Transition of knowledge from previous horse extension specialist.
Emphasis on historical foundations of horse evolution.
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.
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).
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.
Young female horse: filly
Young male horse: colt
Mature female horse: mare
Mature intact male: stallion
Castrated male: gelding
Unknown gender: foal
Measurement unit: hands (1 hand = 4 inches).
Measurement taken at the withers (shoulder blade area).
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).
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.
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.
Seasonal polyestrous: Multiple cycles per year.
Gestation length: ~11 months.
Regular grooming, veterinary care, and health maintenance are essential.
Foot care: Trimming every 8 weeks; protective shoes may be used.
Contagious diseases:
Viral: Influenza, EHD, Rabies.
Bacterial: Strangles, fungal infections.
Non-contagious diseases:
Viral: West Nile virus, Eastern/Western equine.
Bacterial: Tetanus, Lyme disease.
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.
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.