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Horses

    Horses Editor's Picks

    • How to Trot a Figure Eight in a Dressage Pattern

      Dressage is considered to be one of the most complex and difficult equestrian sports on the planet. It is a precise partnership between horse and rider, with the pair performing a series of complicated movements judged on accuracy. The figure eight is a standard dressage movement that every horse and rider must know how to perform in... more »

    • About Dressage

      Dressage is an old and elegant practice for aristocrats and modern horse enthusiasts. Not only is dressage appealing to those who enjoy looking at horses, but this sport is also much more humane than horse racing, which often injures horses. But like dog shows, dressage is highly standardized and can become repetitive. more »

    • How Does a Horse Learn Dressage?

      A horse learns dressage by being conditioned to respond to its rider's weight shifts and signals from the reins. Cues are given to the horse when the rider applies pressure with her legs. Other cues are given when the rider shifts her weight in the saddle. Cues are also given to the horse when the rider adjusts the pressure and... more »

    • How to Go Horse Riding in Sligo and Donegal

      Horse riding in Sligo and Donegal is an exhilarating experience, it affords you the chance to trek through some of the most spectacular scenery in Ireland including deserted beaches and rugged countryside. Forget about riding a pony around a little field, for a real thrill go horse riding in Sligo and Donegal. more »

    • How to Plan a Horse Riding Route

      Planning a horse riding route is relatively simple if you are riding in a familiar area. On the other hand, if you will be riding in a new area, the trip will require a bit more planning. more »

    Horses Quick Guides

    • Horse Sports

      Whether it is the gracefulness of horse jumping or the rumbling excitement of a horse race,...

    • Horse Grooming Guide

      Are you an equestrian enthusiast? Perhaps you're thinking of buying a horse? If that's the case,...

    • Horse Guide 101

      Do you want to teach a horse how to back up? Perhaps you need advice on how to care for a...

    • Horseback Riding

      Despite the size and power of horses, a simple horse back ride through the country side can be a...

    Horses Articles

    Wikipedia

    Horse

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    The horse (Equus ferus caballus) is a hoofed (ungulate) mammal, a subspecies of one of seven extant species of the family Equidae. The horse has evolved over the past 45 to 55 million years from a small multi-toed creature into the large, single-toed animal of today. Humans began to domesticate horses around 4000 BCE, and their domestication is believed to have been widespread by 3000 BCE; by 2000 BCE the use of domesticated horses had spread throughout the Eurasian continent. Although most horses today are domesticated, there are still endangered populations of the Przewalskis Horse, the only remaining true wild horse, as well as more common feral horses which live in the wild but are descended from domesticated ancestors.

    There is an extensive, specialized vocabulary used to describe equine-related concepts, covering everything from anatomy to life stages, size, colors, markings, breeds, locomotion, and behavior. Their anatomy enables them to make use of speed to escape predators and they have a well-developed sense of balance and a strong fight-or-flight instinct. Related to this need to flee from predators in the wild is an unusual trait: horses are able to sleep both standing up and lying down. Female horses, called mares, carry their young for approximately 11 months, and a young horse, called a foal, can stand and run shortly following birth. Most domesticated horses begin training under saddle or in harness between the ages of two and four. They reach full adult development by age five, and have an average lifespan of between 25 and 30 years.

    Horse breeds are loosely divided into three categories based on general temperament: spirited "hot bloods" with speed and endurance; "cold bloods", such as draft horses and some ponies, suitable for slow, heavy work; and "warmbloods", developed from crosses between hot bloods and cold bloods, often focusing on creating breeds for specific r read more at » http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horse

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