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.

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