are three main types of horse breeds: Warmbloods are fast horses bred for speed racing. Cold-blooded people often have high strength and hard work. Warm blood is a combination of the other two and is commonly used for competitive riding.

What are all the different names for Horses?

Depending on the male or female horse and depending on the age, there are different names:

Foal – a foal less than a year old.
Yearling – a young horse from one to two years old.
Colt – a stallion under four years old.
Filly – a mare under the age of four.
Stallion – a stallion more than four years old that is not castrated. Gelding – A castrated stallion.
Mare – a mare over four years old.

Horse Colors

Horses with different coat colors have different names. Here are some key colors:

Bay – light reddish brown to dark brown with black mane, tail and legs.
Chestnut – reddish color with no black.
Grey – The skin is gray to black, but has a mixed white and black coat.
Black – completely black.
Sorrel – a chestnut with a very red coat.
Dun – yellow or brown coat.
Palomino – a pale yellow color. Pinto – a multicolored horse with red, brown, white and/or black markings.

What do Horses eat?

Horses are herbivores and mainly eat hay and grass. They also like legumes like peas and beans, fruits like apples and even carrots. Sometimes they are fed grains like corn or oats.

What is a Pony?

A horse is just a little pony. Some breeds of horses are small and commonly known as ponies.

Are there wild Horses?

The only true wild horses that have not become extinct are the Przewalski horses that live in China and Mongolia. They are almost extinct and are listed as critically endangered. There are also horses that live in the wild and are descendants of domestic horses. They are called wild horses.

Interesting Facts about Horses

Horses have excellent senses, including good hearing, good eyesight, and an excellent sense of balance.

There are four basic gaits that indicate the horse’s speed of movement. From slowest to fastest, that is walking, trotting, trotting, and trotting.

Horses can sleep standing or lying down.

Humans first domesticated horses around 4000 BC.

Horseback riding is often used as a form of therapy for people with disabilities.

Horses have played an important role in warfare throughout human history. They are still commonly used by police forces.

The horseshoe is still growing and needs to be trimmed. Horsemen are people who specialize in the care of horseshoes and fitting them.