The Essential Horse

However much we have altered the appearance of the horse through selective breeding in its 6000 years or so of domestication, we have not altered its essential species characteristics and needs which are determined by millions of years of evolution. 

The horse is highly social and, if allowed, lives in small closely knit family groups. Hierarchical bonds are reaffirmed daily.

It is an animal of the prairie and the steppe, which, in human hands, has adapted to a wide variety of habitats and been put to a wide variety of uses.

The bulk of its life is on the move and if able it will spend 16 or so hours a day grazing with its head low which is vital for its musculo-skeletal, respiratory, circulatory and mental health.

It is biologically engineered and instinctually driven to eat little and often on a variety of plant forms, but primarily grasses. It is a generalist feeder and able to do well on relatively sparse grazing. Its efficient metabolism of food may also be its downfall if it eats too much carbohydrate rich food while expending too little energy.

It rests and naps mainly standing up, utilising a system of musculo-skeletal alignments and lever forces which, when functioning properly, allow it to fully relax, and thereby rest and regenerate, skeletal muscle while upright. It lies down only briefly and lies flat for even less time.

It is a prey animal with a highly developed flight instinct receiving its stimuli from: a sense of smell almost as keen as a dog’s; acute hearing; almost 360-degree vision, and being highly attuned to the body language of its fellows.

It can respond instantly, accelerate rapidly and move very fast over a short distance. It can also move at a more moderate pace over very long distances.

It walks on a single digit and its hoof is unique in its construction.  The equine hoof is incredibly tough and versatile and adaptive but in the wrong circumstances it is often the animal’s Archilles heel. 

It has a large body mass relative to its skin surface so finds it harder to lose than retain heat.

It has been, and still is, idealised, cosseted and revered by some, and abused and exploited by many.

It is also fair to say that, very often, a horse is an accident waiting to happen.