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{{pp-semi-protected|small=yes}}
{{otheruses}}
{{Taxobox
| name = Domestic horse
| status = DOM
| image = Mangalarga Marchador.jpg
| image_width = 250px
| regnum = ]ia
| phylum = ]
| classis = ]ia
| ordo = ]
| familia = ]
| genus = '']''
| species = '']''
| subspecies= '''''E. f. caballus''
| trinomial = ''Equus ferus caballus''
| trinomial_authority = ], 1758<ref name="Linn1758">{{cite book
| last = Linnaeus
| first = Carolus
| authorlink = Carl Linnaeus
| title = Systema naturae per regna tria naturae :secundum classes, ordines, genera, species, cum characteribus, differentiis, synonymis, locis.
| publisher = Holmiae (Laurentii Salvii)
| year = 1758
| page = 73
| url = http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/726976
| accessdate = 2008-09-08
| volume = 1
| edition = 10th edition}}</ref>
| synonyms =
48, listed
}}

The '''horse''' (''Equus ferus caballus'')<ref>{{cite book|title=Mammal Species of the World. A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference |editor=Don E. Wilson & DeeAnn M. Reeder|publisher=Johns Hopkins University Press|date=2005|edition=3rd|chapter=Equus caballus|url=http://www.bucknell.edu/msw3/browse.asp?s=y&id=14100015}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last=International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature|date=2003|title=Usage of 17 specific names based on wild species which are pre-dated by or contemporary with those based on domestic animals (Lepidoptera, Osteichthyes, Mammalia): conserved. Opinion 2027 (Case 3010).|journal=Bull.Zool.Nomencl.|volume=60|issue=1|pages=81-84|url=http://www.iczn.org/BZNMar2003opinions.htm#opinion2027}}</ref> is a hoofed (]) ], a subspecies of one of seven living species of the family ]. The horse has ] over the past 45 to 55&nbsp;million years from a small multi-toed creature into the large, ] animal of today. Humans began to ] horses around 4500&nbsp;BC, and their ] is believed to have been widespread by 3000&nbsp;BC; by 2000&nbsp;BC the use of domesticated horses had spread throughout the ]n ]. Although most horses today are domesticated, there are still endangered populations of the ], the only remaining true ], as well as more common ]s which live in the wild but are descended from domesticated ancestors.

There is an extensive, specialized vocabulary used to describe equine-related concepts, covering everything from ] to life stages, size, ]s, ], ], ], and behavior. Horses are anatomically designed to use speed to escape predators, and have a well-developed sense of balance and a strong ] instinct. Related to this need to flee from predators in the wild is an unusual trait: horses are able to sleep both standing up and lying down. Female horses, called ]s, carry their young for approximately 11&nbsp;months, and a young horse, called a ], can stand and run shortly following birth. Most domesticated horses begin training under ] or in ] between the ages of two and four. They reach full adult development by age five, and have an average lifespan of between 25 and 30&nbsp;years.

Horse breeds are loosely divided into three categories based on general temperament: spirited "hot bloods" with speed and endurance; "cold bloods," such as ]s and some ], suitable for slow, heavy work; and "]s," developed from crosses between hot bloods and cold bloods, often focusing on creating breeds for specific riding purposes, particularly in ]. There are over 300&nbsp;breeds of horses in the world today, developed for many different uses.

Horses and humans interact in many ways, not only in a wide variety of sport competitions and non-competitive recreational pursuits, but also in working activities including ], ], entertainment, assisted learning and therapy. Horses were historically used in warfare. A wide variety of ] and ] techniques have been developed, using many different styles of ] and methods of control. Many products are derived from horses, including meat, milk, hide, hair, bone, and pharmaceuticals extracted from the urine of pregnant ]s. Humans provide domesticated horses with food, water and shelter, as well as attention from specialists such as ]s and ]s.

==Biology==
{{main|Equine anatomy}}
]

Horse anatomy is described by a large number of specific terms, as illustrated by the chart to the right. Specific terms also describe various ages, colors and ].

===Age===
Depending on breed, management and environment, the domestic horse today has a life expectancy of 25 to 30&nbsp;years. It is uncommon, but a few animals live into their 40s and, occasionally, beyond. The oldest verifiable record was "]," a 19th-century horse that lived to the age of 62.<ref name="horsefacts">{{cite web |url= http://www.fbresearch.org/HorseFacts/Facts/|title= The Mane Facts About Horse Health|accessdate=2007-01-22 |work= Horsefacts.org |publisher= Foundation for Biomedical Research}}</ref> In modern times, Sugar Puff, who had been listed in the ] as the world's oldest living pony, died in 2007, aged 56.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.thehorse.com/viewarticle.aspx?ID=9708|title= World's Oldest Living Pony Dies at 56|accessdate=2007-05-31 |author= Ryder, Erin |work= TheHorse.com |publisher= The Horse}} </ref>

Regardless of a horse's actual birth date, for most competition purposes an animal is considered a year older on January&nbsp;1 of each year in the northern hemisphere<ref>British Horse Society ''The Manual of Horsemanship of the British Horse Society'' p. 255</ref><ref name=Ensminger46/> and August&nbsp;1 in the southern hemisphere.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.studbook.org.au/DisplayPDF.aspx?ty=RULES |format=PDF |title= Rules of the Australian Stud Book |accessdate=2008-07-09 |year= 2007 |publisher=Australian Jockey Club |page=7}}</ref> The exception is in ], where the minimum age to compete is based on the animal's calendar age.<ref name=Endurance>{{cite web |url= http://www.aerc.org/horseage.asp|title= Age Matters (Your Horse's Age, That Is!)|accessdate=2008-04-05|work= |publisher= American Endurance Riding Conference}}</ref> A very rough estimate of a horse's age can be made from looking at its ].<ref name=Ensminger46/>

The following terminology is used to describe horses of various ages:
* ]: a horse of either sex less than one year old. A nursing foal is sometimes called a ''suckling'' and a foal that has been weaned is called a ''weanling.''<ref name=Ensminger418>Ensminger ''Horses and Horsemanship'' p. 418</ref> Most domesticated foals are weaned at 5 to 7&nbsp;months of age, although foals can be weaned at 4 months with no adverse effects.<ref>Giffen, et.al., ''Horse Owner's Veterinary Handbook'', p. 431</ref>
* ]: a horse of either sex that is between one and two years old.<ref>Ensminger ''Horses and Horsemanship'' p. 430</ref>
* ]: a male horse under the age of four.<ref>Ensminger ''Horses and Horsemanship'' p. 415</ref> A common terminology error is to call any young horse a "colt," when the term actually only refers to young male horses. {{Fact|date=February 2009}}
* ]: a female horse under the age of four.<ref name=Ensminger418/>
* ]: a female horse four years old and older.<ref>Ensminger ''Horses and Horsemanship'' p. 422</ref>
* ]: a non-castrated male horse four years old and older.<ref>Ensminger ''Horses and Horsemanship'' p. 427</ref> Some people, particularly in the UK, refer to a stallion as a "horse".<ref name=Ensminger420>Ensminger ''Horses and Horsemanship'' p. 420</ref>
* A ] or "rig" is a male horse which has an undescended testicle<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ridgling|title=Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary|publisher=Merriam-Webster|accessdate=2008-09-25}} </ref> or is improperly castrated.<ref>Delbridge, Arthur & others; The Macquarie Dictionary, p. 1511, The Macquarie Library Pty Ltd, Sydney, 1991, ISBN 0 949757 63 2</ref> If both testicles are not descended, the horse may appear to be a gelding, but will still behave like a stallion.<ref>{{cite journal |url= http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/horsecare/1370/57411.html|title= When is a gelding, not a gelding?|accessdate=2008-04-03 |work= Horse & Hound Magazine|publisher= Horse & Hound|date=2008-08-05}}</ref>
* ]: a ] male horse of any age,<ref name=Ensminger418/> though for convenience sake, many people also refer to a young gelding under the age of four as a "colt".

In ], the definitions of colt, filly, mare, and stallion may differ from those given above. In the UK, ] horse racing defines a colt as a male less than five years old, and a filly as a female less than five years old.<ref>Hammond ''The Language of Horse Racing'' pp. 49,79</ref> In the USA, both ] and ] defines colts and fillies as four years old and younger.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.equibase.com/newfan/glossary-full.cfm|title= Glossary of Horse Racing Terms|accessdate=2008-04-03 |work= Equibase.com|publisher= Equibase Company, LLC}} </ref>

===Size===
{{main| Hand (length)}}
The English-speaking world measures the height of horses in ], abbreviated "h" or "hh," for "hands high," measured at the highest point of an animal's ], where the neck meets the ], chosen as a stable point of the anatomy, unlike the head or neck, which move up and down; one hand is {{convert|4|in|cm}}. Intermediate heights are defined by hands and inches, rounding to the lower measurement in hands, followed by a decimal point and the number of additional inches between 1 and 3. Thus a horse described as "15.2 h," is 15&nbsp;hands, 2&nbsp;inches ({{convert|62|in|cm|abbr=on|disp=/}}) in height.<ref name=Ensminger51>Ensminger ''Horses and Horsemanship'' p. 51</ref> The size of horses varies by ], but can also be influenced by ].
]

The general rule for cutoff in height between what is considered a horse and a ] at maturity is 14.2&nbsp;hands ({{convert|58|in|cm|abbr=on|disp=/}}). An animal 14.2&nbsp;h or over is usually considered to be a horse and one less than 14.2&nbsp;h a pony.<ref name=EnsmingerHT11>Ensminger ''Horses and Tack'' pp. 11–12</ref> However, there are exceptions to the general rule. Some breeds which typically produce individuals both under and over 14.2&nbsp;h are considered horses regardless of their height.<ref>For example, the ] or the ]. See McBane ''The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Horse Breeds'' pp. 192, 218</ref> Conversely, some pony breeds may have features in common with horses, and individual animals may occasionally mature at over 14.2&nbsp;h, but are still considered to be ponies.<ref>For example, the ]. ''See'' McBane ''The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Horse Breeds'' pp. 52–63</ref>

The distinction between a horse and pony is not simply a difference in height, but takes account of other aspects of '']'' or appearance, such as ] and temperament. Ponies often exhibit thicker manes, tails and overall coat. They also have proportionally shorter legs, wider barrels, heavier bone, shorter and thicker necks, and short heads with broad foreheads. They often have calmer temperaments than horses and also a high level of equine intelligence that may or may not be used to cooperate with human handlers.<ref name=EnsmingerHT11/> In fact, small size, by itself, is sometimes not a factor at all. While the ] stands on average 10&nbsp;hands high ({{convert|40|in|cm|abbr=on|disp=/}}),<ref name=HorseTack12>Ensminger ''Horses and Tack'' p. 12</ref> the ] and other ]s, which can be no taller than {{convert|30|in|cm}}, the size of a medium-sized dog, are classified by their respective ] as very small horses rather than as ponies.<ref>McBane ''The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Horse Breeds'' p. 200</ref>

Light riding horses such as ], ], or ]s usually range in height from 14 to 16&nbsp;hands ({{convert|56|to|64|in|cm|abbr=on|disp=/}}) and can weigh from {{convert|850|to|1200|lb|kg}}. Larger riding horses such as ]s, ]s or ]s usually start at about 15.2 hands ({{convert|62|in|cm|abbr=on|disp=/}}) and often are as tall as 17&nbsp;hands ({{convert|68|in|cm|abbr=on|disp=/}}), weighing from {{convert|1100|to|1500|lb|kg}}. Heavy or ]s such as the ], ], ], and ] are usually at least 16 to 18&nbsp;hands ({{convert|64|to|72|in|cm|abbr=on|disp=/}}) high and can weigh from about {{convert|1500|to|2000|lb|kg}}.

The largest horse in recorded history was probably a ] named ], who lived during the late 1800s. He stood 21.2½ hands high ({{convert|86.5|in|cm|abbr=on|disp=/}}), and his peak weight was estimated at {{convert|3360|lb|kg}}.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.ruralheritage.com/horse_paddock/horse_large.htm|title= World's Largest Draft Horse|accessdate=2008-04-08 |author= Damerow, Gail|work= Rural Heritage Horse Paddock|publisher= Rural Heritage}} </ref> The current record holder for the world's smallest horse is ], a fully mature miniature horse affected by ]. She is {{convert|17|in|cm}} tall and weighs {{convert|60|lb|kg}}.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=409317&in_page_id=1770|title=Meet Thumbelina, the World's Smallest Horse |accessdate=2006-10-08 |author= Martin, Arthur |publisher= Daily Mail}} </ref>

===Colors and markings===
{{main|Equine coat color|Equine coat color genetics|Horse markings}}
] (left) and ] (sometimes called "sorrel") are two of the most common coat colors, seen in almost all breeds.]]

Horses exhibit a diverse array of ] and distinctive ], described with a specialized vocabulary. Often, a horse is classified first by its coat color, before breed or sex.<ref>Vogel, ''The Complete Horse Care Manual'', p. 14</ref> Flashy or unusual colors are sometimes very popular, as are horses with particularly attractive markings. Horses of the same color may be distinguished from one another by their markings.<ref>Mills, et. al., ''A Basic Guide to Horse Care and Management'', pp. 72–73</ref>

The ] that create many horse coat colors have been identified, although research continues on specific genes and mutations that result in specific color traits.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/services/coatcolorhorse.php|title= Horse Coat Color Tests|accessdate=2008-05-01 |work= Veterinary Genetics Laboratory |publisher= University of California}}</ref> Essentially, all horse colors begin with a genetic base of "red" (]) or "black," with the addition of ]s for spotting, graying, suppression or ] of color, or other effects acting upon the base colors to create the dozens of possible coat colors found in horses.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.equinecolor.com/color.html|title= Color Information|accessdate=2008-05-01|work= Equine Color Genetics Information |publisher= Equine Color}} </ref>

Horses which are light in color are often misnamed as being "white" horses. A horse that looks pure white is, in most cases, actually a middle-aged or older ]. Grays have black skin underneath their white hair coat (with the exception of small amounts of pink skin under white ]). The only horses properly called ] are those with pink skin under a white hair coat, a fairly rare occurrence.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/services/coatcolor.php|title= Introduction to Coat Color Genetics|accessdate=2008-05-01|work= Veterinary Genetics Laboratory |publisher= University of California}}</ref> There are no truly ] horses, with pink skin and red eyes, as albinism is a lethal condition in horses.<ref>{{cite journal |url= http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1439-0388.2004.00481.x?journalCode=jbg |title= Genetic mapping of dominant white (W), a homozygous lethal condition in the horse (Equus caballus) (2004)|accessdate=2006-09-06 |author= Mau, C., Poncet, P. A., Bucher, B., Stranzinger, G. & Rieder, S. |journal= Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics|volume= 121 (6)|doi = 10.1111/ j.1439-0388.2004.00481.x|pages= 374–383}}</ref>

===Reproduction and development===
{{Main|Horse breeding}}

Pregnancy lasts for approximately 335–340&nbsp;days<ref name=HorseTack129>Ensminger ''Horses and Tack'' p. 129</ref> and usually results in one ]. Twins are very rare.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www2.okstate.edu/pio/twinfoals.html|accessdate=2008-09-23|title=Rare Twin Foals Born at Vet Hospital: Twin Birth Occurrences Number One in Ten Thousand| author=Johnson, Tom|work= Communications Services, Oklahoma State University|publisher= Oklahoma State University}}</ref> Colts are carried on average about 4 days longer than fillies.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Hura |first=V |coauthors=et al |year=1997 |month=October |title=The effect of some factors on gestation length in nonius breed mares in Slovakia (Egyes tényezõk hatása a nóniusz fajta vemhességének idõtartamára)|journal=Proceedings of Roundtable Conference on Animal Biotechnology |volume=XIII |url=http://www.oai.hu/kerekasztal/XIII./hura.htm |accessdate= 2008-04-22 }}</ref> Horses are a ] species, and foals are capable of standing and running within a short time following birth.<ref>Miller, '"Revolution,'' pp. 102–103</ref>
]
Horses, particularly colts, may sometimes be physically capable of reproduction at about 18&nbsp;months. In practice, individuals are rarely allowed to breed before the age of three, especially females.<ref name=HorseTack129/> Horses four years old are considered mature, although the skeleton normally continues to develop until the age of six; the precise time of completion of development also depends on the horse's size, breed, gender, and the quality of care provided by its owner. Also, if the horse is larger, its bones are larger; therefore, not only do the bones take longer to actually form bone tissue, but the ]s are also larger and take longer to convert from ] to bone. These plates convert after the other parts of the bones, but are crucial to development.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.equineortho.colostate.edu/questions/dod.htm |title=Developmental Orthopaedic Disease: Problems of Limbs in young Horses|accessdate=2008-04-20|author= McIlwraith, C.W.|publisher=Colorado State University|work=Orthopaedic Research Center}}</ref>

Depending on maturity, breed, and the tasks expected, young horses are usually put under saddle and ] to be ridden between the ages of two and four.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.alphahorse.com/horse-starting.html|title= What Age Should I Start My Horse?|accessdate=2008-04-28 |author= Rolo, Jeffrey|work= AlphaHorse|publisher= AlphaHorse}}</ref> Although ] ]s are put on the track at as young as two years old in some countries,<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.jockeyclub.com/factbook.asp?section=11|title= 2-Year-Old Racing (US and Canada)|accessdate=2008-04-28 |work= Online Fact Book|publisher= Jockey Club}}</ref> horses specifically bred for sports such as ] are generally not entered into top-level competition until they are a minimum of four years old, because their bones and muscles are not solidly developed, nor is their advanced training complete.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.dressage-connection.com/Young_horse_article.html|title= The Correct Age and Way to Break a Young Horse|accessdate=2008-04-28 |author= Crebbin, Tess|work= Dressage Connection|publisher= Dressage Connection}}</ref> For ] competition, horses are not deemed mature enough to compete until they are a full 60&nbsp;calendar months (5 years) old.<ref name=Endurance/>

===Anatomy===
{{main|Equine anatomy}}
{{Seealso|Muscular system of the horse|Respiratory system of the horse|Circulatory system of the horse}}
====Skeletal system====
{{Main|Skeletal system of the horse}}
]

Horses have a skeleton that averages 205 bones.<ref name=Evans90>Evans ''The Horse'' p. 90</ref> A significant difference between the horse skeleton, compared to that of a human, is the lack of a ]—the horse's ] system is attached to the spinal column by a powerful set of muscles, tendons and ligaments that attach the ] to the torso. The horse's legs and hooves are also unique structures. Their leg bones are proportioned differently from those of a human. For example, the ] that is called a horse's "knee" is actually made up of the ] bones that correspond to the human ]. Similarly, the ], contains the bones equivalent to those in the human ] and ]. The lower leg bones of a horse correspond to the bones of the human hand or foot, and the ] (incorrectly called the "ankle") is actually the proximal ]s between the ] bones (a single equivalent to the human ] or ] bones) and the ], located where one finds the "knuckles" of a human. A horse also has no muscles in its legs below the knees and hocks, only skin, hair, bone, ]s, ]s, ], and the assorted specialized tissues that make up the ].<ref name=Ensminger21>Ensminger ''Horses and Horsemanship'' pp. 21–25</ref>

====Hooves====
{{Main|Horse hoof}}
{{Seealso|Horseshoe|Farrier}}

The critical importance of the feet and legs is summed up by the traditional adage, "no foot, no horse".<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.progressivefarmer.com/tabid/1110/Default.aspx|title= No Hoof, No Horse |accessdate=2008-04-05 |work= Horses & Farm Animals|publisher= The Progressive Farmer, Inc.}}</ref> The ] begins with the ], the equivalent of the human fingertip or tip of the toe, surrounded by ] and other specialized, blood-rich soft tissues such as the ]. The exterior hoof wall and horn of the sole is made of essentially the same material as a human ].<ref>Giffin ''Horse Owner's Veterinary Handbook'' p. 304</ref> The end result is that a horse, weighing on average {{convert|1100|lb|kg}},<ref>Giffin ''Horse Owner's Veterinary Handbook'' p. 457</ref> travels on the same bones as a human on tiptoe.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.cvm.uiuc.edu/petcolumns/showarticle_pf.cfm?id=118|title= Yes, The Shin Bone Is Connected to the Ankle Bone|accessdate=2008-04-05 |author= Fuess, Ph.D., Theresa A.|work= Pet Column|publisher= University of Illinois}}</ref> For the protection of the hoof under certain conditions, some horses have ]s placed on their feet by a professional ]. The hoof continually grows, and needs to be trimmed (and horseshoes reset, if used) every five to eight weeks.<ref>Giffin ''Horse Owner's Veterinary Handbook'' pp. 310–312</ref>

====Teeth====
{{Main|Horse teeth}}

Horses are adapted to grazing. In an adult horse, there are 12&nbsp;]s, adapted to biting off the grass or other vegetation, at the front of the mouth. There are 24&nbsp;teeth adapted for chewing, the ]s and ]s, at the back of the mouth. Stallions and geldings have four additional teeth just behind the incisors, a type of ] that are called "tushes." Some horses, both male and female, will also develop one to four very small ] teeth in front of the molars, known as "wolf" teeth, which are generally removed because they can interfere with the ]. There is an empty interdental space between the incisors and the molars where the bit rests directly on the bars (gums) of the horse's mouth when the horse is ]d.<ref>Kreling ''Horses' Teeth and Their Problems'' pp. 12–13</ref>

The incisors show a distinct wear and growth pattern as the horse ages, as well as change in the angle at which the chewing surfaces meet. The ] continue to erupt throughout life as they are worn down by grazing, so a very rough estimate of a horse's age can be made by an examination of its teeth, although diet and veterinary care can affect the rate of tooth wear.<ref name=Ensminger46>Ensminger ''Horses and Horsemanship'' pp. 46–50</ref>
<br clear=both>

====Digestion====
{{Main|Equine anatomy#Digestive system|Equine nutrition}}

Horses are ]s with a digestive system adapted to a ] diet of ]es and other plant material, consumed steadily throughout the day. Therefore, compared to humans, they have a relatively small stomach but very long intestines to facilitate a steady flow of nutrients. A {{convert|1000|lb|kg|adj=on}} horse will eat {{convert|15|to|25|lb|kg}} of food per day and, under normal use, drink {{convert|10|USgal|L}} to {{convert|12|USgal|L}} of ]. Horses are not ]s, so they have only one stomach, like humans, but unlike humans, they can also digest ] from grasses due to the presence of a "hind gut" called the ], or "water gut," which food goes through before reaching the ]. Unlike humans, horses cannot vomit, so digestion problems can quickly cause ], a leading cause of death.<ref>Giffin ''Horse Owner's Veterinary Handbook'' p. 175</ref>

====Senses====
{{seealso|Equine vision}}
]
The horse's senses are generally superior to those of a human. As ], they must be aware of their surroundings at all times.<ref name=Ensminger309>Ensminger ''Horses and Horsemanship'' pp. 309–310</ref> They have the largest eyes of any land mammal, and because their eyes are positioned on the sides of their heads, horses have a range of vision of more than 350°, with approximately 65° of this being binocular (seen with both eyes) and the remaining 285° monocular (seen with only one eye).<ref>Sellnow, ''Happy Trails'', p. 46</ref> Horses have excellent day and ], but studies indicate that they have two-color, or ]; their ] is somewhat like ] in humans. This means that certain colors, especially red and related colors, appear more green.<ref>{{cite journal |url= http://www.thehorse.com/viewarticle.aspx?ID=9670|title= In Living Color (registration needed)|accessdate=2007-07-27 |author= McDonnell, Sue |work= The Horse |date= June 1, 2007|publisher= The Horse, Inc.}}</ref>

Their hearing is good,<ref name=Ensminger309/> and the ] of each ear can rotate up to 180°, giving the potential for 360° hearing without having to move the head.<ref>Myers ''Horse Safe'' p.7</ref> Their sense of smell, while much better than that of humans, is not their strongest asset; they rely to a greater extent on vision.<ref name=Ensminger309/>

Horses have a great sense of balance, due partly to their ability to feel their footing and partly to highly developed ] abilities (the unconscious sense of where the body and limbs are at all times).<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/horse-health/1998/October/17/True-horse-sense.aspx|title= True Horse Sense|accessdate=2008-07-08 |author= Thomas, Heather Smith |work= Thoroughbred Times |publisher= Thoroughbred Times Company}}</ref> A horse's sense of touch is well developed. The most sensitive areas are around the eyes, ears and nose. Via touch, horses perceive and respond immediately to changes in their environment,<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.unce.unr.edu/publications/files/ag/other/fs9829.pdf|format=PDF|title= Horse Handling and Riding Guidelines Part 1: Equine Senses|accessdate=2008-07-09 |author= Cirelli, Al Jr. and Brenda Cloud |work= Cooperative Extension |pages=4 |publisher= University of Nevada}}</ref> sensing contact as subtle as an insect landing anywhere on the body.<ref>Hairston, et. al., ''The Essentials of Horsekeeping'', p. 77</ref>

Horses have an advanced sense of taste that allows them to sort through grains and grasses to choose what they would most like to eat,<ref>Miller, ''Understanding the Ancient Secrets of the Horse's Mind'', p. 28</ref> and their ] lips can easily sort even the smallest grains. Horses generally will not eat poisonous plants. However, there are exceptions and horses will occasionally eat toxic amounts of poisonous plants even when there is adequate healthy food.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.cvm.uiuc.edu/petcolumns/showarticle.cfm?id=16|title= Horse Pasture is No Place for Poisonous Plants|accessdate=2008-07-09 |author= Gustavson, Carrie |work= Pet Column July 24, 2000 |publisher= University of Illinois}}</ref>

===Movement===
{{Main|Horse gait|Trot (horse gait)|Canter|Ambling}}
]
All horses move naturally with four basic ]: the four-beat ], which averages four miles per hour; the two-beat ], which averages {{convert|8|to|12|mi|km}} per hour (faster for ] horses); and the ]s known as the ] (a three-beat gait that is {{convert|12|to|15|mi|km}} per hour), and the ].<ref name=HorseGaits32>Harris ''Horse Gaits, Balance and Movement'' p. 32</ref> The gallop averages {{convert|25|to|30|mi|km}} per hour.<ref name=Harris47>Harris, ''Horse Gaits, Balance and Movement'' p. 47-49</ref> The world record for a horse galloping over a short, ] distance is {{convert|55|mi|km}} per hour.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://racing.aqha.com/racing/dyn_content.aspx?FQD=http://www.aqha.com/aqharacing.com/gettingstarted/firsttimersguide/thehorse.html|title=About the Horse|work=First Timers Guide|accessdate=2008-09-16|publisher=American Quarter Horse Association}}</ref> Besides these basic gaits, some horses perform a two-beat ], instead of the trot.<ref name=HorseGaits50>Harris ''Horse Gaits, Balance and Movement'' p. 50</ref> In addition, there are several four-beat "]" gaits that are approximately the speed of a trot or pace, though smoother to ride. These include the lateral ], ], ], and ] as well as the diagonal ].<ref name="Lieberman">{{cite journal |author=Lieberman, Bobbie |month=August | year=2007 |title=Easy Gaited Horses|journal=Equus |url= |accessdate=|issue=Issue 359|pages=47–51}}</ref> Ambling gaits are often genetic traits in specific breeds, known collectively as ]s.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Equus Staff |month=August | year=2007 |title=Breeds that Gait|journal=Equus |url= |accessdate=|issue=Issue 359|pages=52–54}}</ref> In most cases, gaited horses replace the standard trot with one of the ambling gaits.<ref name=HorseGaits51>Harris ''Horse Gaits, Balance and Movement'' pp. 50–55</ref>

===Behavior===
{{main|Horse behavior|Stable vices}}
Horses are prey animals with a well-developed ] instinct. Their first response to threat is to startle and usually flee, although they are known to stand their ground and defend themselves or their offspring in cases where flight is not possible, or when their young are threatened. They also tend to be curious; when startled, they will often hesitate an instant to ascertain the cause of their fright, and may not always flee from something that they perceive as non-threatening. Through selective breeding, some breeds of horses are quite docile, particularly certain large draft horses. Most light horse riding breeds were developed for speed, agility, alertness and endurance; natural qualities that extend from their wild ancestors.<ref name=Natural226>McBane ''A Natural Approach to Horse Management'' pp. 226–228</ref> Horses are herd animals, with a clear hierarchy of rank, led by a dominant animal (usually a mare). They are also social creatures who are able to form companionship attachments to their own species and to other animals, including humans. They communicate in various ways, including vocalizations such as nickering or whinnying, mutual ], and ]. Many horses will become difficult to manage if they are isolated. Through proper training, it is possible to teach any horse to accept a human as a type of companion, and thus be comfortable away from other horses.<ref name=Ensminger305>Ensminger ''Horses and Horsemanship'' pp. 305–309</ref> When confined with insufficient companionship, exercise or stimulation, individuals may develop ], an assortment of bad habits, mostly ] in origin, that include wood chewing, wall kicking, "weaving" (rocking back and forth) and other problems.<ref name=Prince214>Prince ''Basic Horsemanship'' pp. 214–223</ref>

====Intelligence and learning====
In the past, horses were considered unintelligent, with no ] ability, unable to generalize, and driven primarily by a ]. However, recent studies show that they perform a number of ] tasks on a daily basis, and frequently engage in mental challenges that include ] and ] identification. They have also been shown to have good ] abilities.<ref name=Hanggi>{{cite web|url=http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/features/horseintelligence-119.shtml|title=Understanding horse intelligence|author=Hanggi, Evelyn B.|date=2007-04-16|accessdate=2008-09-16|work=Horsetalk 2007|publisher=Horsetalk}}</ref>

Studies have assessed equine intelligence in the realms of ], learning speed, and knowledge retention. Results show that horses excel at simple learning, but also are able to solve advanced cognitive challenges that involve ] and ]. They have been shown to learn from ], ], ], and ]. They respond to and learn from both ] and negative reinforcement.<ref name=Hanggi/>

Domesticated horses tend to face greater mental challenges than wild horses, due to living in artificial environments that stifle ]ual behavior while learning tasks that are not natural.<ref name=Hanggi/> Horses are creatures of ] that respond and adapt well to regimentation, and respond best when the same routines and techniques are used consistently. Some trainers believe that "intelligent" horses are reflections of intelligent trainers who effectively use response conditioning techniques and positive reinforcement to train in the style that fits best with an individual animal's natural inclinations. Others who handle horses regularly note that personality also may play a role separate from intelligence in determining how a given animal responds to various experiences.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/nicanor/archive/2008/06/17/equine-iq-what-big-brown-couldn-t-tell-you-and-mr-ed-kept-to-himself.aspx|title=What Big Brown Couldn't Tell You and Mr. Ed Kept to Himself (part 1)|author=Coarse, Jim|date=2008-06-17|accessdate=2008-09-16|work=The BloodHorse|publisher=Blood-Horse Publications}}</ref>

====Temperament====
{{Main|Draft horse|Warmblood|Oriental horse}}
]
Horses are ]s, and as such are "]" creatures, as opposed to ]s, which are ]. However, these words have developed a separate meaning in the context of equine terminology, used to describe temperament, not body temperature. For example, the "hot-bloods," such as many ], exhibit more sensitivity and energy, while the "cold-bloods," such as most ], are quieter and calmer.<ref>Henry ''All About Horses'' pp. 59–60, 69–70</ref>

"Hot blooded" breeds include "]s" such as the ], ], ] and now-extinct ], as well as the ], a breed developed in England from the older oriental breeds. Hot bloods tend to be spirited, bold, and learn quickly. They are bred for agility and speed.<ref name="Henry59"/> They tend to be physically refined—thin-skinned, slim, and long-legged.<ref>DeFilippis ''The Everything Horse Care Book'' p. 4</ref> The original oriental breeds were brought to Europe from the Middle East and North Africa when European breeders wished to infuse these traits into racing and light ] horses.<ref name="Henry59">Henry ''All About Horses'' pp. 59–60</ref>

]

Muscular, heavy ]s are known as "cold bloods," as they are bred not only for strength, but also to have the calm, patient temperament needed to pull a plow or a heavy carriage full of people. They are sometimes nicknamed "gentle giants."<ref name="henry70">Henry,''All About Horses'', pp. 70–75</ref> Well-known draft breeds include the ] and the ]. Some, like the ] are lighter and livelier, developed to pull carriages or to plow large fields in drier climates. Others, such as the ], are slower and more powerful, bred to plow fields with heavy, clay-based soils.<ref name="henry70"/> The cold-blooded group also includes some pony breeds.<ref>Bennett, ''Conquerors,'' p. 7</ref>

"]" breeds, such as the ] or ], developed when European carriage and ] were crossed with Arabians or Thoroughbreds, producing a riding horse with more refinement than a draft horse, but greater size and more phlegmatic temperament than a lighter breed.<ref>Edwards, ''The Encyclopedia of the Horse'', pp. 122–123</ref> Certain ] breeds with warmblood characteristics have been developed for smaller riders.<ref>Examples are the ] and the ], see Edwards, ''The Encyclopedia of the Horse'', pp. 178–179, 208-209</ref>

]

Today, the term "Warmblood" refers to a specific subset of ] breeds that have dominated the ] and international ] competition in ] and ] since the 1970s. Prior to that time, the term "]" often referred to any ] between cold-blooded and hot-blooded breeds. Examples included breeds such as the ] or the ]. Less often, the term was even used to refer to breeds of light riding horse other than Thoroughbreds or Arabians, such as the ].<ref>Henry,''All About Horses'' pp. 77, 83</ref><!--Henry only sources the last sentence of this para, need Edwards or someone for the rest!-->

====Sleep patterns====
{{seealso|Horse behavior#Sleep patterns|l1=Horse sleep patterns|Sleep (non-human)|l2=Sleep in non-humans}}
]
Horses are able to sleep both standing up and lying down. In an adaptation from life in the wild, horses are able to enter light sleep by using a "stay apparatus" in their legs, allowing them to doze without collapsing.
<ref>{{cite web |url= http://equisearch.com/horses_care/health/behavior/eqzzz629/|title= How Horses Sleep |accessdate=2007-03-23 |author= Pascoe, Elaine |work= Equisearch.com |publisher= EquiSearch}} </ref> Horses sleep better when in groups because some animals will sleep while others stand guard to watch for predators. A horse kept alone will not sleep well because its ]s are to keep a constant eye out for danger.<ref name="Horse sleep pt. 2"/>

Unlike humans, horses do not sleep in a solid, unbroken period of time, but take many short periods of rest. Horses may spend anywhere from four to fifteen hours a day in standing rest, and from a few minutes to several hours lying down. Total sleep time in a day may range from several minutes to a couple of hours,<ref name="Horse sleep pt. 2">{{cite web |url= http://equisearch.com/horses_care/health/behavior/eqpowernap1771/|title= How Horses Sleep, Pt. 2 - Power Naps|accessdate=2007-03-23 |author= Pascoe, Elaine|work= Equisearch.com |publisher= EquiSearch}}</ref> mostly in short intervals of about 15&nbsp;minutes each.<ref name=Ensminger310>Ensminger ''Horses and Horsemanship'' p. 310</ref>

Horses must lie down to reach ]. They only have to lie down for an hour or two every few days to meet their minimum REM sleep requirements.<ref name="Horse sleep pt. 2"/> However, if a horse is never allowed to lie down, after several days it will become sleep-deprived, and in rare cases may suddenly collapse as it involuntarily slips into REM sleep while still standing.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://equisearch.com/horses_care/health/behavior/sleepdisorder_121506/|title= Equine Sleep Disorder Videos|accessdate=2007-03-23 |author=EQUUS Magazine Editors |work= Equisearch.com |publisher= EquiSearch}}</ref> This condition differs from ], although horses may also suffer from that disorder.<ref name="Smith">Smith ''Large Animal Internal Medicine'' pp. 1086–1087</ref>

==Taxonomy and evolution==
]
{{main|Evolution of the horse}}

The horse as it is known today adapted by ] to survive in areas of wide-open terrain with sparse vegetation, surviving in an ] where other large grazing animals, especially ]s, could not.<ref name="Budiansky">Budiansky ''The Nature of Horses'' p. 31</ref> Horses and other equids are ]s of the ] ], a group of mammals that was dominant during the ] period. In the past, this order contained 14&nbsp;] and many species, but only three families&mdash;] (the horse and related species), the ] and the ]&mdash;containing 18&nbsp;known species have survived to the present day.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Perissodactyla.html|title= Order Perissodactyla|accessdate=2008-07-09 |author= Myers, Phil|work= Animal Diversity Web |publisher= University of Michigan}}</ref> The earliest known member of the Equidae family was the '']'', which lived between 45 and 55&nbsp;million years ago, during the ] period and had 4&nbsp;toes on each front foot, and 3&nbsp;toes on each back foot.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fhc/hyraco1.htm|title= Hyracotherium|accessdate=2008-07-09 |work= Fossil Horses in Cyberspace |publisher= Florida Museum of Natural History}}</ref> The extra toe on the front feet soon disappeared with the '']'', which lived 32 to 37&nbsp;million years ago,<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fhc/mesoh1.htm|title= Mesohippus|accessdate=2008-07-09|work= Fossil Horses in Cyberspace |publisher= Florida Museum of Natural History}}</ref> and by about 5&nbsp;million years ago, the modern Equus had developed.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fhc/equus1.htm|title= Equus|accessdate=2008-07-09work= Fossil Horses in Cyberspace |publisher= Florida Museum of Natural History}}</ref> The extra side toes shrank in size until they have vanished in modern horses. All that remains is a set of small ] bones on the leg above the hoof,<ref name=Natural>{{cite web |url= http://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/horse/?section=evolution&page=evolution_b|title= The Evolution of Horses|accessdate=2008-07-09 |work= The Horse |publisher= American Museum of Natural History}}</ref> known informally as ergots, chestnuts, or splint bones.<ref>Miller, ''Understanding the Ancient Secrets of the Horse's Mind'', p. 20</ref> Their legs also lengthened as their toes disappeared and until they were a hoofed animal capable of running at great speed.<ref name=Natural/>

Over millions of years, equid teeth also evolved from browsing on soft, tropical plants to adapt to browsing of drier plant material, and grazing of tougher plains ]es. Thus the proto-horses changed from leaf-eating forest-dwellers to grass-eating inhabitants of semi-arid regions worldwide, including the ]s of Eurasia and the ] of North America. For reasons not fully understood, ''Equus caballus'' disappeared from North America around 10,000&nbsp;years ago, at the end of the last ].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/horses/what.html|title= What Is A Horse?|accessdate=2008-04-03|work= Nature |publisher= PBS}}</ref>

====The "Four Foundations" theory====
Modern DNA evidence suggests that domesticated horses evolved from multiple wild populations.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Briggs, Helen|date=July 16, 2002 |title=Origins of domestic horse revealed|journal=BBC News Online |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/2129182.stm |accessdate= 2008-07-07}}</ref> Specifically, the "Four Foundations" theory suggests that the modern horse evolved from multiple ancient wild prototypes, each adapted to a given habitat.<ref>Bennett, ''Conquerors'' pp. 6–8</ref> However, an older theory holds that there was only one type of wild horse, the Tarpan subtype, and all other types diverged in form after domestication to meet human needs.<ref>Edwards, ''The Arabian,'' pp 1, 3</ref>

Under the four foundations theory, all types and breeds of horses are thought to have developed from the following base prototypes:<ref name="Bennett7">Bennett, ''Conquerors'', p.7</ref>
], the last surviving wild horse species]]{{imagequote|190|
* The "Warmblood" subspecies or "]": (''Equus ferus silvaticus'', also called the Diluvial Horse) thought to have evolved into ''Equus ferus germanicus'', and which may have contributed to the development of the ] horses of northern ], as well as older "heavy horses" such as the ].
* The "Draft" subspecies: a small, sturdy, heavyset animal with a heavy hair coat, arising in northern Europe, adapted to cold, damp climates, somewhat resembling today's ] or even the ].
* The "Oriental" subspecies: a taller, slim, refined and agile animal arising in western ], adapted to hot, dry climates, thought to be the progenitor of modern ]s such as the ] and ].
* The "Tarpan" subspecies: dun-colored, sturdy animal, the size of a large pony, adapted to the cold, dry climates of northern Asia, the predecessor to the ] and ] as well as the domesticated ].<ref name="Bennett7"/>}}

===Domestication and surviving wild species===
{{main|Domestication of the horse}}
Competing theories exist as to the time and place of initial domestication. The earliest evidence for the ] comes from ] and dates to approximately 4,000&nbsp;BC.<ref>Matossian ''Shaping World History'' p. 43</ref> It is thought that the horse was completely domesticated by 3000&nbsp;BC, and by 2000&nbsp;BC there was a sharp increase in the number of horse bones found in human settlements in northwestern Europe, indicating the spread of domesticated horses throughout the continent.<ref>Evans ''Horse Breeding and Management'' p. 56</ref>

====Wild species surviving into modern times====
{{Main|Wild horse}}
]
A truly wild horse is a species or subspecies which has no ancestors that were ever domesticated. Therefore, most "wild" horses today are actually ]s, animals that escaped or were turned loose from domestic herds and the descendants of those animals.<ref name=Olsen46>Olsen, "Horse Hunters of the Ice Age", ''Horses Through Time'', p. 46</ref>

Only two types of truly wild horses survived into recorded history. One, the ] (''Equus ferus ferus'') survived into the historical era, but became ] in 1887. Its pure genetic line was lost, but three attempts have been made to re-create the Tarpan. In the early 1930s, Berlin Zoo Director Lutz Heck and Heinz Heck of the Munich Zoo began a program that by the 1960s produced the ]. In 1936, Polish university professor Tadeusz Vetulani began a program using ] horses, and in the mid-1960s Harry Hegard started a program in the United States using feral mustangs and local working ranch horses that has resulted in the Hegardt or Stroebel's Horse. None of the breeding programs were completely successful, although all three resulted in horses with many similarities to the Tarpan.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.petermaas.nl/extinct/speciesinfo/tarpan.htm|title= Equus ferus ferus|accessdate=2008-07-09|work= Recently Extinct Animals|publisher= The Extinction Website}}</ref>

There is only one true wild horse species alive today, the ] (''Equus ferus przewalskii''). It is a rare Asian animal, also known as the Mongolian Wild Horse; ]n people know it as the ''taki'', and the ] people call it a ''kirtag''. Small wild breeding populations of this animal, named after the ]n explorer ], exist in Mongolia.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.treemail.nl/takh/|title= Home|accessdate=2008-04-03 |publisher= The Foundation for the Preservation and Protection of the Przewalski Horse}}</ref> There are also small populations maintained at zoos throughout the world. The species was considered extinct in the wild between 1969 and 1992, but a small breeding population was reestablished in the wild due to the conservation efforts of numerous zoos.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.zsl.org/info/media/press-releases/null,1790,PR.html|title= An extraordinary return from the brink of extinction for worlds last wild horse|date=2005-12-19|accessdate=2008-04-29|work= ZSL Press Releases|publisher= Zoological Society of London}}</ref>

====Feral populations====
{{Main|Feral horse}}

] horses are born and live in the wild, but are descended from domesticated animals.<ref name=Olsen46/> Many populations of ]s exist throughout the world.<ref>Edwards, ''The Encyclopedia of the Horse'', p. 291</ref><ref>Anthony, "Bridling Horse Power: The Domestication of the Horse", ''Horses Through Time'', pp. 66–67</ref> Studies of feral herds have provided useful insights into the behavior of prehistoric horses,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.carnegiemnh.org/anthro/olsen_horse.html | author=Olsen, Sandra L.|title= Horses in Prehistory|work=Anthropology Research | publisher=Carnegie Museum of Natural History|accessdate=2008-08-16}}</ref> as well as greater understanding of the instincts and behaviors that drive horses that live in domesticated conditions.<ref>Dines, "American Mustang Guidebook," pp. 10, 30, 33</ref>

====Other modern equids====
{{main|Equidae}}
Besides the horse, there are seven other species of ] ''equus'' in the equidae ]. These are the ass or ], ''Equus asinus''; the ], ''Equus zebra''; ], ''Equus burchelli''; ], ''Equus grevyi''; the ], ''Equus kiang''; and the ], ''Equus hemionus'', including its subspecies, the ], ''Equus hemionus onager''.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/classification/Equus.html#Equus|title= Genus Equus|accessdate=2008-07-10 |work= Animal Diversity Web|publisher= University of Michigan}}</ref>

Horses can ] with other members of the ''equus'' genus. The most common ] is the ], a cross between a "jack" (male donkey) and a ]. A related hybrid, a ], is a cross between a stallion and a ] (female donkey).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.britishmulesociety.org.uk/|title= Mule Information|accessdate=2008-07-10 |work= BMS Website|publisher= British Mule Society}}</ref> Other hybrids include the ], a cross between a zebra and a horse that is bred in ] and used for trekking on ].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-464723/Meet-Eclyse--amazing-zebra-crossing.html|title= Meet Eclyse - the amazing zebra crossing|accessdate=2008-07-10 |work= Mail Online|publisher= Associated Newspapers Ltd}}</ref> With rare exceptions, most hybrids are ] and cannot reproduce.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=12260255 |title=Befuddling Birth: The Case of the Mule's Foal|accessdate=2008-08-16|author= |work=All Things Considered|publisher=National Public Radio}}</ref>

===Breeds===
{{main|List of horse breeds|Horse breeding|Selective breeding}}
Horse breeds are groups of horses with distinctive characteristics that are transmitted consistently to their offspring, such as ], color, performance ability, or disposition. These inherited traits are usually the result of a combination of natural crosses and ] methods aimed at producing horses for specific tasks. Certain breeds are known for certain talents. For example, ]s are known for their speed in ]. Some breeds have been developed through centuries of crossings with other breeds, while others, such as ]s and ], developed from a ] from which all current breed members descend. There are more than 300&nbsp;horse breeds in the world today.<ref>Hedge ''Horse Conformation'' pp. 307–308</ref>

====Origin of breeds====
{{seealso|Domestication of the horse}}

Modern horse breeds developed in response to a need for "form to function", the necessity to develop certain physical characteristics in order to perform a certain type of work.<ref name=Sponenberg155>Sponenberg, "The Proliferation of Horse Breeds", ''Horses Through Time'', p. 155</ref> Thus, powerful but refined breeds such as the ] or the ] developed in the ] as riding horses that also had a great aptitude for ],<ref name=Sponenberg155/> while heavy draft horses such as the ] and the ] developed out of a need to perform demanding ] work and pull heavy wagons.<ref>Sponenberg, "The Proliferation of Horse Breeds", ''Horses Through Time'', pp. 156–57</ref> Ponies of all breeds originally developed mainly from the need for a ] that could fulfill specific local draft and transportation needs while surviving in harsh environments. However, by the 20th century, many pony breeds had ] and other blood added to make a more refined pony suitable for riding.<ref>Sponenberg, "The Proliferation of Horse Breeds", ''Horses Through Time'', pp. 155, 170-173</ref> Other horse breeds developed specifically for light agricultural work, heavy and light carriage and road work, various equestrian disciplines, or simply as pets.<ref name=Spon162>Sponenberg, "The Proliferation of Horse Breeds", ''Horses Through Time'', p. 162</ref>

====Purebreds and registries====
{{main|Breed registry|Purebred}}
Horses have been ] since their ]. Today, there are over 300 breeds of horses in the world. However, the concept of ] bloodstock and a controlled, written ] only became of significant importance in modern times. Today, the standards for defining and registration of different breeds vary. Sometimes purebred horses are called ]s, which is incorrect; "Thoroughbred" is a specific breed of horse, while a "purebred" is a horse (or any other animal) with a defined ] recognized by a breed registry.<ref name=Ensminger424>Ensminger ''Horses and Horsemanship'' p. 424</ref>

An early example of people who practiced selective horse breeding were the ], who had a reputation for careful breeding practices, keeping extensive pedigrees of their ]s and placing great value upon pure bloodlines.<ref>Edwards ''The Arabian'', pp. 22–23</ref> Though these pedigrees were originally transmitted via an ], written pedigrees of Arabian horses can be found that date to the 14th century.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.waho.org/History.html|title= Is Purity the Issue? |accessdate=2008-04-29 |work= WAHO Publication Number 21 January 1998|publisher= World Arabian Horse Organization}}</ref> In the same period of the early ], the ] monks of southern ] bred horses and kept meticulous pedigrees of the best bloodstock; the lineage survives to this day in the ].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/horses/andalusian/index.htm|title= Andalusian |accessdate=2008-04-29|work= Breeds of Livestock|publisher= Oklahoma State University}}</ref> One of the earliest formal registries was ] for Thoroughbreds, which began in 1791 and traced back to the Arabian stallions imported to England from the Middle East that became the ] stallions for the breed.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.britishhorseracing.com/goracing/racing/racehorses/history.asp|title= History of Thoroughbreds |accessdate=2008-04-03|work= Britishhorseracing.com|publisher= British Horseracing Authority}}</ref>

Some breed registries have a ], where registration is based on pedigree, and no outside animals can gain admittance. For example, a registered ] or Arabian must have two registered parents of the same breed.<ref name=JockeyClub>{{cite web |url= http://www.jockeyclub.com/registry.asp?section=3#one|title= American Stud Book Principal Rules and Requirements|accessdate=2007-07-05|publisher= Jockey Club}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.arabianhorses.org/registration/reg_rules.asp |title= 2008 Rules & Regulations|accessdate=2008-04-03 |work= 2008 Rulebook|publisher= Arabian Horse Association}}</ref> Other breeds have a partially closed stud book but still allow certain infusions from other breeds. For example, the modern ] must have at least one Appaloosa parent, but may also have a ], Thoroughbred, or Arabian parent so long as the offspring exhibits appropriate color characteristics.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.appaloosa.com/pdfs/rulebook07.pdf|format=PDF|title= Appaloosa Horse Club Handbook 2007|accessdate=2007-07-05 |work= 2007 Rulebook|publisher= The Appaloosa Horse Club}}</ref> The Quarter Horse normally requires both parents to be registered Quarter Horses, but allows ] registration of horses with one Thoroughbred parent, and the horse may earn its way to full registration by completing certain performance requirements.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.aqha.com/association/registration/pdf/registrationrules_07.pdf|format=PDF|title= AQHA Registration Rules and Regulations|accessdate=2007-07-05 |work= 2007 Rulebook|publisher= American Quarter Horse Association}} </ref>

Others, such as most of the ] breeds used in ] disciplines, have ]s to varying degrees. While pedigree is considered, outside bloodlines are admitted to the registry if the horses meet the set standard for the registry. These registries usually require a ] process involving judging of an individual animal's quality, performance, and ] before registration is finalized.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.americanwarmblood.org/|title= What Is A Warmblood Anyway?|accessdate=2008-05-01 |author= Bernhold, Suzette|work= Warmblood Whisper|publisher= American Warmblood Society}}</ref> A few "registries," particularly some ] registries, are very open and will allow membership of all horses that meet limited criteria, such as coat color and species, regardless of pedigree or conformation.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.palominohorseassoc.com/regandmembershipins.htm|title= Registration and Membership Instructions|accessdate=2008-05-01 |publisher= Palomino Horse Association}}</ref><ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.pintohorseregistry.com/RulesProcedures.html |title=Registration Procedure|publisher=National Pinto Horse Registry|accessdate=2008-09-28}}</ref>

Breed registries also differ as to their acceptance or rejection of breeding technology. For example, all ] Thoroughbred registries require that a registered Thoroughbred be a product of a natural mating, so called "live cover". A ] born of two Thoroughbred parents, but by means of ] or ], cannot be registered in the Thoroughbred studbook.<ref name=JockeyClub/> On the other hand, since the advent of ] testing to verify parentage, most breed registries now allow artificial insemination (AI), embryo transfer (ET), or both. The high value of stallions has helped with the acceptance of these techniques because they allow a stallion to breed more mares with each "collection," and greatly reduce the risk of injury during mating.<ref>{{cite journal |author= McAfee, Melonyce |date=2007-01-30|title= Did They Save Barbaro's Semen? |journal= Slate |url= http://www.slate.com/id/2158610/ |accessdate=2008-05-01}}</ref> ] of horses is highly controversial, and at the present time most mainstream breed registries will not accept cloned horses, though several cloned horses and mules have been produced.<ref>{{cite journal |author= Mott, Maryann |date=2006-04-04|title= Champion Horses Cloned by Texas Breeder |journal= National Geographic News |url= http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/04/0404_060404_horse_clone.html |accessdate=2008-05-01}}</ref>

==Interaction with humans==
]
Around the world, horses play a role within human cultures. Horses are used for leisure activities, sports, and working purposes. The ] (FAO) reports that in 2003, China had the largest number of horses in the world with over 8&nbsp;million, followed by Mexico (6,260,000), Brazil (5,900,500), the United States (5,300,000), and Argentina (3,655,000).<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.fao.org/ag/aga/glipha/index.jsp|title= Global Livestock Production and Health Atlas|accessdate=2007-08-22 |publisher= Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations |work= GLiPHA}}</ref> The ] estimates that horse-related activities have a direct impact on the economy of the ] of over $39 billion, and when indirect spending is considered, the impact is over $102 billion.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.cthorsecouncil.org/AHC2005JuneEconStudy.pdf|format=PDF|title= Most Comprehensive Horse Study Ever Reveals A Nearly $40 Billion Impact On The U.S. Economy|accessdate=2005-06-20|work= American Horse Council Press Release|publisher= American Horse Council}}</ref> In a 2004 "poll" conducted by ], more than 50,000 viewers from 73 countries voted for the horse as the world's 4th favorite animal.<ref name=IOL>{{cite web |url= http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?newslett=1&em=28164a99a20041206ah&click_id=29&art_id=qw1102325040750B216&set_id=1|title=Tiger tops dog as world's favourite animal |accessdate=2008-04-03 |work= IOL|publisher= Independent Online}}</ref>

===Sport===
<!-- There is a whole article about Equestrianism for all details about every possible sport. This article should only give the bare summary. So, please do not add elaborate sections of your own favorite horse sport here. -->
{{Main|Equestrianism|Horse racing|Horse training|Horse tack}}
Historically, equestrians honed their skills through competitions, games and races. Equestrian sports have the dual purpose of providing entertainment for crowds and creating and preserving the excellent horsemanship that was needed in battle. Many sports, such as ], ] and ], had origins in ], which were focused on control and balance in both the horse and the rider. Other sports, such as ], developed from practical skills such as those needed on working ]es. Sport hunting from horseback evolved from earlier practical hunting techniques.<ref name="Olsen">Olsen, "In the Winner's Circle", ''Horses Through Time'', pp. 105, 111-113, 121</ref> ], whether the horse was ridden or driven, evolved out of impromptu competitions between riders or drivers. The evolving competitions, requiring ever more demanding and specialized skills from both horse and rider, resulted in the systematic development of specialized breeds and equipment for each sport. The popularity of equestrian sports through the centuries has resulted in the preservation of skills that would otherwise have rapidly disappeared after horses stopped being used in combat.<ref>Olsen, "In the Winner's Circle", ''Horses Through Time'', p. 105</ref>
] test]]

Horses are trained to be ridden or driven in many different sporting events and competitions. Examples include ], ], three-day ], ], ], ], ]s and ].<ref>Edwards, ''The Encyclopedia of the Horse'', pp. 346–356, 366-371</ref> ]s, which have their origins in medieval European fairs, are held around the world as venues in which horses are competed, exhibited and sold. They host a huge range of classes, covering all of the mounted and harness disciplines, as well as ] classes where the horses are led, rather than ridden, to exhibit their conformation. The method of judging classes varies depending on the discipline, but winning awards usually depends on style and ability of both horse and rider.<ref>Edwards, ''The Encyclopedia of the Horse'', pp. 376–377</ref>
Sports such as ] do not judge the horse itself, but rather use the horse as a partner for human competitors as a necessary part of the game. Although the horse assists this process and requires specialized training to do so, the details of its performance are not judged, only the result of the rider's actions—be it getting a ball through a goal or some other achievement.<ref name=Edwards360>Edwards, ''The Encyclopedia of the Horse'', p. 360</ref> Examples of these sports of partnership between human and animal also include ] (reenacting the skills used by medieval ]s), in which the main goal is for one rider to unseat the other,<ref>Collins, ''Encyclopedia of Traditional British Rural Sports'', pp. 173–174</ref> and ], a team game played throughout ], the aim being to capture a goat carcass while on horseback.<ref name=Edwards360/>

] is an equestrian sport and also a huge international industry, watched in almost every nation of the world. There are three types: "flat" racing; ], i.e. racing over jumps; and ], where horses trot or pace while pulling a driver in a small, light cart known as a ].<ref>Edwards, ''The Encyclopedia of the Horse'', pp. 332–337</ref> A major part of horse racing's economic importance lies in the ] associated with it.<ref>Campbell, ''National Gambling Impact Study Commission Final Report'', p. 111</ref>

Communication between human and horse is paramount in any equestrian activity;<ref name="Olsen"/> to aid this process horses are usually ridden with a ] on their backs to assist the rider with balance and positioning, and a ] or related headgear to assist the rider in maintaining control.<ref>Edwards, ''Horses'', pp. 32–34</ref> Sometimes horses are ridden without a saddle,<ref>Self, ''Riding Simplified'', p. 55</ref> and occasionally, horses are trained to perform without a bridle or other headgear.<ref>{{cite journal |author= Montag, Molly |date=2008-07-17|title= Bridleless, Bareback Reining Queen Stacy Westfall |journal= Cowgirl Living |url= http://www.rodeoattitude.com/spur/livestock/equine/stacy-westfall-clm-1521.shtml |accessdate=2008-08-16}}</ref> Many horses are also ], which requires a ], bridle and some type of ].<ref>Mettler, ''Horse Sense'', pp. 47–54</ref>

===Work===
]]]

There are certain jobs that horses do very well, and no technology has yet developed that can fully replace them. For example, ] horses are still effective for certain types of patrol duties and crowd control.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nps.gov/uspp/fhorsepage.htm |title= Horse Mounted Unit|accessdate=2008-04-07|work= United States Park Police|publisher= National Park Service}}</ref> Cattle ]es still require riders on horseback to round up cattle that are scattered across remote, rugged terrain.<ref>Edwards, ''The Encyclopedia of the Horse'', pp. 226–227</ref> ] organizations in some countries depend upon ] teams to locate people, particularly hikers and children, and to provide disaster relief assistance.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.sbcsheriff.org/msru_job.html|title= Volunteer Mounted Search and Rescue Unit|accessdate=2008-07-08|work= Employment|publisher= San Benito County Sheriff's Office}}</ref> Horses can also be used in other areas where it is necessary to avoid vehicular disruption to delicate soil. Examples include areas such as nature reserves. They may also be the only form of transport allowed in ]s. They are also quieter than motorized vehicles. ]s such as ]s or ]s may use horses for patrols, and horses or mules may also be used for clearing trails or other work in areas of rough terrain where vehicles are less effective.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/publications/success_story_updates/2003-05.pdf |format=PDF|title=Success Stories |accessdate=2008-04-20 |author=US Forest Service |year=2003 |month=May |chapter=Mules Key in Accomplishing Trail Work |publisher=US Department of Agriculture |pages=p. 4 }}</ref>

Some land management practices such as cultivating and logging can be efficiently performed with horses. In agriculture, less use of fossil fuels and increased environmental conservation can be seen over time with the use of ] such as horses.<ref>Gifford, "Working Draught Horses as Singles and Pairs", ''The Working Horse Manual'', p. 85</ref><ref>Miller, ''Work Horse Handbook'', p. 13</ref> In forestry, logging can be done with horses and can result in reduced damage to soil structure and less damage to trees due to more selective logging.<ref>Gifford, "Working Horses in Forestry", ''The Working Horse Manual'', p. 145</ref> Although machinery has replaced horses in many parts of the world, an estimated 100&nbsp;million horses, donkeys and mules are still used for agriculture and transportation in less developed areas such as ], ] and ].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/features/nc-ilphclinic.shtml|title= Saddled with a Big Responsibility|accessdate=2008-07-08|work= Features|publisher= Horsetalk}}</ref>

===Entertainment and culture===
{{See also|Horses in art|Horse worship}}
Modern horses are often used to reenact many of their historical work purposes. Horses are used, complete with equipment that is authentic or a meticulously recreated replica, in various live action ]s of specific periods of history, especially recreations of famous battles.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.blackhorsetroop.org/activities/|title= Unit Activities|accessdate=2008-04-29|author= Stoddard, Samuel |work= Co H, 4th Virginia Cavalry|publisher= Washington Webworks, LLC}}</ref> Horses also are used to preserve cultural traditions and for ceremonial purposes. Countries such as the ] still use horse-drawn carriages to convey royalty and other VIPs to and from certain culturally significant events.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.royal.gov.uk/output/Page5023.asp|title= Carriages|accessdate=2008-04-29|work= Transport|publisher= British Monarchy}} </ref> Public exhibitions are another example, such as the ], seen in ]s and other public settings, a team of ]s that pull a beer wagon similar to that used before to the invention of the modern motorized truck.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.seaworld.org/Animal-info/info-books/clydesdale/ab-clydesdale-teams.htm|title= Clydesdales|accessdate=2008-08-20|author= Busch Gardens |work= Animals|publisher= Busch Entertainment Corporation}} </ref>

Horses are frequently used in ] and ]s to add authenticity to historical dramas as well as adding charm to films set in modern-day, or even futuristic science fiction settings.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.rinkworks.com/movies/i/g_horse.shtml|title= Horse Movies|accessdate=2008-04-22|author= Stoddard, Samuel |work= At-a-Glance Film Reviews|publisher= Rink Works}}</ref> Both live horses and ] images of horses are used in ] to promote a variety of products.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hippomaxx-muenster.de/english/sonderausstellung.php?navid=7|title=Trademark Horse - Horses as advertising mediums|publisher=Westfälische Pferdemuseum|accessdate=2008-08-16}}</ref> The horse frequently appears in coats of arms in ]. The horse can be represented as standing, trotting, courant (running) or salient (]). The horse may be saddled and bridled, harnessed, or without any harness whatsoever.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.heraldsnet.org/saitou/parker/Jpglossh.htm#Horse|title= A Glossary of Terms Used in Heraldry|accessdate=2008-04-03|author= Parker, James|work= Heraldsnet.org|publisher= Heraldsnet}} </ref> The horse appears in the 12-year cycle of animals in the ] related to the ]. According to Chinese folklore, each animal is associated with certain personality traits, and those born in the year of the horse are intelligent, independent and free-spirited.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.c-c-c.org/chineseculture/zodiac/Horse.html|title= Year of the Horse|accessdate=2007-07-22|publisher= Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco}} </ref>

===Assisted learning and therapy===
{{See also|Hippotherapy|Therapeutic horseback riding|Equine-guided education}}

People of all ages with physical and mental disabilities obtain beneficial results from association with horses. Therapeutic riding is used to mentally and physically stimulate disabled persons and help them improve their lives through improved balance and coordination, increased self-confidence and a greater feeling of freedom and independence.<ref>Bush, et.al., ''The Principles of Teaching Riding'', p. 58</ref> The benefits of equestrian activity for people with disabilities has also been recognized with the addition of equestrian events to the ] and recognition of para-equestrian events by the ].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.fei.org/Disciplines/Para-Equestrian/About_Para-Equestrian/Pages/What_Is_Para-Equestrian.aspx|title= What Is Para-Equestrian?|accessdate=2008-07-08 |publisher= Federation Equestre Internationale|work= Para-Equestrian}}</ref> ] and ] are names for different physical, occupational, and speech therapy treatment strategies that utilize equine movement. In hippotherapy, a therapist uses the horse's movement to provide improve their patient's cognitive, coordination, balance and fine motor skills, whereas therapeutic horseback riding uses specific riding skills.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.narha.org/PDFFiles/FAQ_Hippotherapy.pdf|format=PDF|title= Frequently Asked Questions About Hippotherapy|accessdate=2008-07-08 |work= FAQ - AHA, April 2005|publisher= American Hippotherapy Association}}</ref>

Horses also provide psychological benefits to people whether they actually ride or not. "Equine-assisted" or "equine-facilitated" ] is a form of experiential psychotherapy that uses horses as companion animals to assist people with psychological problems, including anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, mood disorders, behavioral difficulties, mental illness and those who are going through major life changes.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.narha.org/SecEFMHA/FactSheet.asp|title=Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP) Fact Sheet|accessdate=2008-07-08 |publisher= Equine Facilitated Mental Health Association}}</ref> ] (EAL) (also known as equine guided education or equine assisted professional development) is a field of experiential learning for corporate, professional and personal development.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.chiefexecutive.com/display_article.asp?id=1410|title= Why Talk to a Guru - When You Can Whisper to a Horse|accessdate=2008-07-08 |author= The Academy for Chief Executives|work= Articles}}</ref> There are also experimental programs using horses in ] settings. Exposure to horses appears to improve the behavior of inmates in a prison setting and help reduce ] when they leave.<ref>{{cite journal |author= Wise, Mike |date=2003-08-10|title= Partners, Horse and Man, in Prison Pasture |journal= New York Times |url= http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9404E6D91331F933A2575BC0A9659C8B63 |accessdate=2008-07-08}}</ref>

===Warfare===
] charge]]
{{main|Horses in warfare}}

] have been seen for most of recorded history. The first archaeological evidence of horses used in warfare dates to between 3000 to 4000&nbsp;BC,<ref name="Science Show">{{cite web |url= http://www.abc.net.au/rn/science/ss/stories/s70986.htm|title= The Horse in History|accessdate=2008-07-17 |author= Newby, Jonica, Jared Diamond and David Anthony|work= The Science Show|date=1999-11-13|publisher= Radio National}}</ref> and the use of horses in warfare was widespread by the end of the ].<ref name="Hartwick">{{cite web|url=http://users.hartwick.edu/anthonyd/harnessing%20horsepower.html|title=The Earliest Horseback Riding and its Relation to Chariotry and Warfare|author=Anthony, David W. and Dorcas R. Brown|work= Harnessing Horsepower|publisher=Institute for Ancient Equestrian Studies|accessdate=2007-10-09}}</ref> Although mechanization has largely replaced the horse as a weapon of war, horses are still seen today in limited military uses, mostly for ceremonial purposes, or for reconnaissance and transport activities in areas of rough terrain where motorized vehicles are ineffective. Horses have been used in the 21st century by the ] militias in the ].<ref>{{cite journal |url= http://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/04/international/africa/04DARF.html?ex=1399003200&en=b72ea0a4b892076d&ei=5007&partner=USERLAND|title=In Sudan, Militiamen on Horses Uproot a Million |accessdate=2008-04-03 |author= Lacey, Marc |work= The New York Times|publisher= The New York Times Company}}</ref>

===Products===
Horses have been used as raw material for many products made by humans throughout history, including byproducts from the slaughter of horses as well as materials collected from living horses.

Products collected from living horses include mare's milk, used by people with large horse herds, such as the ], who let it ferment to produce ].<ref name=NewYorker>{{cite journal |url= http://www.newyorker.com/archive/2005/04/25/050425fa_fact4|title= Invaders: Destroying Baghdad|accessdate=2008-04-03 |author= Frazier, Ian |journal= The New Yorker|publisher= CondeNet}}</ref> Horse blood was once used as food by the Mongols and other ]ic tribes, who found it a convenient source of nutrition when traveling. Drinking their own horses' blood allowed the Mongols to ride for extended periods of time without stopping to eat.<ref name=NewYorker/> Today, the drug ] is a mixture of ]s extracted from the urine of pregnant mares ('''pre'''gnant '''mar'''es' ur'''in'''e). It is a widely used drug for ].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.hsus.org/horses_equines/issues/the_facts_about_premarin.html|title= The Facts About Premarin|accessdate=2008-04-03 |work= Issues Facing Equines|publisher= The Humane Society of the United States}} </ref> The tail hair of horses can be used for making ]s for ]s such as the ], ], ], and ].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.johnsonstring.com/horse.htm|title= From Horse to Bow|accessdate=2008-04-03 |author= VanClay, Mary |work= News You Can Use|publisher= Johnson String Instrument}} </ref>

] has been used as food for humans and ] throughout the ages. It is eaten in many parts of the world, though consumption is ] in some cultures.<ref name=USDA>{{cite web |url= http://www.igha.org/USDA.html|title= U.S.D.A. Promotes Horse & Goat Meat|accessdate=2008-04-03 |work= I.G.H.A./HorseAid's U.S.D.A. Report|publisher= U.S. Department of Agriculture}}</ref> Horsemeat has been an export industry in the United States and other countries,<ref name=USDA/> though legislation has periodically been introduced in the United States Congress which would end export from the United States.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2006/09/08/MNGI9L1RMK1.DTL|title= House votes to outlaw slaughter of horses for human consumption|accessdate=2008-04-03 |author= Coile, Zachary |work= SF Gate |publisher= San Francisco Chronicle}}</ref> Horsehide leather has been used for boots, gloves, ],<ref name="by-product">Ockerman ''Animal By-product Processing & Utilization'' p. 129</ref> ],<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?p=309566|title= Inside a Modern Baseball |accessdate=2008-04-03 |work= Baseball Fever|publisher= Baseball Almanac}} </ref> and baseball gloves. Horse hooves can also be used to produce ].<ref>Bartlett, ''Keeping House'', pp. 34–35</ref> Horse bones can be used to make implements.<ref >MacGregor ''Bone, Antler, Ivory and Horn'' p. 31</ref> Specifically, in Italian cuisine, the horse ] is sharpened into a probe called a ''spinto'', which is used to test the readiness of a (pig) ham as it cures.<ref>Fort ''Eating Up Italy'' p. 171</ref> In Asia, the saba is a horsehide vessel used in the production of kumis.<ref>Hurd, ''Diseases of the Stomach and Intestines'', p. 29</ref>

===Care===
{{Main|Horse care}}
{{seealso|Equine nutrition|Horse grooming|Veterinary medicine|Farrier}}
] a horse]]
Horses are ] animals, and their major source of nutrients is good-quality ] from ] or pasture.<ref>{{cite journal|author=Kellon, Eleanor|title=Focus on Feed Costs|journal=Horse Journal|volume= Vol. 16, No. 6|month=June | year=2008|pages=11–12}}</ref> They can consume approximately 2% to 2.5% of their body weight in dry feed each day. Therefore, a {{convert|1000|lb|adj=on}} adult horse could eat up to {{convert|25|lb}} of food.<ref name="Penn">{{cite web|author=Hall, Marvin H. and Patricia M. Comerford|url=http://pubs.cas.psu.edu/FreePubs/pdfs/uc099.pdf|format=PDF|title=Pasture and Hay for Horses - Agronomy Facts 32|year=1992|publisher=University of Pennsylvania|work=Cooperative Extension Service|accessdate=2007-02-14}}</ref> Sometimes, concentrated feed such as ] is fed in addition to pasture or hay, especially when the animal is very active.<ref>Giffin ''Horse Owner's Veterinary Handbook'' pp. 476–477</ref> When grain is fed, equine nutritionists recommend that 50% or more of the animal's diet by weight should still be forage.<ref name="Feeding factors">{{cite web|url=http://ohioline.osu.edu/b762/b762_12.html|title=Feeding Factors|publisher=Ohio State University|work=Horse Nutrition|accessdate=2007-02-09}}</ref>

Horses require a plentiful supply of clean ], a minimum of {{convert|10|USgal|L}} to {{convert|12|USgal|L}} per day.<ref>Giffin ''Horse Owner's Veterinary Handbook'' p. 455</ref> Although horses are adapted to live outside, they require shelter from the wind and ], which can range from a simple shed or shelter to an elaborate ].<ref>Giffin ''Horse Owner's Veterinary Handbook'' p. 482</ref>

Horses require routine ] care from a ] as well as regular ]s to protect against various ]s, and periodic ] examinations from a ] or a specialized equine dentist.<ref>Giffin ''Horse Owner's Veterinary Handbook'' p. 62,168,310</ref> If horses are kept inside in a ], they require regular daily exercise for their physical health and mental well-being.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.hsus.org/horses_equines/companions/general_horse_care_guidelines.html|title= General Horse Care Guidelines|accessdate=2008-04-22|work= Horses: Companions for Life |publisher= Humane Society of the United States}}</ref> When turned outside, they require well-maintained, sturdy ] to be safely contained.<ref>Wheeler ''Horse Stable and Riding Arena Design'' p. 215</ref> Regular ] is also helpful to help the horse maintain good health of the hair coat and underlying skin.<ref>Giffin ''Horse Owner's Veterinary Handbook'' p. 90</ref>

==See also==
{{commonscat|Equus caballus}}
{{wikispecies|Equus caballus}}
{{wikiquote|Horses}}
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
{{clear}}

== References ==
{{reflist|2}}

== Sources ==
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*{{cite book |author= Apperson, George Latimer and Martin Manser|title= Dictionary of Proverbs|edition= |publisher= Wordsworth Editions|year= 2006|isbn=1840223111}}
* {{cite book| author=Bartlett, Virginia K.|title=Keeping House: Women's Lives in Western Pennsylvania, 1790–1850|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=L2KtMgwNL3cC&pg=PA35&dq=horse+hoof+glue&as_brr=3&sig=ACfU3U17MT7i8EvojToOdkN41EugnrjPDA#PPA34,M1|year=1994|publisher=]|isbn=0822955385| oclc=30978921}}
* {{cite book |author= Bennett, Deb|title= Conquerors: The Roots of New World Horsemanship|edition= First Edition|publisher= Amigo Publications, Inc.|location= Solvang, CA|year= 1998 |isbn=0-9658533-0-6 |oclc= 39709067}}
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*{{cite book |author= Bush, Karen and Julian Marczak|title= The Principles of Teaching Riding: The Official Manual of the Association of British Riding Schools|edition= |publisher= David & Charles|year= 2005|isbn=0715319027|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=uCQYEduHy8cC&pg=PA58&dq=people+with+disabilities+riding+horses+benefits&sig=ACfU3U3imVgBPPwy0P7q8PKIb-UzhQlciA |oclc= 224946044}}
* {{cite book |author=Campbell, B.N. |title=|publisher=DIANE Publishing |location=Darby, PA|year=2001 |edition=|isbn=0756707013}}
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* {{cite book|author=Collins, Tony, John Martin, Wray Vamplew|title=Encyclopedia of Traditional British Rural Sports|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=NWu6sLJn7-kC&pg=PA174&dq=jousting+today+date:1990-2008&lr=&as_brr=3&sig=ACfU3U1Qh1ZBQGD-V1hpd5Jq1QbwcLuyyg#PPA174,M1|publisher=Routledge |year=2005|location=London, UK|isbn=041535224X|oclc=57005595}}
* {{cite book |author=DeFilippis, Chris |title=The Everything Horse Care Book |publisher=Adams Media |location= Avon, MA|year=2006 |edition=|isbn=1593375301 |oclc=223814651}}
*{{cite book| author=Dines, Lisa|title=The American Mustang Guidebook: History, Behavior, and State-By-State Directions on Where to Best View America's Wild Horses| publisher=Willow Creek Press|location= Minocqua, WI|year=2001 |isbn=1572234032| oclc=45532392}}
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* {{cite book |author=Edwards, Elwyn Hartley |title=The Encyclopedia of the Horse |publisher=Dorling Kindersley |location= London, UK|year=1994 |isbn=1564586146 |oclc=29670649}}
* {{cite book |author=Edwards, Gladys Brown |title=The Arabian: War Horse to Show Horse |publisher=Rich Publishing |location= |year=1973 |edition=Revised Collectors Edition |isbn=}}
* {{cite book |author= Ensminger, M. E.|title= Horses and Horsemanship: Animal Agricultural Series|edition= Sixth Edition|publisher= Interstate Publishers|location= Danville, IN|year= 1990|isbn=0-8134-2883-1 |oclc= 21977751}}
* {{cite book |author= Ensminger, M.E.|title= Horses and Tack|edition= Revised Edition|publisher= Houghton Mifflin Company|location= Boston, MA|year= 1991|isbn= 0-395-54413-0 |oclc= 21561287}}
* {{cite book |author= Evans, J. et al.|title= The Horse|edition= Second Edition|publisher= Freeman|location= New York, NY|year= 1990|isbn=0-7167-1811-1 |oclc= 20132967}}
* {{cite book |author= Evans, James Warren|title=|edition= |publisher= Elsevier Health Sciences|location= Amsterdam|year= 1992 |isbn=0444882820 |oclc= 243738023}}
* {{cite book |author= Fort, Matthew|title= Eating Up Italy: Voyages on a Vespa|edition= |publisher= Centro Books|location= London, UK|year= 2005|isbn=0-00-721481-2 |oclc= 60419304}}
* {{cite book |author=Giffin, M.D., James M. and Tom Gore, D.V.M.|title= Horse Owner’s Veterinary Handbook |edition= Second Edition|publisher= Howell Book House |location= New York|year=1998|isbn=0-87605-606-0 |oclc=37245445}}
* {{cite book|author=Gifford, Angela|chapter=Working Draught Horses as Singles and Pairs|title=The Working Horse Manual|publisher=Farming Press|location=Tonbridge, UK|isbn=0852364016|year=1998, reprinted 2000|oclc=40464050}}
* {{cite book|author=Gifford, Angela|chapter=Working Horses in Forestry|title=The Working Horse Manual|publisher=Farming Press|location=Tonbridge, UK|isbn=0852364016|year=1998, reprinted 2000|oclc=40464050}}
* {{cite book |author= Hairston, Rachel and Madelyn Larsen|title= The Essentials of Horsekeeping|publisher= Sterling Publishing Company, Inc.|year= 2004 |isbn=0806988177|location=New York, NY|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=vSBwbz7FozYC&pg=PA77&dq=horse+touch+fly&lr=&sig=ACfU3U08pjL8o0-BgZaX3EO4rPLQa4iQiQ |oclc= 53186526}}
* {{cite book |last=Hammond |first=Gerald |title=The Language of Horse Racing |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=CJ4zH2P_6mMC&printsec=frontcover&dq=colt&ei=P3QLSNqAAZy4iQGi7Z2iAQ&sig=y022yqRPEjMDxz2qZBmIIGfPSFU#PPA49,M1|year=2000 |publisher=Taylor & Francis |location=London |isbn=1579582761 |oclc=44923115}}
* {{cite book |author= Harris, Susan E.|title= Horse Gaits, Balance and Movement|edition= |publisher= Howell Book House|location= New York|year= 1993|isbn= 0-87605-955-8 |oclc= 25873158}}
* {{cite book |author= Hedge, Juliet and Don M. Wagoner|title= Horse Conformation: Structure, Soundness and Performance|edition= |publisher= Globe Pequot|location=Guilford, CT|year= 2004|isbn= 1592284876 |oclc= 56012597}}
* {{cite book |author= Henry, Marguerite|title= All About Horses|edition= |publisher= Random House|location= New York, NY|year= 1967|isbn= ASIN: B000H1MRGW}}
* {{cite book|author=Hurd, Edward Payson (translator)|title=Diseases of the Stomach and Intestines|year=1886|location=New York, NY|publisher=W. Wood & Company|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=3LerRZoRT68C&printsec=frontcover&dq=diseases+of+the+stomach+and+intestines#PPR1,M1}}
* {{cite book |last=Kreling |first=Kai |title=Horses' Teeth and Their Problems: Prevention, Recognition, and Treatment |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=3q1LINmOkOIC&pg=PA117-IA1&dq=interdental+space++bit&lr=&ei=1YkLSOOzJorGjgH_8ZiiAQ&sig=R_CJvltPi3zE7kmjJoB2wTo3Ekw#PPA12,M1 |year=2005 |publisher=Globe Pequot |location=Guilford, CT |isbn=1592286968 |chapter=The Horse's Teeth |oclc=59163221}}
* {{cite book |author= MacGregor, Arthur|title= Bone, Antler, Ivory and Horn: Technology of Skeletal Materials Since the Roman Period|edition= |publisher= Barnes & Noble|location= Totowa, NJ|year= 1985 |isbn=0389205311 |oclc= 11090630}}
* {{cite book |author= Matossian, Mary Kilbourne|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=LkRATLisN0sC&pg=PA43&dq=horse+domestication&lr=&as_brr=3&sig=bV3A1JmL3racD9ZwC0U4pS3x3LQ#PPA43,M1|title= Shaping World History: Breakthroughs in Ecology, Technology, Science, and Politics|edition=|publisher= M.E. Sharpe|location= Armonk, NY|year= 1997 |isbn=0585023972 |oclc= 156944228}}
* {{cite book |author= McBane, Susan|title= A Natural Approach to Horse Management|edition= |publisher= Methuen|location= London|year= 1992|isbn= 0-413-62370-X |oclc= 26359746}}
* {{cite book |title=The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Horse Breeds |last=McBane |first=Susan |year=1997 |publisher=Wellfleet Press |location=Edison, NJ |isbn=0-7858-0604-0 |oclc=244110821}}
* {{cite book |author= Mettler, John J. Jr.|title= Horse Sense: A Complete Guide to Horse Selection and Care|edition= |publisher= Storey Communications, Inc.|location= Pownal, VT|year= 1989 |isbn=0882665499 |oclc= 19324181}}
* {{cite book|author=Miller, Lynn R.|title=Work Horse Handbook|publisher=Small Farmer's Journal Inc.|location=Sisters, OR|year=1981, reprinted 2000|edition=First Edition, Fifteenth Impression|isbn=0960726802|oclc=234277549}}
* {{cite book |author=Miller, Robert M.|title= Understanding the Ancient Secrets of the Horse's Mind |publisher= Russell Meerdink Company Ltd|location=Neenah, WI|year=1999|isbn=0929346653|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=5Qat2gs43owC&pg=PA28&lpg=PA28&dq=horse+sense+of+taste&source=web&ots=QSx1OAw_cU&sig=1JVoIpjEf_76dUISNGtzV5ol1HM&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=10&ct=result |oclc=42389612}}
* {{cite book |author=Miller, Robert M. and Rick Lamb|title=Revolution in Horsemanship and What it Means to Mankind |publisher= Lyons Press|location=Guilford, Connecticut|year=2005|isbn=159228387x |oclc=57005594}}
* {{cite book |title=A Basic Guide to Horse Care and Management|author=Mills, Bruce and Barbara Carne |year=1988 |publisher=Howell Book House |location=New York, NY|isbn=0876058713 |oclc=17507227}}
* {{cite book |author=Myers, Jane |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=-gAgchKMXdkC&printsec=frontcover&dq=horse+subject:%22Sports+%26+Recreation+/+Equestrian%22&sig=iZlW5ZvqPuIER4KhukTy5veK4ug#PPA7,M1|title= Horse Safe: A Complete Guide to Equine Safety |publisher=CSIRO Publishing |location= Collingwood, UK|year=2005 |edition=|isbn=0643092455 |oclc=65466652}}
* {{cite book |last=Ockerman |first=Herbert W. |authorlink= |coauthors=Hansen, Conly L. |title=Animal By-product Processing & Utilization |url= |accessdate=2008-04-20 |year=2000|publisher=CRC Press |location= Lancaster, PA|isbn=1566767776 |oclc=43685745}}
* {{cite book |author= Olsen, Sandra L.|chapter=Horse Hunters of the Ice Age|title= Horses Through Time|edition= First Edition|publisher= Roberts Rinehart Publishers|location= Boulder, CO |year= 1996 |isbn=1570980608 |oclc= 36179575}}
* {{cite book |author= Olsen, Sandra L.|chapter=In the Winner's Circle: The History of Equestrian Sports|title= Horses Through Time|edition= First Edition|publisher= Roberts Rinehart Publishers|location= Boulder, CO |year= 1996 |isbn=1570980608 |oclc= 36179575}}
* {{cite book |author= Prince, Eleanor F. and Gaydell M. Collier|title= Basic Horsemanship: English and Western|edition= |publisher= Doubleday|location= New York, NY|year= 1974|isbn=0-385-06587-6 |oclc= 873660}}
* {{cite book |author=Self, Margaret Cabell|title=Riding Simplified|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=iUTm7aD1Mf8C&pg=PA55&dq=bareback+riding&lr=&sig=ACfU3U0XRcCSCMfrdYVrKwUFNYDxXXdDcA |publisher=Kessinger Publishing |location= |year=2005 |isbn=1419100874}}
* {{cite book|author=Sellnow, Les|title=Happy Trails: Your Complete Guide to Fun and Safe Trail Riding|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=bOUTZgrGD6QC&pg=PA46&dq=horse+vision+350&as_brr=3&sig=ACfU3U2ibeMdtl0xmFO5VFc-DniPa7M0Ig|year=2004|publisher=Eclipse Press|isbn=1581501145|oclc=56493380}}
* {{cite book |author=Smith, BP |title=Large Animal Internal Medicine|publisher=Mosby|location=St. Louis, MO|year=1996 |edition=Second Edition |isbn=0-8151-7724-0 |oclc=33439780}}
* {{cite book |author= Sponenberg, D. Phillip|chapter=The Proliferation of Horse Breeds|title= Horses Through Time|edition= First Edition|publisher= Roberts Rinehart Publishers|location= Boulder, CO |year= 1996 |isbn=1570980608 |oclc= 36179575}}
* {{cite book |author=Vogel, Colin B.V.M|title=The Complete Horse Care Manual|publisher=Dorling Kindersley Publishing, Inc.|location=New York, NY|year=1995 |isbn=0789401703 |oclc=32168476}}
* {{cite book |last=Wheeler |first=Eileen|title=Horse Stable And Riding Arena Design |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=c3dGxSY6E54C&pg=PA215&dq=horse+%22sturdy+fencing%22&lr=&ei=1I4LSJ6RIJTyiwHlqJirAQ&sig=byyUlPxTzXwpIWNz6Cr4Lp7V7rg |year=2006 |publisher=Blackwell Publishing |location= Armes, IA|isbn=0813828597|chapter=Fence Planning |oclc=224324847 }}
{{refend}}

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Revision as of 15:50, 19 February 2009