Equine Anatomy & Physiology The physical structure of the horse forms the core of its unique athletic prowess. The horse belongs to the order Perissodactyla, a zoological classification consisting of odd-toed, non-ruminating, hoofed animals encompassing horses, tapirs, and rhinoceroses. The horse, including its immediate relative species, stands out as the exclusive single-toed creature in the…
Horses typically shed their summer coat between late summer and early fall, a process that is mainly guided by the length of daylight and the subsequent hormonal changes within the horse. How the Shedding Process Works Shedding is highly anticipated by horse owners as it signifies a change in seasons. The coat of a horse…
Horses deciduous molars, also known as temporary or “baby” teeth, begin to come in immediately after birth and into the first week of life. Timing and Sequence of Deciduous Teeth Eruption The emergence of a horse’s deciduous molars follows a fairly predictable timeline: This early progression begins the horse’s lifelong evolution of dental maturity, an…
Horses get their color at the time of their conception, with genetic factors at play determining their visible color as they grow and develop. Understanding Horse Color Genetics The horse coat color is determined by genetics. A horse’s genes, inherited from its parents, control the pigments or lack thereof in its coat. Specifically, two pigments…
Horses typically lose their foal mane between six months to a year old, as part of their natural growth and development process. The foal mane is replaced by their adult mane, which is often thicker and longer. This process can differ between breeds and individual horses, with some experiencing slower or faster mane growth. In…
Horses do most of their growing during the first two years of their life, with varying growth rates based on factors such as genetics, breed, age, diet, and environment. In this article, we will discuss the growth patterns of horses, how various factors can impact their growth, and ways to support their development. Growth Patterns…
Horses, in general, tend to stop being able to safely and naturally give birth between the ages of 20 and 25 years. The Age of Equine Fertility Decline Similar to many other species, the reproductive capabilities of horses decrease over time, typically starting to decline around 15 years and significantly trailing off between the ages…
Horses, known for their grace and speed, start running shortly after birth, typically within their first few hours of life. However, there’s much more to this question when taking into account the developmental stages, different running gaits, and ultimate potential for speed that horses can reach. Understanding Horse Development Though a newborn foal may start…
Horses typically live between 25 and 30 years. However, many factors can influence this average lifespan, just like with humans and other animals. These factors include the horse’s breed, diet, workload, living conditions, and veterinary care. Factors Affecting Horse Lifespan Breed One of the major factors that influence a horse’s lifespan is its breed. Generally,…
Having a knack for accurately determining a horse’s age is a valuable skill for equine enthusiasts, horse owners, and veterinarians. By observing subtle changes in horses’ teeth, particularly the progression of certain distinguishing features like Galvayne’s Groove or marks on incisors, we can make educated estimates about a horse’s age. This fascinating dialogue unravels the…
