An introduction to Horses



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Horses have evolved over the past 45-55 million years from a small multi-toed creature called a Eohippus which was about double the size of a fox terrier. Horses started to be domesticated by humans in 4000 BC with the majority of horses being domesticated by 3000 BC. Some domesticated horses have escaped and become feral. There is only one true wild horse left and that is the endangered Przewalski's Horse. Horses are fast fight-or-flight animals with a good sense of balance. To be able to get away from predators faster horses can sleep standing up and foals (baby horses) can stand and run shortly after birth. The gestation period of a horse is approximately 11 months. When a horse is born it is called a colt or filly based on gender until it is 4. When it turns 1 it can be called a yearling.  Horses usually begin training under saddle or harness between the ages of 2 (usually only racehorses) and 4 but they do not reach full adult development until 5 years. Horses have an average lifespan of 25-30 years but usually retire or do less work at 15-25 years depending on the horses job. The oldest horse ever was 'Old Billy' who was a heavy barge horse in 19th century England that lived to 62 years.  Horses are loosely split into 3 separate categories based on build and general temperament, cold-bloods - heavy draft horses used for slow heavy work, hot-bloods - spirited speed and endurance horses and warm-bloods - crosses of hot and cold, usually bred for specific purposes mainly bred in Europe. There is over 300 different breeds of horses, developed for many different uses such as racing, eventing, police work and even therapy horses.