1 of 21

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

The fifth gait is somewhere between a trot and a canter, and is very comfortable to ride to once you get used to it !

8) Sensible people do not rush up to an unknown horse from behind. Horses can see behind them, are easily startled, and kicking out is their natural rear-guard defence mechanism. It is also a mistake, though, to approach from the front and reach out straight to the horse's head. This, to the horse, is the action of a predator , and even life-long pets retain their natural instinct to shy away from danger. Thus the horse will be alarmed, unsteadied for work, and possibly a cause of danger by it's sudden escape responses. Far better to approach quietly and obliquely, from the side, not looking the animal in the eye ( another sign of aggression) and not raising your hand or trying to touch until you have introduced yourself'

.
9) The tallest horse to race in recorded history was the English-owned Fort d'Or, who stood 18.2 hh ( though his Irish dam, Golden Sunset, was only 15.1 hh.)
The smallest horse to win an Olympic medal for show jumping was Stroller, who gained a silver with rider Marion Coakes. Stroller in fact was only a pony, being 14.2 hh. (Officially, ponies must be 14.2 hh or under, horses must be 14.3hh or over.)

10) All Thoroughbreds are descended from three Arabian horses imported into England in the 17th century. They were the Godolphin Barb, the Brierley Turk, and the Darley Arabian.
The American Morgan horse breed was founded by a single stallion, Called Figure and foaled in the late 18th Century. Owned by Thomas Justin Morgan, the stallion was only 14 hh, and was used for driving as well as riding.

Learn more about this author, Annerleigh Harrison.
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!