2LearnEquus caballus
Horse
The horse was domesticated on the Eurasian steppe and has been used for riding, draught work and transport for thousands of years. Today most horses are kept for riding and leisure, while heavy breeds still work on some farms and in forestry. Ponies, light…
Keeping
How it is kept
Kept for
- Draught work
- Companionship
- Mature weight
- 200–1000 kg
- Lifespan
- 25–30 years
- Gestation
- 340 days
- Temperament
- Sensitive herd animals with a strong flight instinct
- Forage
- Need plenty of grass or hay, eaten little and often, and constant clean water. Hard feed only if their work or condition calls for it.
- Housing
- Safe, visible fencing without barbed wire, shelter from the weather and enough grazing for the number of horses. A dry standing area helps keep their feet healthy.
- Good to know
- Horses need company, ideally other horses. Feet need trimming every six to eight weeks and teeth need checking every year, along with regular worm control. Sudden changes of diet and rich spring grass are common causes of colic and laminitis.
Breeds
Horse breeds
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