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.