You never know anything about horses! That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 10 facts about horses that you didn’t know before! Have you already learned some of these facts? Share these horse facts with your friends, who knows, maybe you can teach them something.
Horses Can Regulate Their Own Salt Intake
The salt a horse needs is made up of sodium and chloride. When the sodium level is too low, the horse begins to seek out salt. By licking, your horse can regulate its own salt intake. When the sodium level increases, the need for salt also disappears. In this way, your horse never usually eats too much salt.
There are 350 Different Breeds of Horses
There are about 350 different breeds of horses in the world. These breeds are often divided into groups such as light horses, heavy horses, ponies and wild horses.
Ponies Live Longer Than Horses
Horses and ponies live an average of 20-25 years. However, there are also older individuals. Ponies generally live longer than horses. This is because ponies are much smaller than horses.
The Fastest Horse in the World Has Reached a Speed of 70.76 km per Hour
This record belongs to Winning Brew, a racehorse. This horse has competed in horse racing. In America, he achieved this record on 14 May 2008.
Horses Breathe Only Through Their Noses
Horses cannot breathe through their noses and mouths like humans. This is because part of the tissue blocks the throat of the mouth, except when swallowing. This prevents food from being inhaled, but prevents the horse from breathing through its nose.
Horses Have an Average of 205 Legs
The number of legs is an average, as some breeds have more or fewer legs. Foals have even more bones, which fuse together as the horse grows. The bones are quite similar to those in the human body. The main difference between the horse and human skeleton is that the horse lacks the clavicle.
The Oldest Horse Was 62 Years Old
Old Billy lived to be 62 years old, making him the oldest pony in history. After Old Billy, Shine was the oldest living horse. Unfortunately, Shine died at the age of 51. After him, the mare Orchid seems to be the oldest horse in the world at 49 years old. Orchid also died after not recovering from a colic attack.
Horses Drink 30-35 Litres of Water a Day
In comparison, humans drink an average of 2 litres of water per day. In hot weather, horses can drink up to 50 litres of water. Horses that spend a lot of time grazing drink less water, as grass is more water-rich than silage or hay.
Horses Cannot Make Themselves Vomit
There is a strong muscle where the esophagus enters the stomach. When this muscle contracts, the horse’s stomach closes. The contents of the stomach cannot therefore be thrown outwards, i.e. up the oesophagus.
Horses Have the Largest Eyes of All Mammals
A horse has eyes on the sides of its head. This allows him to see around him for almost 360 degrees. Because the eyes are positioned sideways, it is more difficult for a horse to see deeply. Horses can also only see with one eye at a time. That doesn’t mean they can’t see with both eyes. For example, they do when they are looking at something with interest.