Horses

Did you know horses are in the same family as donkeys, zebras, and mules? It is true. Horses are in the equus family. Their name comes from a Greek word. It means quick.

There are over 350 kinds of horses. They are divided into four main groups: the “light” horses, the “heavy” horses, ponies, and wild or semi-wild horses.

“Light” horses have small bones. They weigh less than 1,300 pounds (590 kg). They have thin legs.

“Heavy” horses are strong and have big bones. They also have sturdy legs. “Heavy horses” can weigh up to 2,000 pounds (907 kg).

Ponies are no taller than 58 inches (147 cm). If you measure in horse language, one would measure in hands. Ponies, then, are no more than 14 1⁄2 hands tall.

Wild or semi-wild horses have not been tamed. These horses do not live with people. They live in the open fields and run free.

A person can tell the age of a horse by checking its teeth. Its age can only be checked by its teeth before it is ten years old.

All horses have small stomachs. They must eat small amounts of food throughout the day. All horses love to eat short, juicy grass. Horses that live outside will nibble grass all day. If they live in a stable, they will munch on hay as often as it is given to them. If they are workhorses, they will eat better if the person feeding them gives them maize (corn), oats, or barley. It can be added to their regular food. They also enjoy treats.

All horses love to run, canter, gallop, walk, or trot.