Introduction to Equine Science & History of the Horse

Horse Evolution

What is Equine science?

Equine science is the scientific study of horses, including their biology, nutrition, health, management, and performance

What subjects are included in Equine science?

• nutrition

• anatomy and physiology

• genetics

• behavior

• exercise physiology

Why is horse care and welfare important?

It helps us understand how to properly care for and manage animals

Why do we study horses?

To Improve:

• horse care and welfare

• management

• performance and athletic ability

• breeding and genetics

• the horse industry

• conservation and preservation

Why do we study horse performance?

To improve training methods and athletic ability

Why do we study horse breeding and genetics?

To improve breeding programs and produce desirable traits

Why are horses important to history and culture?

Horses have a rich cultural heritage and historical significance

Did horse evolution occur in a straight line?

No

What is the only surviving genus of the once-large horse evolutionary tree?

Equus

What was Eohippus?

Earliest known ancestor of the horse, also called Dawn horse

How big was a Eohippus?

Fox size

How many functional toes did Eohippus have?

4 toes (front) feet

3 toes (hind) feet

What type of eater was the Eohippus?

Browser, leaves and other vegetation

Where were the earliest Eohippus remains found?

North America

When did the Eohippus live?

54 mya

Mesohippus?

Middle horse

How was Mesohippus different from Eohippus?

It was larger and had 3 toes on the front feet.

What happened to the lateral toes of Mesohippus?

They became smaller while the middle toe became stronger

When did the Mesohippus become extinct?

7 mya in Europe and North America

When did Merychippus live?

20 mya

Where did Merychippus evolve?

North America

What did the Merychippus eat?

Hard grasses

Why were Merychippus’s teeth important?

Teeth became similar to those modern horses and were adapted for grazing

What type of horse did Merychippus begin?

Grazing horse

Gregarious?

Living or traveling in groups

What happened to the lateral toes of Merychippus?

Became smaller and no longer touched the ground

What happened to the main toe of Merychippus?

Became thicker and harder

What was Pliohippus?

First true monodactyl (one main toe)

How did Pliohippus escape predators?

Speed

What continued to evolve in Pliohippus?

Teeth and limbs