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of the first horses was called a “Hyracotherium.” It lived
about 50 million years ago, was as tall as a fox, and had toes. This
horse changed over millions of years to become the modern version, whose
height is measured in “hands.” Each hand equals four inches.
If a horse is 16.2 hands high, the “2” stands for two fingers.
And a horse’s age is measured by its teeth. A horse gets all of
its teeth by the time it is 5 years old. After that, the teeth just get
longer. This may be where the expression “long in the tooth” comes
from. Horses are described in numerous ways, including by breed, type, blood, and purpose. When looking at show or sales descriptions, it can be easy to become confused by the different descriptions used. American Paint Horse has an easy-going temperament and is used primarily for cattle work. American Quarter Horse is versatile, popular, and great for new riders. American Standardbred Horse: Many horses of this breed complete a one-mile race in three minutes. Appalossa Horse: A spotted coat and fur are its most recognizable characteristics. Arabian: It is known for being affectionate and has a dished-head profile. Clydesdale: It is known for its large frame and steady working ability. Pony: Generally, any horse under 14.2 hands (58 inches) high (HH) at the withers (the ridge between the shoulder bones). Various breeds and disciplines may differ in the height that is categorized as a pony. Many Western disciplines define a pony as under 14 HH, and English ponies are under 14.2 HH. Here are some more types of horses: Hanoverian: It excels in jumping, dressage (the execution by a trained horse of precision movements in response to barely perceptible signals from its rider), and eventing. Missouri Fox Trotter: It is named after its unusual gait and smooth movement. Morgan: Historically, it is the official breed of the United States. Palomino: This breed is admired for its beauty, versatility, and endurance. Peruvian Paso/Paso Fino: It is known for providing an easy ride on rocky terrain. Tennessee Walking: A distinct breed that doesn’t trot. It performs only a “running walk.” Thoroughbred: The horse of choice for racing and speed-related equestrian sports. Miniature: Are said to make great household pets. Hotbloods: Swift, fast horses used for racing and speed. Warmbloods: A great breed for equestrian sports and competitions. Owning your own horse or pony is a big responsibility requiring time, money, and commitment. Horses and ponies are important parts of American culture. Your horse-owning experience will be most enjoyable if you carefully consider if horse ownership suits your family, home, and lifestyle. Make an informed decision. Take time, involve your family, and give careful consideration to the following questions: (1) What’s special about horses and ponies? Both can be wonderful, loving, longtime companions, and have average life spans of 25 to 30 years. They may also be willing riding partners for exercise, recreation, and competition. (2) What choices do you have? There are more than 200 breeds of horses and ponies in the world. Each breed has unique qualities, and not all breeds are suitable for all riders and all activities. There are also many breed combinations that produce an almost endless variety of mixed-breed horses. Because riding requires teamwork between the horse and rider, it is important that you select a horse that suits your temperament and riding style. A nervous, fearful rider should own a calm horse. Beginning riders should look for experienced, well-trained horses. An experienced rider may prefer a sensitive horse that responds to the slightest commands, or a young, inexperienced horse that can be trained. Before deciding to buy a horse of your own, you should have some riding experience or have taken riding lessons. Once you understand your riding abilities and limitations, you will be in a much better position to choose a horse with the temperament and training that will suit you. Before buying, also consider what type of riding you intend to do: English or Western. Both styles are suitable for pleasure riding; however, advanced riders may pursue an English riding style for activities such as dressage, jumping, hunting, and eventing. A Western riding style is chosen for barrel racing, cutting, reining, and rodeo events. Whatever style of riding you prefer, it’s best if your first horse is already “schooled” or trained for that purpose. An older horse that already has the skills you need is usually a better buy for the first-time owner or a young rider rather than one that requires a lot of training. Parents should assess their child’s level of commitment before buying. Horses are a lot of fun, but they’re also a lot of work. One way to assess a child’s commitment and ability to care for a horse is to arrange riding lessons at a local stable. You can also schedule time to help care for another person’s horse. Once a child realizes the amount of time and effort required to properly care for a horse, the decision to buy one now or wait until later may become easier. Decide if your lifestyle affords you the time to devote to a horse or pony. Determine where you will house the animal and how much it will cost. While a boarding stable may provide for your horse or pony’s basic needs, these animals deserve more attention from you than just weekend riding. Also consider the time involved in getting to and from the stable. If you live on property that can support a horse—legally and physically—be sure you have adequate stabling to protect the horse from inclement weather. Think about the time commitment necessary to meet the daily feeding, grooming, and other maintenance involved. If you live in a cold climate, consider boarding the animal at a stable with an indoor arena if you plan to ride during the cooler months. The costs of owning a horse can add up quickly, and include expenses such as shelter (if boarded), feed, veterinary medical care, hoof care, and riding equipment. Other potential expenses include equipment costs (saddle, saddle blankets, bridle, halter, and other accessories), training fees, riding apparel, show registration fees, and transportation. In many instances, the purchase price is less than the annual boarding fee and maintenance costs. Did you know that horses can communicate how they are feeling by their facial expressions? They use their ears, nostrils, and eyes to show their mood. Beware of a horse that has flared nostrils and their ears back. |
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