Majestic companions of man: Everything you need to know about horses

The basics: What is a horse?

The horse (scientifically Equus ferus caballus) belongs to the equidae family, which also includes zebras and donkeys. As hoofed animals, horses stand on a single toe, which is surrounded by a hoof. They are herbivores and are characterized by their graceful build, large eyes and pronounced musculature.

Size and weight

Horses vary greatly in size and weight. A Shetland pony often only weighs around 200 kilograms, while heavy cold-blooded horses such as Shire Horses can reach up to 1,200 kilograms. Their height at the withers - the highest point of the back - is between 80 and 180 centimetres, depending on the breed.

Splendid colors and coat patterns

Horses come in numerous coat colors and patterns: from solid browns and blacks to striking pieds. It is interesting to note that the color of a horse's coat is sometimes linked to its health and lifespan. For example, gray horses often age faster because they are more susceptible to certain tumors.

The evolution of horses: from small forest dwellers to elegant flight animals

Horses are masterpieces of evolution. Their ancestors, who lived around 55 million years ago, were small, dog-sized animals called Eohippus. These prehistoric horses still had four toes and lived in dense forests.

Evolution into flight animals

With climate change and the spread of grasslands, horses changed dramatically. They developed longer legs, stronger muscles and finally the hoof, which enabled them to flee more quickly from predators. Today, horses are perfectly adapted to open landscapes - fast runners with keen eyesight and sensitive hearing.

Life in the herd: horses and their social behavior

Horses are herd animals that rely on social bonds. There is a clear hierarchy within a herd, which is usually led by an experienced lead mare. The leading stallion, on the other hand, protects the group from danger and keeps rivals away.

Communication between horses

Horses communicate in many different ways:

• Body language: a cocked ear shows attention, a pinned ear warns of aggression.
• Voices: Horses neigh, snort or squeal to express their mood.
• Scent signals: They use their sense of smell to recognize conspecifics and the mood within the herd.

Humans and horses: an age-old partnership

The domestication of horses began around 6,000 years ago in the region that is now Ukraine and Kazakhstan. Initially, they were mainly used for meat and milk before they became irreplaceable as riding and draught animals.

Horses in history

Horses were crucial to the development of cultures and civilizations:

• Warfare: from the chariots of the Egyptians to the horsemen of the Mongols, horses played a key role in history.
• Transport and agriculture: Before industrialization, they were the backbone of human mobility and work.

Horses today

Today, horses are mainly used for sport, therapy and leisure. They inspire people in disciplines such as dressage, show jumping and polo. At the same time, therapy horses help children and adults with mental or physical disabilities.

Impressive facts about horses

• Speed: Horses can reach speeds of up to 70 km/h.
• Memory: They remember people and places for years.
• Sleeping standing up: Thanks to a special ligamentous apparatus in their legs, horses can sleep standing up without falling over.
• Strong senses: Horses can see better than humans at dusk and can perceive sounds from up to 4 kilometers away.

The importance of horses for the environment

Horses also play an ecological role. They help to keep landscapes open by eating grasses and shrubs. In many nature reserves, wild horses are used specifically to promote biodiversity.

Horses as friends and teachers

Many people talk about the deep emotional bond they develop with their horses. Horses reflect the feelings of their riders and help them to learn more about themselves. They are not only animals, but often also teachers, healers and loyal companions.

Horses are more than just animals - they are a mirror of our own humanity and a living part of our culture and nature. Their grace, strength and intelligence make them fascinating creatures that deserve respect and protection.

What do you think about horses?

Do you have any experiences of your own or would you like to know more? Feel free to share your opinions and stories in the comments! 🐴