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Horses are one of the most loved creatures on earth. The have an appeal that draws people of all different sorts to them. Little girls dream of horses. Cowboys live their rough and ready lives in the midst of horses. Riding through fields of open spaces, bouncing gracefully on the back of one of these majestic animals is a fantasy many of us can remember having, even as young children. However, horses are much more complex than a mere fantasy. Taking a look at a few facts about the world's fourth most favorite animal will certainly enhance our appreciation for these wild beasts we so love and adore.

Horses can be called many things; the terminology used in relation to horses can be intimidating. Understanding this terminology will assist with understanding more about each type of horse.

-A young horse is called a foal. A foal can be either male or female.
-A Yearling is a horse of either sex that is between one and two years old.
-Under the age of four, the male horse is called a Colt, and the female is called a Filly.
-When a horse turns four, the male is called a Stallion, and a female is called a Mare.
-A Gelding is a male horse that has been castrated, or gelded.
-A horse becomes a Dam when she becomes a mother.
-Sire is the term given to a Stallion when he becomes a father.

An average life span for a domestic horse is 25 to 30 years. However some horses can, and do live to forty years old, and still older. A horse's age can be roughly estimated by looking at their teeth.

Horses are measured in units called "hands". One hand equals four inches. Most horses are around 14 hands, 2 inches tall when they have reached maturity. Any horse under this height would be considered a pony.

Unlike cattle, sheep, goats, bison, deer, elk, caribou, moose, and camels, horses only have one stomach. They are also herbivores, feeding mostly on plants. Their small intestine is about seventy feet long, and their large intestine is about twelve feet long. A horse's heart usually 9-10 pounds, but some have weighed in at as much as 14-20 pounds! Horses also produce a lot of saliva - about 10 gallons per day!

The record for the longest jump over water was made by a horse named Something. He was ridden by Andre Ferreira, and jumped 27 feet, 6 and 3/4 inches. This was on April 25, 1975 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The record for the highest jump made by a horse is held by a one named Huaso. He was ridden by Captain Alberto Larraguibel, and jumped 8 feet, 1 and 1/4 inches. This event took place on February 5th, 1949 in Vina del Mar, Chile.

The tallest horse on record was named Samson. He was 21.2 hands, or 7 feet, 2 inches tall.

The record for the oldest living horse goes to "Old Billy". He was an English barge horse, and lived to be 62 years old.

Much can be learned from these animals, and joy can be ours just by being around them, enjoying their quiet, graceful nature. They are better than a fantasy, and they can teach us to be wild and free.

Learn more about this author, Dreidle Flare.
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