BAP 2

Introduction to Horses

• Overview of the discussion that starts with horses for the first week.

Historical Horse Population Trends

• 1960: Approximately 2 million horses.

• Noticeable decline observed in 1930.

• 2005: Number rose to about 9.6 million horses.

• Decline in inventory noted in 2008, affecting the market.

Horse Behavior and Training

• Personal anecdote about trained dogs reacting to horses at the gate.

• Discussion on horse ownership:

  • Solo horse owners often board their horses elsewhere.

Evolutionary History of Horses

• Initial horse representation described as a small box-like structure.

  • Characteristics: Four codes on front and three codes on back.

  • Habitat: Jungle-like environment.

  • Feeding habits: Browsers that adapted to a varied diet through evolution, aiding survival.

• Development of modern horses as a result of evolutionary changes.

Major Trends in Horse Evolution

• Major changes observed over time:

  • Reduction in the number of nodes.

  • Increase in specific traits among horse populations.

Classification of Horses

• Horses classified as odd-toed ungulates (order Perissodactyla).

• Comparison of odd-toed ungulates with even-toed ungulates (order Artiodactyla).

The Modern Horse

• Exploration of how humans have influenced horse breeding for specific purposes.

• Mention of color breeds:

  • Example: Paint horses, which are selectively bred for more visually striking and varied patterns.

• Global diversity in horse breeds:

  • More than 400 recognized breeds worldwide.