There are lots and lots of fun facts for kids to learn about horses - and many kids want to know all there are!

Horses are measured in "hands", which equals about 4 inches; a short horse is about 13 or 14 hands and a tall horse would be 16 or 17 hands. A horse that is shorter than 13 hands is called a "pony". Horses are measured from the ground up to their withers, the highest point on their shoulders by the neck.

There are nearly all colors exhibited in the horse world: black; gray; white although a truly "white" horse will have pink skin, so most horses we say are white are really gray; chestnut, which is a dark, reddish brown with a lighter mane and tail; sorrel, a reddish brown with usually the same color mane and tail; bay, a dark brown with black "points" these are the mane, tail, and lower legs; dappled, a mixture of black, gray, and white with no obvious spots; paint, which means the horse is white with brown splotches, and pinto, white with black splotches; palomino, which ranges from golden to tan with white points; and buckskin, a color which ranges from golden to tan, with black points and a black stripe down the back.

There are many breeds of horses:

Draft horses, such as Clydesdales and Belgians, are used to pull heavy loads. Miniature horses and ponies were originally bred to work in the mines, but now are often kept as house pets. Gaited horses, such as the Tennessee Walking Horse or the American Saddlebred are strictly show horses. Appaloosas were the signature breed of the Nez Perce Indians and are noted for the spots on their rumps and their striped hooves. The Missouri Foxtrotter is a pleasure horse, used often for trail rides, while Thoroughbreds are racing animals whose ancestry can be traced back to one of three Arabian stallions. The American Quarter Horse is bred for speed specifically on the quarter-mile track, and their powerful hindquarters make them especially useful in ranch work where herding cattle requires quick turns and stops.

Horses only require a diet of grass and plenty of water; if grass is unavailable, preferably in an open pasture, it can be supplemented with hay. Some high-performing horses need grain, and of course it's perfectly fine to give a horse treats occasionally, like carrots, apples, or sugar cubes. Just be sure, when hand-feeding a horse, to lay your palm flat and let the horse take the treat in order to avoid any accidental nipping.

Horses are herd animals and do best in the company of other horses; wild horses live together under the generalship of a stallion that is responsible for their safety. A lead mare in the group is responsible for finding the best food and water. Often a younger stallion will challenge the older leader, and the winner takes charge of the herd.

Most horses are calm and loving animals, very trusting and agreeable as long as they aren't abused or beaten or shouted at. They startle easily and most are not fond of loud noises and sudden movements. Some horses do develop bad habits, such as biting or bucking or running away, or cribbing, which is usually done out of boredom and is simply chewing on things: wood, or blankets, or brushes. Most often a horse can easily be trained, and bad habits can be changed with patience and time.

There are many books and websites devoted to horse care and history, and to caring for a horse, buying a horse, and training a horse. There are charts available to learn the anatomy of horses and the parts of all types of tack, or saddles and bridles and such, as well as breed identification. Many riding schools also teach students these things which, because you actually get to do them yourself, are much more fun!

Learn more about this author, Robin Tidwell - Babies Co-Steward.
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