The Horse
The horse (Equus ferus caballus) is one of two extant subspecies of Equus ferus. It is an odd-toed ungulate mammal
belonging to the taxonomic family Equidae. The horse has evolved over the past 45 to 55 million years from a small
multi-toed creature, Eohippus, into the large, single-toed animal of today. Humans began domesticating horses around
4000 BC, and their domestication is believed to have been widespread by 3000 BC. Horses in the subspecies caballus are
domesticated, although some domesticated populations live in the wild as feral horses. These feral populations are not
true wild horses, as this term is used to describe horses that have never been domesticated, such as the endangered
Przewalski's horse, a separate subspecies, and the only remaining true wild horse. 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.
Horses are adapted to run, allowing them to quickly escape predators, possessing an excellent sense of balance and a
strong fight-or-flight response. 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, with younger horses tending to sleep significantly more than adults.[4]
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 a saddle or in a 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 riding
purposes, particularly in Europe. There are more than 300 breeds of horse in the world today, developed for many
different uses.
Horses and humans interact in a wide variety of sport competitions and non-competitive recreational pursuits, as well as
in working activities such as police work, agriculture, entertainment, and therapy. Horses were historically used in
warfare, from which a wide variety of riding and driving techniques developed, using many different styles of equipment
and methods of control. Many products are derived from horses, including meat, milk, hide, hair, bone, and
pharmaceuticals extracted from the urine of pregnant mares. Humans provide domesticated horses with food, water, and
shelter, as well as attention from specialists such as veterinarians and farriers.
There are many types of riding styles
Western and English are most common riding styles around the world. If you're just learning to ride you may be curious about the differences between English and western riding styles. The basics of each are actually very similar. And one is not more difficult to learn than the other, because becoming very proficient in either takes time, dedication and practice. However, here are the primary differences for you to compare before trying lessons in a specific riding style.
English Riding
English riding is an equestrian discipline with many different styles; however, at the most basic level, most versions require riders to use both hands on the reins, rather than just one hand, as is seen in western riding. Riders generally "post" or "rise" to the trot (rising and sitting in rhythm with each stride).
English Riding Learn More
Western Riding
Western riding is considered a style of horse riding which has evolved from the ranching and welfare traditions which were bought to the Americans by the Spanish Conquistadors, as well as both equipment and riding style which evolved to meet the working needs of the cowboy in the American West.
Western Riding Learn More
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