with a female donkey is a hinny. Mules and hinnies are almost always sterile. A horse crossed with a zebra is a zebroid, while a donkey crossed with a zebra is a zeedonk.
The smallest horsebreed is the Falabella, with an average height of eight hands, or 32 inches. The smallest horse ever was "Pumpkin," who stood only 14 inches high and weighed 20 pounds.
The largest horsebreed is thought to be the Shire, which ranges from 16.2 to 18 hands. The largest horse to ever live was a Shire named "Sampson," who was 21.2 hands high, or 7'2 ".
Foals are born with legs 90% of their full adult length. They are able to stand within an hour of their birth. Horses live an average of 28+5 years, though ponies tend to live longer. The oldest horse on record was "Old Billy" at 62 years. Age-related changes in their incisors can be used to estimate their age with relative accuracy, at least until they are about 14 years old.
Other interesting horse facts -
The Thoroughbred horse can run one mile in about 1 minutes. Secretariat still holds the track record, running 1 miles in 2:24 back in 1973. Quarter horses (so named because they are the fastest horse in a sprint of a mile), have been clocked at over 50 mph. as they cross the finish line. The highest unofficial jumper was "King's Own." He jumped 8' 3 ", with Fred Wettach Jr. on his back.
Learn more about this author, Lori Pollock.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.
Below are the top articles rated and ranked by Helium members on:
TEN INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT HORSES
1) The horse is descended from a prehistoric creature called eohippus. It was the size
Did you know that the average horse's head weighs 11.84 pounds? Interesting considering the variation of breeds presently
Horses are highly intuitive creatures, and are masters of body language. Because they are prey animals, these abilities
Most people would agree that horses are intelligent. In addition, people agree that horses can be dangerous. There are plenty
Horse Communication
Your horse communicates to you in a unique way. By learning their special way of communicating through
View All Articles on:
Animal facts: Horses
Add your voice
Know something about Animal facts: Horses?
We want to hear your view.
Write now!
Cast your vote!
Click for your side.
Featured Partner
We happen to think skating - in all forms is good for people of most ages. It is the one form of exercise that you ca...more
hide