12 of 21

Write now Article Tools

As I watch my bay Welsh Cob, Fabian, spend a relaxed day in a large paddock, I can't help pondering on how fascinating I find horses. They are so varied in so many ways but they are all noble, generous, spirited creatures. I marvel when I see a small child flapping his legs on the sides of a horse or pony and being taken where he wants to go so willingly and safely.

Horses are measured in hands'. A hand is equal to 4" or 10 cms. Horses are measured at the wither which is the highest constant point of the spine, immediately in front of where the saddle would sit. Technically ponies are 14.2 hands or less; horses over 14.2 hands. The tallest horses may measure 19 or 20 hands. Some of the tallest breeds are thoroughbreds (used for racing) or draught horses (used for pulling loads of various kinds). The smallest ponies may be less than 9 hands.

Horses are often spoken of as being hot-blooded' or cold-blooded'. This has nothing to do with the temperature of their blood (a horse's normal body temperature ranges from 101-101.5 degrees F) but with their temperament and build.

Cold-blooded horses are the draughts: large horses with a gentle disposition, slower moving, heavily muscled and generally more placid than their fiery counterparts. They are descendants of the ancient European breeds used for farming, hauling and other types of heavy work. In olden days they were also used for war: knights of old needed heavy, strong mounts capable of carrying their own armour and their armoured rider. The cold-bloods are physically more muscular and thick set, larger by a couple of hands and heavier than warm or hot blooded horses. Shires, Belgian Draughts and Percherons are examples of cold-blooded horses.

The two true "hot blooded" horse breeds are the Arab and thoroughbred. Hot bloods are much more highly strung, sensitive creatures with lighter bodies, built for speed and manoeuvreability. The Arab and thoroughbreds have been crossed with many other breeds to improve speed and performance. The resulting warm bloods are bigger boned and more docile than the pure hot blood.

Fabian spends a large part of his day grazing. His twelve incisors are designed to bite off grass; his 24 molars grind food into small, lacerated pieces. A horse's age can be determined by his teeth. A horse's six temporary incisors erupt in pairs and are all present, generally, by eight months of age. The last pair of permanent teeth usually appears by age five. Geldings and stallions may have canine teeth

• 1
• 2
• 3
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Animal facts: Horses?
We want to hear your view. Write now!