Horse Breeds and Breeding Overview

What are the primary categories of horse breeds based on their uses?

Light breeds and draft horses.

What activities do light horse breeds typically provide pleasure for?

Racing, riding, and exhibition in shows.

Give an example of a light horse breed and its primary use.

Quarter Horse - used for ranch work, recreation, and western equestrian competitions.

What are two examples of ponies and their characteristics?

Shetland and Welsh ponies - known for friendliness and safety with children.

What is the primary purpose of draft horses?

They are bred for pulling carts/wagons and plowing fields.

Name a well-known draft horse breed.

Clydesdale.

Which horse breed is the most popular based on registration numbers?

Quarter Horse.

What is the importance of a breeding program in horses?

To ensure horses are bred based on soundness and genetic superiority for performance.

What should be avoided when breeding horses?

Breeding unsound horses or those with inherited weaknesses.

What is the difference between unsoundness and blemishes in horses?

Unsoundness interferes with usefulness, while blemishes affect appearance but not usefulness.

How often should a horse's hooves be trimmed?

Every 6-8 weeks.

What are some common unsoundness issues in horses?

Toeing-in, toeing-out, sickle hocks, cow hocks, contracted heel.

What is the significance of evaluating a horse's teeth?

It helps determine the horse's age.

At what age do foals have 24 baby teeth?

By 6-10 months of age.

When do baby teeth start to shed in horses?

Beginning at 2.5 years, in the same order they appeared.

What indicates that a horse has a full mouth?

At 5 years of age, when all teeth are permanent.

What is the purpose of floating teeth in horses?

To shave down teeth so the horse can eat without pain.

What is the role of lateral cartilages in a horse's legs?

They expand outward to absorb shock when the foot strikes the ground.

What is the ideal conformation of a horse?

A straight line from the shoulder to the hoof.

What happens when a horse toes out?

It tends to swing its feet inward, which can cause interference and tripping.

What is forging in horses?

When the hind foot hits the shoe on the front foot.

What is the recommended action if a horse is found to be unsound?

It should not be used for breeding.

What is the significance of proper hoof care in horses?

It prevents unsoundness and maintains the horse's overall health.

What is an inherited condition that may lead to unsoundness?

Weaknesses that may not show in less rugged environments.