ANIMAL SCI -- INTRO TO HORSES

Overview of Horse Evolution and History

  • Transition of knowledge from previous horse extension specialist.

  • Emphasis on historical foundations of horse evolution.

Evolution of Horses

  • Eohippus (Dawn Horse): Fossils dated tens of thousands of years ago.

    • Height: ~15 inches, comparable to a beagle.

    • Physical Characteristics: Walked on padded toes, lacked a hoof.

  • Evolution to modern horse (Equus caballus):

    • Changes in teeth for complex plant material breakdown.

    • Evolutionary adaptations included larger molars with more enamel.

Domestication and Historical Use

  • Horses domesticated around 4500 to 2500 BC in the Near East.

  • Early roles for horses included:

    • Food source and work animals.

    • Utilized for travel, fieldwork, and as war mounts.

  • Spanish conquistadors brought horses to the US in the 1500s.

  • Notable historical communication system: Pony Express (St. Joseph, Missouri to California).

Current Horse Population Trends

  • 1915: Approx. 26 million horses; 2022: About 6.5 million.

  • Decline attributed to reduction in working roles; now mainly for pleasure (trailing, riding, showing).

  • Wisconsin's horse population:

    • 2007: ~20,000; 2022: ~65,000.

Basic Horse Terminology

  • Young female horse: filly

  • Young male horse: colt

  • Mature female horse: mare

  • Mature intact male: stallion

  • Castrated male: gelding

  • Unknown gender: foal

Measuring Horses

  • Measurement unit: hands (1 hand = 4 inches).

  • Measurement taken at the withers (shoulder blade area).

Categories of Horses

  • Draft Horses: Larger, muscular, used for heavy work (e.g., pulling).

  • Light Horses: Smaller, used for a variety of purposes.

  • Ponies: Under 14.2 hands (58 inches).

  • Miniature Horses: Smaller than 32 inches.

  • Donkeys: Male - jack; female - jenny; mules are sterile hybrids (female horse x male donkey).

Horse Vision and Hearing

  • Binocular vision: forward-looking, binocular vision: side-view, creating a panoramic view.

  • Blind spot directly behind; horses have excellent hearing, with ear movement to locate activities.

Horse Nutrition and Feeding

  • Horses are continuous grazers; can eat 1.5% to 2.5% of body weight daily.

  • Common feeds:

    • Roughages: e.g., pasture, hay.

    • Concentrates: e.g., grains, oats, barley.

    • Supplements: Vitamins and minerals.

Reproductive Characteristics

  • Seasonal polyestrous: Multiple cycles per year.

  • Gestation length: ~11 months.

Horse Care Essentials

  • Regular grooming, veterinary care, and health maintenance are essential.

  • Foot care: Trimming every 8 weeks; protective shoes may be used.

Common Equine Diseases

  • Contagious diseases:

    • Viral: Influenza, EHD, Rabies.

    • Bacterial: Strangles, fungal infections.

  • Non-contagious diseases:

    • Viral: West Nile virus, Eastern/Western equine.

    • Bacterial: Tetanus, Lyme disease.

Horse Breeds

  • Quarter Horses: Sprinters, fast for short distances.

  • Thoroughbreds: Medium distance runners, used for racing.

  • Arabians: Bred for endurance, marathon runners.

  • Draft Breeds: Belgian, Clydesdale, Percheron.

  • Color Breeds: Appaloosa, Pinto, Palomino, etc.

Economic Aspects of Horse Ownership

  • Horses can be expensive to own and maintain (vet care, feeding, housing).

  • Work, pleasure, and various equestrian sports contribute to the economic impact of horses.