Horses are majestic creatures that have been companions to humans for thousands of years.
From their strength and speed to their graceful movements, horses never cease to amaze. Here are 12 astonishing facts about horses that you might not know!
1. Horses Can Sleep Standing Up
Horses have a unique ability to sleep while standing. This is due to a special mechanism in their legs called the “stay apparatus.” It allows them to lock their legs in place, preventing them from falling over while they rest. However, for deep sleep or REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, horses must lie down.
2. Horses Have Nearly 360-Degree Vision
Horses’ eyes are positioned on the sides of their heads, giving them a wide field of vision. They can see almost 360 degrees around them, with a small blind spot in front of their nose and directly behind them. This makes it easier for them to detect predators in the wild.
3. Horses Can Communicate Through Their Ears
A horse’s ears are incredibly expressive and serve as a way to communicate. When a horse’s ears are pointed forward, it shows curiosity or interest. If they are pinned back, it means the horse is angry or irritated. Watching a horse’s ears can tell you a lot about its mood!
4. They Have a Strong Sense of Smell
Horses have an excellent sense of smell, which helps them detect changes in their environment. They can identify familiar scents, including those of other horses, humans, and even specific places. This sense is essential for their survival in the wild.
5. Horses Can Run Shortly After Birth
Within just a few hours of being born, foals can stand, walk, and even run. This rapid development is vital for survival in the wild, where predators are always a threat. Foals must be able to keep up with their mothers and the herd to stay safe.
6. Horses Can Recognize Faces
Horses have the ability to recognize faces, both of humans and other horses. They can remember people and animals they have encountered, and they use their memory to form bonds. This makes them great companions, as they can build strong connections with their human caretakers.
7. A Horse’s Heart is Massive
A horse’s heart is huge, weighing around 9 to 10 pounds on average. The large heart is necessary to pump blood through the horse’s large body, especially when they are exerting energy while running or working. A strong heart contributes to their endurance and stamina.
8. Horses Are Herbivores
Horses are herbivores, meaning they eat plants. Their diet mainly consists of grass, hay, and other plants. Their digestive systems are specially adapted to process large quantities of fibrous material. Horses have teeth that are designed for grinding and chewing plant material.
9. Horses Have a Wide Range of Gaits
Horses have four primary gaits: walk, trot, canter, and gallop. Each gait is a different pattern of movement, with the walk being the slowest and the gallop the fastest. Horses can also perform more complex movements like lateral gaits (e.g., the pace or rack) used in certain disciplines.
10. They Can Live Over 30 Years
Horses typically live for around 25 to 30 years, but many can live well into their 30s with proper care. Some horses have been known to live even longer. The longevity of horses depends on factors like genetics, diet, and exercise.
11. Horses Can See in Color
While it was once believed that horses could only see in black and white, recent research has shown that horses can actually see some colors. They are thought to see colors in a similar way to humans who are red-green colorblind. This means they can distinguish between shades of blue, green, and yellow.
12. Horses Can “Talk” Through Whinnies and Neighs
Horses communicate not only with their bodies but also with their voices. They whinny and neigh to express excitement, anxiety, or to call for attention. Horses can also snort, squeal, or make other vocalizations to communicate different emotions or reactions.