by Norma Chew

Created on: February 12, 2008   Last Updated: June 25, 2009

Giddy-Yap! Giddy-Yap! Giddy Yap! is a common term heard around horses as these hoofed, herbivorous, beautiful mammals walk, trot, canter or gallop along.
Here are some captivating facts about horses.

Characteristics of Horses
Horses are herd animals. A number of female horses called "mares' and immature horses with a few males, called "stallions" make up a herd. The alpha mare is the leader mare. Horses commonly will follow their herd leader in search of food and safety. This characteristic makes it easy for a human rider to act as an herd leader. The horse will cooperate in learning and following commands.

Male and female horses reach sexual maturity at the age of two years old. They are usually not used for breeding until they are three years old. A horse's gestation period is eleven months. Horses give birth to a single foal. It is very rare for a horse to give birth to twins.

A horse's height is measured in hands. One hand- the width of a human hand- is equal to 10cm. or four inches.

The first domesticated horses introduced into the Americas were Arabians brought by the Spanish Conquistadores Explorers in the 16th century. Arabian horses have extraordinary powers of endurance and they gallop swiftly.

Are You Thinking About Owning a Horse?
Are you ready? Do you have the time and the money to afford owning a horse?
Do you know how to ride a horse or will you be taking lessons?
If you are ready here are some more facts to help you along.

Trust
Build trust between you and your horse by responding appropriately and consistently to their anticipated behaviors. Horses are great communicators. They communicate with each other and with people using their ears, eyes, muzzle, tail and body posture. Observe them and learn their language.

A horse's ears are a good indicator of what he is trying to communicate. A horse will point his/her ears in the direction he/she wants to bring your attention. A horse will demonstrate anger or fear by pinning it's ears back.

Excitement in a horse is shown by the rapid movement of it's tail- called hightailing. When a horse laps his tail between his legs like a dog does, that is a sign that he is really scared.

Horses have excellent memories. They are highly emotionally developed and are able to express fear, trust, love, excitement, happiness, sorrow, frustration and anger.
Learn to understand the signs your horse uses to communicate and you will share a wonderful relationship with each other.

Famous People and their Horses
Famous people are often horse owners.
Bo Derek- movie actress, horse owner, animal right activist and author, breeds Andalusian horses.
Jewel has been riding horses most of her life. Her horse's name is Chance.
Patrick Swaye is an Arabian horse breeder.

Movie Western Horses and their Riders
Alamo- John Smith- this horse belonged to John Wayne
Bear- belonged to Priscilla Presley
Beauty- Parnell Roberts- Adam Cartwright in Bonanza
Buck- Lorne Green- Ben Cartwright - in Bonanza
Butter Milk- Dale Evans
Duke- John Wayne
Trigger- Roy Rogers.

Lined up behind dogs- horses are a man's best friend. If you are ready get one and
Go Giddy Yap! Giddy Yap!

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