Horses are humanity’s best friends. They have done everything for us, their friends. Think about war. Think about bad weather. Think about the Wild West in America. What would they have done without the horse?
Most countries typically allow jockey weights of around 135 pounds. However, weight limits are sometimes under 120 pounds in the United States, although the Kentucky Derby is set at 126 pounds.
A very young rider stood at a horse show beside her not-much-taller pony. Her arms were around the pony’s immaculately braided neck, and she was confiding something into one of its gray lop ears. The girl saw me watching and, with no reticence whatsoever, she volunteered that she was telling her pony that the mistake that happened in the last class was entirely her fault and certainly not his. “He’s a good pony, is he?” I asked. “The best,” she beamed. “I love him so much.” Ever the inquiring reporter, I asked why. “Because he makes me feel happier than anything else does.” Others have tried to explain the effect that horses have on our lives, but has anyone said it any better?
Be smart when you tighten a saddle’s cinch or girth. Take your time, and gently, gradually tighten the cinch to the point that it is snug, but not pinching the skin. Imagine someone quickly tightening your belt, and the pain it could cause.
Horses such as the American Mustang and the Australian Brumby, that were once domesticated and then escaped to the wild are called feral horses
Sixty percent of all riding accidents leading to death are due to head related injuries. It is estimated that head-related injuries have decreased by 50 percent in the U.S. since certified helmets have been used.
Lipizzaners (considered one of Europe’s oldest breeds) are born black and gradually turn white. A Lipizzaner that stays dark is considered by some to be good luck.
Some horses tend to lay down more than others. Feeling safe seems to be a factor. In the wild, horses often stand watch over a horse that is sleeping on the ground.
Full grown horses have an average of 89 feet of intestines.
The term “floating” originated in the masonry and carpentry professions. It was
used to describe the leveling or smoothing out of plaster. Hence, in equine veterinary
practice, floating involves the removal of enamel points from a horse’s cheek teeth
making their contact with the mouth’s soft tissues less irritating while chewing.
The adult horse has a total of 24 cheek teeth which grow 2-3 mm per year. Therefore,
it is recommended that horses have an oral examination every 6 months to a year
to maintain good dental health.