16 of 21

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

horses have 4 gates: Walk, Trot, Canter, and Gallop. A walk is where all four feet touch the ground. 60 % of the horse's weight is carried in the front, (which is similar to when he stands). The trot distributes him evenly on front and rear. It is a two beat gate that at a heightened speed can exhaust a horse faster than a canter or gallop, our fourth gate. A gallop is where the horse is running full speed ahead. All four feet are leaving the ground in leap like movements.

Some breeds like Walkers, Morgans, Paso Finos and more have a fifth gate. It's termed as racking or ambling. It has other nick names but these are most popular. It is especially comfortable for the rider. It allows the legs to absorb more shock and the back to stay almost motionless. There are different ways for the horse to place his legs for this fifth gate. Laterally is the most distinctive, where the front and hind leg from one side land at the same time. Another version is a running walk where you have four footfalls with an interval in-between. The most common form is like a trot where the foot falls on two sequences. The fifth gate can come naturally to a horse or with a good trainer, can be taught.

Teaching horses has employed humans for centuries but nothing can compare to what a foal (baby horse) learns in its first forty five minutes of life. The foal, a colt (male) or filly (female); must memorize his mothers sent, image, and voice for life within this window. He must also learn to walk. Imagine watching your baby learn to walk and talk all within a few moments after birth. "Hey mom! Got milk?"

Foals will nurse until they are 6 months old, give or take some. They will unglue from there mother's side around this time to challenge the pecking order. Almost always starting with younger foals.

Mares usually lead the pecking order as top decision maker. It is not uncommon for Geldings or older Stallions to alpha the crew, in the domesticated world. A stronger dominant mare may not be in the group. So someone has to step up. If a barn contains only geldings, then a gelding must lead.

In the wild the Head Mare will guide the herd to grazing pastures and water. She will tell the herd where they sleep and when. She however she doesn't get to choose who will be included in her group. She handles discipline. The stallions are more aggressive, they will decide when to push out the weak or young. He checks out the foals when they are sexually mature; sometimes earlier. These rejects form bands that have 2 to 12 members. They will stay on the fringes of the lead stallion's boundaries until they are strong enough in numbers to make their own heard. Or they break off to return to the main heard (if it's a mare) or challenge the stallion (if it's a older colt). It's not uncommon for a young mare to come into heat and be welcomed back into the pack.

These majestic and powerful creatures called horse; have so many interesting things belonging only to them. This is but a small list of interesting facts about horses.

Learn more about this author, Cilissa.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

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