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There are many things unknown to most people about horses. While some people are afraid of them, others find them fascinating, and yet others find them to be great friends. Winston Churchill once said, "The best thing for the inside of a man is the outside of a horse." Horses have been reviled through the centuries from farmers, to warriors, to rodeo competitors. Horses can be very loyal friends and partners. Horses are majestic animals that can actually be traced back to prehistoric days. Fossils have been found of ancient horses dating back 55 million years.

One truly amazing thing about the horse is that while they have to have very strong muscles to carry the weight of their bodies, the horse actually does not have any muscles below the knee. From the knee down, there are only tendons, ligaments, cartilage and bone. Thus, their leg bones have to be extremely strong to carry their weight.

Horses are measured in "hands." A "hand" is equal to 4 inches at the top of the withers. Depending on the breed, horses range in size from the smallest horse on record, and a total height of 4.1 hands, or 17 inches, to over 17 hands or 68 inches and larger. The height of a horse determines it's classification as "miniature", "pony", or "horse." Miniature horses are usually those that are less than 36 inches. A pony would be any horse under 14.2 hands (58 inches). Anything over 14.2 hands is considered a horse.

Horse's teeth grow throughout their lives until around the age of 20 or 22 years old. The age of a horse can be determined fairly closely by what is called the Galvayne's Groove. This is a darkish colored groove on the incisor teeth of a horse. While it is not 100% accurate, an experienced horseman or horsewoman can come within a few years. The Galvayne's groove doesn't show up in horses less than 10 years of age, and it begins to fade at the age of 20, starting at the top of the tooth, and is usually gone by the age of 25. Adult mares (females) have 36 teeth, and adult stallions (males) or geldings (neutered males) have 40 to 44 teeth, depending on the development of wolf teeth. Wolf teeth are like an extra fang that horses don't need. Most domestic horse owners have these teeth removed.

Mares are pregnant for 11 months. Newborn foals are up and walking usually within the first 20 minutes of life.

Horses have better night vision than humans.

American Quarter Horses were bred for short bursts of speed, where Thoroughbreds are for long distance speeds. Arabians are built for endurance and long distances at moderate speeds.

Horses communicate both vocally, as well as with eye contact and body position.

These are just some of the more interesting facts about horses. What I can say from my experience with them for nearly 35 years is that each horse has its own personality and quirks. I have a horse who likes hot dog buns. I have one horse that would walk up the steps and into the house with me. Spend a day with a horse, there's nothing better for your insides!

Learn more about this author, Doenne Brown.
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