Knowledge Base

To the uninitiated eye, dressage may appear a bizarre pastime and one that encourages horse and rider to “dance” through a series of steps to gain applause and acclaim from a panel of judges. At its heart, however, dressage is much more than this.

It is a way of connecting with your horse, and a unique way of training and riding together, learning to ride with your horse and help him to achieve his very best, all with your guidance and training behind him.

Whether you are a budding equestrian, or simply keen to understand what is going on in the ring, we have put together everything you need to know about dressage, its history, and the benefits that it can offer to both horse and rider.

The Basics

Dressage is an Olympic discipline and is practiced in competitions and tournaments all across the world. The Grand Prix is the pinnacle of dressage, and this is an international event held once a year, with the Grand Prix musical freestyle acting as the pièce de résistance to the entire sport. 

On a basic level, dressage focuses on working with your horse, rather than against him, and emphasizes helping them to achieve a greater level of flexibility, suppleness, and obedience, and encourages them to enhance their natural athleticism, ability, and movements.

The very term, “dressage” comes from the French “dresseur” – literally, to train, and the practice can be dated right back to the 17th century when cavalry riders were required to work with their horse in an incredibly disciplined manner – a horse who failed to respond, or didn’t follow a command, could be a death sentence on the battlefield.

Over time, the sport developed and evolved, becoming increasingly flamboyant and elegant as it headed to Spain and Vienna, and became the sport that we recognize and enjoy today.

The 1912 Olympic Games, held in Stockholm, saw dressage officially recognized as an Olympic sport, though at this time, only military officers were eligible to compete.

This continued until 1953 when civilian men and women were permitted to enter, and the sport continued to grow in popularity until the formation of the United States Dressage Federation in 1973 – the bringing together of 81 pioneers of the dressage world.

The Dressage Test

The ultimate end goal of dressage is the test – this is a chance to put all the hard work and training into practice in front of a judging panel, and the aim is to demonstrate how effectively the horse is developing and progressing when judged against a particular set of criteria.

Movements are performed in a rectangular arena, often to music, and marks or points are awarded by the judges.

Dressage tests take place in a 20m x 60m arena and include a range of movements, designed to flow into one another elegantly and seamlessly.

During the dressage test, both horse and rider will be judged on how well they are able to perform a specific sequence of movements, with marks from 0-10 available.

A mark of 10 is given for excellent performances, 5 is for sufficient movements, and a 0 is given if no movement was made.

At the end of each test, judges will award four general impression scores for the movements that they have seen, and the marks are added and divided by the total possible, providing a percentage mark for the test.

An overall mark of 70% is considered to be very good, while a score of between 60% and 70% is good.

A score of 65% or above is typically required to enter a competition at the national level, and a consistent score of 65% or over indicates that both horse and rider are ready to move up a level, and compete against higher-ranking pairs.

 The movements performed in each test will depend on the level that is being competed in. As you rise through the ranks, the movements become harder and more complex, and levels increase from the training stages up to the Federal Equestrian International (FEI) levels – these are the pinnacle of dressage tests.

The Principles Of Dressage

In understanding the nuances of dressage, it can be useful to take a closer look at the so-called “principles of dressage” – these are the qualities that a judge will look for when marking a test, and the skills that the rider must be able to confidently demonstrate. The principles of dressage include:

• The rider is meeting the objective of dressage, that is, developing the horse into a happy, capable athlete, and keeping them calm, flexible, and supple while remaining keen and confident. This is demonstrated by free, regular paces, harmonious, light, and easy movements remaining light on the forehand, with engaged, active hindquarters, and accepting the bit without resistance.
• The horse appears to be doing what is required of its own accord and is confident and attentive. They should also be straight on the straight lines and bend where needed on curved lines, all while submitting generously to the rider.
• The horse should be light and responsive to the cues of the rider, with active, engaged hindquarters, and “life and spirit” throughout the body. The walk should be regular and unconstrained, the trot should be active, supple, and regular, and the canter light and balanced.
• The horse should be lively and supple, moving without resistance, and obeying any commands willingly, with no hesitation. They should also appear calm and happy, balanced both physically and mentally, and able to respond precisely to aids.
• The horse is on the bit at all times – that is, the neck is arched according to the level of training and competition, and the horse should be happily accepting the bridle with a constant, light contact.
• Both trot and canter show cadence and the horse is regular, balanced, and in harmony with the rider. Cadence is also maintained throughout each movement.
• Paces are regular and even

The principles of dressage can be useful for both judges and riders; the former can use the guidance to mark movements, while the rider can use these to help perform and perfect movements.

What Are The Benefits Of Dressage?

In addition to looking beautiful and elegant, dressage also offers several benefits to both horse and rider, and these include:

A Softer Mouth For Your Horse

A soft mouth for your horse is one of the major advantages that you can enjoy from regular dressage, and this helps to create a much more enjoyable riding experience for both of you.

Without proper training, some horses can tend to become hard in the mouth, and this means that they will not respond to your cues, hand onto your hands, and focus on putting all of their weight onto the forehand, disengaging their hindquarters.

Dressage helps to bring horses off the forehand, encouraging them to activate and engage their hindquarters and move more evenly and smoothly. This, in turn, softens the mouth, helping them to engage with more gentle, subtle cues, and offering you both a more relaxing and enjoyable experience.

A More Forward Going Horse

Coming off the forehand will also allow your horse to really stretch their legs and enjoy their full range of motion, and this will result in a horse that is more forward going, and enjoys a smoother,

more active ride, without the risk of them running away with themselves – this can be a particular issue for some horses on the trot.

This will also improve the comfort of the ride for riders – when your horse is using their back properly they will be more relaxed, and use the correct muscles to support and move themselves.

As a result, trots and canters will be more balanced and comfortable, and you will both feel more balanced and connected overall, reducing your chances of a fall.

A More Responsive Horse

With regular dressage training, your horse will be able to respond to both hand and leg aids more quickly and easily, thanks to a stronger and more engaged hind end. This helps them to feel more balanced, and so they are less likely to hang onto your hands. The end result is a more responsive horse, which is good news for both of you.

In addition to a more comfortable ride for you, your horse will also benefit from being more supple and flexible, as well as enjoying stronger, more evenly developed muscles.

An Incredible Bond

There is something truly amazing about memorizing a test, entering the ring, and then working with your horse to complete every movement to perfection.

Dressage offers a chance for you to really bond and connects with your horse – you are both on the same page, striving towards the same goals, and working as one harmonious being. This is an experience that we can guarantee you will never forget.

Final Thoughts

If you have ever dismissed dressage as being “boring”, “too showy” or “a waste of time”, then this is your chance to change your mind.

When practiced correctly, dressage offers an amazing opportunity to work with your horse, and this can help to create a bond that cannot be replicated in any other equestrian event.

Furthermore, dressage offers numerous benefits for both horse and rider that can improve your fitness, boost your skills, and help to create a more comfortable, harmonious experience for both horse and rider.

It’s an undisputed fact that baby animals are absolutely adorable. They also have different terms to refer to them so that it makes it easier to differentiate between the babies and the adult animals.

Horses are majestic animals that have different names to refer to them depending on their age, and this doesn’t just refer to when they’re babies!

So What Is A Baby Horse Called?

A baby horse is known as a foal. They are often referred to as foals up until they are 1 year of age. After this, the terms used to describe the horse will differ depending on their gender.

Females are usually referred to as a yearling filly up until they are 4 years of age, then they are known as mares. Males are referred to as yearling colts until they are 4 years old, and then they are typically known as stallions. If the males have been castrated, they are known as geldings.

Foals can also be differentiated by their gender so that their owners and potential buyers can know which gender they are purchasing. Females are known as fillies, whereas the males are known as colts.

You may also hear foals referred to as weanlings. This basically means that the foal has recently been weaned from their mother, meaning that they have stopped drinking her milk as they mature.

This usually happens around 6 months of age. After this time, all horses are usually referred to as yearlings. This basically means that they are older than 1 year, but haven’t quite reached 2 years of age.

How Long Does It Take A Foal To Stand After They Have Been Born?

Surprisingly, foals have to learn quickly on their feet once they have been born. It is imperative that they stand as quickly as possible.

The general rule of thumb is that it will take no more than an hour after they have been born for a foal to stand up. This is a sign that you have a healthy foal. They will then start to suckle from their mother’s teat as soon as they are encouraged to do so by the broodmare.

If you notice that your new foal is having difficulty with these first steps – particularly standing on their own two feet and nursing from their mother’s milk – it may be worth consulting with your equine vet to ensure that nothing is wrong.

Make sure to keep a note of how long it took your new foal to stand up shortly after they were born. You will need to keep an eye on how often they are drinking from their mother’s milk, too.

The general rule of thumb is that a foal will need to do this roughly every 30 minutes so that they can stay fit and healthy.

To ensure that your foal has actually drank milk from its mother, you can take a look to see whether the broodmare’s udders have reduced in size at all.

Keep an eye on the muzzle of your foal, too. If they have been drinking milk, you should notice signs of this around their face and nostrils.

Lastly, you will need to ensure that your new baby foal has been able to pass their first bowel movement without difficulty. If you notice that they have struggled with this, then you may wish to call your equine vet to check over your foal.

How Long Before A Foal Needs To Be Weaned?

There will come a time when your foal needs to be weaned from their mother. There is a debate as to when the best time to do this is. It is safe to wean your foal once they have reached 3 months of age.

By this time, your foal is likely eating a decent amount of grass to supplement their diet sufficiently.

However, the results from some studies display that horses who are weaned at 3 months of age are more likely to develop behavioral problems, or are more at risk from certain orthopedic diseases.

For this reason, some owners tend to leave it until their foal is between 3 to 6 months of age before they are weaned.

You will find that it will be easier to wean your foal if you expose them to other horses in your yard or in the pasture.

This is because it can reduce any separation anxiety that they may suffer from when they are first removed from their mother’s side. It will be best to place them with other foals or barren mares so that they can have some company.

It will be important to wean your foal so that the broodmare can recover some of her strength that has been devoted to feeding her young baby.

How Old Does A Horse Need To Be Before You Can Break Them In?

It will be important to wait for your horse to reach at least 4 years of age before you attempt to back them. This is because their bones need the time to properly form into their adult frame. If you were to try and back your horse as a yearling, this could damage their spinal cord, making them unrideable.

The only exception to this rule is with racing horses. These are usually backed at 2 years of age. However, the important distinction to note is that jockeys are much lighter than the average adult human.

They need to be in order to get around the racecourse faster. It will also be worth noting that this lighter weight will be easier on the horse’s back.

In Summary

So there you have it! You now know that baby horses are always referred to as foals, regardless of their gender. If you wanted to differentiate between the two genders, you may hear the terms filly and colt used to refer to females and males.

Once the horses have reached a year in age, they are typically referred to as yearlings. This continues until they are 4 years of age, when they will be referred to in terms of their gender, such as mares and stallions. If a male horse has been castrated, he is often called a gelding.

To ensure that your foal is healthy, you will need to make sure that they have been able to stand up on their own four feet within the first hour of their birth.

They will then need to be encouraged by their mother to feed straight away. If you notice that your foal is struggling to cope with these first moments, it may be best to contact your equine vet so that they can come and examine your foal.

Why not impress all your friends and family with your newfound horsey knowledge?

We all know that a horse likes to eat a juicy carrot, and even the odd Polo mint, but what about fleshy meat?

Whilst we like to feast on a supersized finger lickin’ bucket of chicken, horses are not known for eating meat. That is not to say that a horse would not enjoy it either, as no doubt if they had their way, they would order it off a menu.

However, whilst some animals eat meat every day, like a pet dog or cat, why do we not feed horses meat? If you are curious to know, let us explore further. 

A Horse’s Digestive System

Horses do not tend to hunt for meat, and they are most certainly not given meat as a part of their regular diet, but why?

Whilst they may enjoy the taste if given the chance, horses are, in fact, herbivores. Their digestive system has not been created to deal with something like meat, unlike our own which can break it down a lot easier.

Horses tend to eat vegan staples such as ‘plant’ food. Whilst a regular vegan will not be eating a plate full of pasture grass, this is the main area a horse will get its nutrition from – and they likely think it is really tasty too. 

The reason for their diet of grass, plants and hay is because their intestines are much larger than carnivores, so the food takes longer to break down and fully digest. Because of this, it means the horse can absorb every bit of the nutrients that it needs from the food.

So, Can A Horse Eat Meat?

As we have already stated, a horse is a herbivore, however that does not mean that they cannot eat meat, and that they will not eat meat. 

Due to their digestive system, it probably is not a great idea to eat meat, though in places like Iceland they are regularly given fish to consume, though that is far different than placing a couple of pork chops in your hand for them to chow down.

The reason horses get fed fish in Iceland is because it gets really, really cold during the winter and the horses need to digest extra protein. 

There is a possibility that a horse can consume small portions of meat, but for you and your horse to be in a situation where you can only feed them meat, then that is the only reason you would likely feed them meat. 

Whilst meat may provide some nutritional benefits, it should never form a part of their diet, whether as a supplement or as a main area. They are just not designed to eat it, and it could cause problems in the long-term.

What Happens If A Horse Eats Meat?

Whilst a tiny amount of meat probably will not do anything, it is best to steer clear of it when it comes to the horse’s diet. If it is a small portion, they should be able to flush it out due to it not being able to be digested.

Horses do not know what is good and bad for them, so even if they like the taste of something, it does not mean it is good for them – a little like when we eat a doughnut. 

So, even if your horse is curious whilst you are eating meat, such as a hotdog or hamburger, make sure that they do not take a quick bite. Whilst it should not harm them – it does happen – a horse cannot vomit, so if they have eaten quite a bit of meat, take them to see a vet as soon as possible.

When it comes to veterinary attention after consuming food they should not have, you need to act quickly. Any delay of time could be the difference between it being fatal or not.

What Is Botulism?

Whilst rare, a horse can become ill with a disease called botulism if they digest toxins from an animal carcass. This is because meat can go bad really quickly, especially in a warmer climate, and if a horse eats it, they can become dangerously ill.

In fact, it is so dangerous that if a vet is not called, they will sadly die. 

One of the ways this can accidently happen is when a mouse gets trapped in hay, dies and eventually rots. A horse may nibble at it, at least by accident, so always make sure the hay is clear. 

Do Horses In The Wild Eat Meat?

Even though you might think a wild horse would eat meat, it has to be because of a drastic situation, such as extreme hunger and completely nothing else available.

Most horses in the wild have enough plants and grass to last them a lifetime, so they do not have to worry about trying to find small animals and rodents to eat. 

It does not mean it is impossible, however, but horses are not generally known to crave meat, or use it as a way to survive even when they are living out in the wild. 

Like we mentioned previously, the only horses that are known to eat meat (fish) are icelandic horses. People are said to leave barrels containing salted fish for the horses to chow down on when needed. 

Doing this means the horses can get the nutrients they require such as salt, protein, minerals and vitamins, whilst the grass is covered in snow.

What Does A Horse Eat?

A horse is really happy to eat clean and toxic-free food such as grass, hay, grains and pre-made mixes that have been specifically put together.

In fact, a horse may spend more than half of their day munching away on pasture grass, eating small meals to fill up their stomach. They never usually go hungry, because if they do it can lead to stomach pain and colic problems – this is because their digestive system has no food to process.

They do not need to eat meat, as it does not give them any dietary benefits. It is more likely to make them ill, especially if they suffer from a sensitive digestive system. Even if they do not, it is never worth the risk of finding out.

Final Words

Even though it is always tempting to want to share your food with a pet, when it comes to horses, it is better to let them stick with their herbivore diet of plants, hay and grass.

Whilst meat is eaten by a lot of animals, including your own dog, a horse should never be given meat. This is because their digestive system is longer and larger than carnivores, causing digestion to be slow.

This slowness is what causes horses not to be able to digest meat efficiently, especially in larger quantities. It may cause issues in the long-term due to horses not being able to vomit it back up. 

So, now that you know that horses should not eat meat, you will not even need to wonder whether you can add it to their diet – and anyway, they enjoy eating pasture grass, so let them enjoy it because at least it will not cause them gut problems!

The American quarter horse is a well-established staple of the United States and is one of the oldest recognized breeds in the nation.

From their origins in the 1660s to their present status as one of the calmest, most cooperative horses, these are a popular breed – and this is your chance to learn a little more about them.

Appearance

Most quarter horses range at between 14 and 16 hands in height and are known for their stocky, muscular physique, deep and broad chests, and short, wide heads, making them ideal for their original job of cutting cattle from the herd.

This was a role that required horses to be able to start, turn and stop quickly, as well as pick up speed across short distances. As a result, quarter horses tend to be quite heavy, with weights ranging between 430 and 545kg.

The breed comes in three main types: short, stocky “stock type quarter horses”, muscular “halter” horses, and taller, leaner hunter or racer types.

There are a wide variety of color types, and the approved list of accepted colors is a lengthy one. Bay, black, buckskin, brown, roan, dun, and palomino are amongst the most popular, but the “classic” shade for an American quarter horse is a brown-red sorrel tone.

Previously, any white-spotted colors were banned by the American Quarter Horse Registry, but this has now evolved to allow horses of all colors to be accepted – the only caveat is that both parents must also be registered.

Temperament

Quarter horses are known and celebrated for their intelligence, as well as their calm, docile nature. They are clever enough to be trained with minimal effort, and this makes them popular for riders of all abilities and levels and has earned them a place as a family horse.

Their intelligence also means that they are popular ranch horses – they can respond well to outside stimulus, are super hard-working, and are always eager to please their rider – all important aspects to their success as strong working horses.

History

The American quarter horse has a long reputation and stands as one of the oldest recognized horse breeds across the US.

The breed can trace its origins back to the 16th century when Thoroughbreds imported to Virginia were bred with the native Spanish horses, creating a horse that was compact, fast, and enjoyed the benefits of both racehorses and workhorses.

The name was derived from the amazing speeds that the breed could reach over a quarter-mile distance. Races were well in place by the late 17th century, when competitions raced quarter horses over quarter-mile courses across Virginia and Rhode Island,

and some of the most significant sires also arose during this period, including an English Thoroughbred, Janus, as well as Steel Dust, and Peter McCue – a sure deemed the most important element in improving the quarter horse.

The early years of the 19th century saw the increased popularity of Thoroughbreds, as they had the ability to run faster over extended distances. Quarter horses did not fall out of favor, however; on the contrary, they gained popularity across the western and southwestern states, and amongst travelers heading in this direction.

Here, the speed and agility of the breed made it the perfect pick for the rapidly developing frontier, and the natural herding ability and good temper made it popular with cowboys in the period.

Quarter horses were also bred with native breeds, particularly Mustangs, to develop “cow sense” – a natural talent for rounding and working with cattle on the frontier.

The quarter horse remained popular across ranches and started to make appearances at races and rodeos across the region – something that has continued into the modern-day.

The 1940s saw the founding of the largest breed registry in the world, the American Quarter Horse Association, and this boasted over 2.5 million horses on its books by the late 20th century. Now, this is the largest organization of horse breeders in the world.

Quarter horses remain popular on ranches right across the United States and are regular visitors to races, rodeos, and shows. In recent years, they have also displayed a strength for dressage and trail riding, and there are now over 3 million registered quarter horses across the world.

Their sweet, smart and docile nature means that they remain popular with ranches and families alike, and their popularity shows no sign of declining.

Diet And Nutrition

Compared to other breeds, quarter horses are considered to be easy to keep and will be quite happy enjoying a diet of grains, vegetables, hay, and fresh fruit.

Grains, hay, and grass will form the bulk of their main diet, but extra treats such as apples and carrots are also always welcomed! Supplements are a good idea to help your horse stay healthy and well. As a rule, quarter horses should be fed around 1.5-2% of their body weight on a daily basis.

Health Issues And Risks

Unfortunately, quarter horses do tend to be susceptible to a number of genetic issues, with the most common being hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HYPP). This is an inherited condition that can cause muscle weakness and twitching, and which can also result in paralysis.

To help reduce instances of HYPP, the American Quarter Horse Association requires all horses to be DNA tested for the condition.

Quarter horses are also at risk of hereditary equine regional dermal asthenia (HERDA) – this is a skin condition that is caused by a defect with the collagen in the body, and some may also suffer equine polysaccharide storage myopathy – this is a metabolic condition which can result in lameness, sweating, sore muscles, and muscle tremors.

Final Thoughts

The American Quarter horse is a smart, docile, and amiable breed, one that is capable of reaching high speeds, and enjoys incredible agility. Their good-natured temperaments make them suitable horses for almost all experience levels and abilities, and they are guaranteed to be a great addition to any family or herd.

We’d all love to have our own horses. It’s so much fun, you get to play, ride, and care for your best friend, and looking after horses can be a very rewarding and fulfilling experience. However, it’s not as easy as it looks.

There are so many things to consider when it comes to equine care that you may not realize. It’s not just about brushing them, finding the right tack and equipment, or feeding them. Horses need a lot of space, care and attention in order to thrive. 

One of the terms we use for a space for horses is a paddock. If you’re unsure what a paddock is, then you’re in the right place.

We’re here to help you understand paddocks, why we use them, and what the difference is between fields, paddocks and pasture. So, what is a paddock?

What Is A Paddock?

The most basic definition of a paddock is an enclosed area used for pasturing or exercising animals such as sheep and horses. Paddocks are also the enclosures used to parade racehorses before a race. 

For the most part, a paddock is the term used for a small field or enclosure where horses are kept, fed or exercised around in.

A horse paddock is typically a fenced area that is big enough for a horse to move around in as they wish, but not so big that they can run around freely.

A paddock is therefore often used to limit a horse’s movement, separate it from others, or to control their diet in case they have any issues with feeding or injuries.

As mentioned above, a racehorse can also be saddled, paraded or walked around a paddock in order to show it to spectators before a race. 

Paddocks are usually around 20 by 60 feet and can often be found on horse farms or near barns and stables as a safe place for keeping and monitoring horses. However, they can vary in size and shape depending on the particular paddock. 

In some cases, paddocks can be accessed by a barn and are usually attached, so that horses have space to move around, or to get some fresh air, but also a warm shelter.

What Is A Paddock Used For?

Paddocks can be used for a variety of purposes. Most of the time, they are an indispensable resource for your horse to gain a little freedom to roam and graze, so that they are not cooped up in a stall or stable all day long.

Paddocks can also be used to separate horses that are aggressive, or those that don’t get on with other members of the herd.

When horses are kept in a field together, some can get bullied or are stopped from eating by other more aggressive horses, which can lead to the passive horse becoming underweight or starved. 

However, they are also often used to isolate a horse or stallion for the purpose of breeding, to keep them safe, to help them recover properly from an injury, and to restrict their diet and grazing if needed.

Some horses can be prone to becoming overweight, so keeping them in a paddock where their eating habits are controlled and monitored prevents them from becoming overweight, getting laminitis or putting strain on the joints.

What Is The Difference Between A Paddock And A Pasture?

Now, you may be wondering how a paddock differs from keeping your horse on pasture. Leaving a horse on pasture means allowing them to live and graze on a large open stretch of grassland, but this is often with other animals such as cattle.

Pasture is normally a much larger space where the horse will have more freedom and can graze on whatever grass and hay is out there, whereas a paddock is a much more enclosed and controlled environment. 

As a general rule of thumb, a pasture is a larger space of land that is more than 1 acre. This can be made up of several lots and paddocks, and horses may be able to walk around, drink, eat and move to their own shelter.

On the other hand, paddocks are smaller enclosed fields of an acre or less. They are usually designed for one or two horses at a time at the most, and are designed to separate or monitor horses. 

How Much Space Does A Horse Need?

On average, a good rule to follow is to give each horse 1 ½ to 2 acres of open land. This can be in the form of pasture, hay ground, along with stables and paddocks to keep the horses safe at night.

Most equine experts argue that a horse should have about 2 acres of space, with an additional acre per horse you wish to keep after that. 

If you are planning on keeping a horse in a paddock, then this should be under 1 acre, with access to a stable, as long as the grass is good quality and not too dry or boggy. 

How Large Is A Paddock?

A good paddock should be at least around 600 square feet per horse kept in there, but paddocks should not exceed 1 acre, as this could be considered pasture if any larger.

Sizes and shapes of paddocks may vary depending on where they are and the grass quality, however, some experts argue that they should be around 20 by 60 feet for the best results and for the sake of your horses. 

Summary

To summarize, learning about equine care and requirements can be confusing, and there’s a lot to know about horse welfare. If you’re thinking about keeping a horse, then you need to know about appropriate housing for your horse.

This includes not only stables and barns, but paddocks, pasture and grazing fields too. With this guide, you should have a wider understanding of what a horse paddock is, and why our horses need them.

Horses are majestic creatures indeed. If you have a horse to care for, or you’re interested in keeping one, then there is a lot to know. Horses need a lot of attention, care and love in order to thrive.

As an equestrian, you will want to find out everything you can think of about horses. If you’re a horse lover, then you’ll want to know everything about their health, anatomy, and behaviors that you can. 

One of the many interesting questions we get about horses is whether they can throw up or not. So, this guide is all about whether horses can vomit or not, and what to do if they do. So, can horses throw up? 

Can Horses Throw Up?

The short answer to this question is that no, horses cannot throw up. This is due to the way that the digestive system of a horse is designed, as it makes it near impossible for them to be sick or throw up naturally.

If a horse does throw up, which is incredibly rare, then it is a sign that there is something seriously wrong with the horse, and this is typically a fatal problem. 

As humans, we throw up for a range of reasons. We can throw up if we have an upset stomach, if we ingest something we shouldn’t and if we feel anxious, dizzy or nervous.

So, this is why it is so surprising to us that horses do not have that natural reflex that we do. So, why is this the case, and why can’t horses throw up?

Why Can’t Horses Throw Up?

Horses cannot throw up simply because their bodies have evolved that way. In the wild, horses would need to run in order to escape predators, and when they run, the intestines move and hit the stomach.

If this happened to another animal, then this would typically trigger a vomiting reflex, but obviously, horses run often, so a sensitivity to vomiting would not benefit them or keep them alive if being chased by a predator. 

In addition to this, horses do not regurgitate their food, and so they do not need the ability to vomit in order to survive.

They are also very picky eaters, and only graze on pasture land, making it rare that they come into contact with toxic products that they would need to throw up. 

As a horse swallows its food, it goes down the esophagus and into the stomach. Inside of the horse is an esophageal sphincter muscle.

This muscle will become relaxed when a horse is eating, so that food can enter the stomach.

Due to the fact that this muscle is so strong in a horse, and the positioning of the stomach, there is no way that the valve can open backwards and allow food to come back up.

What this means is that their bodies are also designed so that food can only go downwards, rather than upwards. Horses have muscles in their stomachs that make it impossible for the valve to open in order for vomit to come up and out of the body. 

Horses may sometimes appear to vomit, but this is mostly a case of the horse choking, and the food or substance coming back up from the esophagus.

In a similar way, it may appear that a horse is vomiting, but they may regurgitate when incredibly unwell, as the muscles can loosen and food can ooze from the mouth. Whilst it looks like vomiting, it is not physically possible for a horse to vomit.

The Problem With Not Being Able To Throw Up

Despite the fact that horses have evolved to not need to throw up, as an equine lover, you should be aware of some of the dangers that not being able to throw up pose.

For instance, throwing up is our bodies’ natural reaction to toxicity. We vomit in order to get foreign bodies out, or to get rid of bugs and bacteria in our internal systems. 

As a horse cannot do this, anything toxic or causing discomfort and stress inside of your horse cannot be forced out, and so your horse may have to deal with intestinal pain and discomfort until it passes.

This means that horses may suffer from indigestion and stomach pain from time to time. 

In addition, if your horse ingests something toxic, then you need to contact a veterinarian immediately for help, as your horse will not be able to get it out itself naturally. 

Horses can also be in extreme pain due to overeating, as they cannot throw up the excess food in order to feel better. This is why horses who are prone to eating too much need constant monitoring and a controlled diet. 

Another thing to think about is the choking hazard that this poses. Throwing up is a way of removing something lodged in the throat, and horses cannot do this, so they can be prone to choking if they eat something quickly or ingest something accidentally. 

What Happens If My Horse Throws Up?

A horse may vomit in extreme cases of illness, in which the stomach may become severely distended, which can put pressure on the valve and eradicate it.

This, then could cause the horse to vomit, however this is highly unlikely as the stomach distension would have to be really severe in order for this to happen. 

This could also happen to a horse if food or gas causes stomach pressure which becomes too much and there is an infection in the lining of the abdomen, which is usually fatal for horses. 

Therefore, if you do think that your horse has vomited, then it is vital that you take it or call a veterinarian for immediate treatment, as it is incredibly dangerous for a horse to be vomiting, and this is typically caused by extreme illnesses and poor health. 

If you are ever concerned about your horse’s health, or you think that they may be suffering from digestion problems or intestinal problems, then speak to a veterinarian or licensed equine nutritionist for guidance and help. 

Summary

To summarize, if you’ve heard that horses can’t throw up, it is actually true! Horses are physically unable to vomit, as they are not designed that way or evolved that way.

Horses have a digestive system that allows them to constantly digest their food throughout the day. 

They also need to be able to run from predators at any point, where the internal organs such as the stomach and intestines would move about.

If they were prone to vomiting, then running at any given moment would cause extreme vomiting, and they would not be able to escape predators. Therefore, horses have adapted so that they do not need to vomit.

If you think that your horse is vomiting, then it is essential that you seek medical help immediately as this is unnatural for a horse, and could be a sign of a serious medical issue that needs urgent attention.

If you suspect that your horse is unwell, it can be a worrying time, especially if they are showing signs of colic. To put it simply, colic is a general term used to describe a horse who is suffering from abdominal pain.

Whilst it may be from something as simple as indigestion, the horse could also be suffering from much worse causes such as a twisted gut.

The best thing any horse owner can do is to try and prevent colic. Whilst that does not mean that they will never suffer from it, any steps taken will help to heavily reduce their likelihood of it happening.

Why Colic Happens In Horses

Colic is a lot more common in horses than you might think, and there are a couple of things that could be the reason why that is so. Such as how a horse’s eating and grazing habits have changed dramatically since their ancestors were alive. 

Nature intended horses to constantly be on the move, grazing as they go along. In this perfect world, horses would feed off low-energy food in large quantities all day in a process known as ‘trickle feeding’. 

Unfortunately, many horses today spend their time eating a type of hard feed alongside a particular amount of hay, and then left in a stable for hours without exercise and food to eat.

Even those who do get to spend time grazing are different to what once was, or how wild horses live. Sadly, a horse’s digestive system has not evolved to keep up with the changes, therefore are more susceptible to colic.

Because a horse cannot vomit, they are also unable to get rid of food that cannot be digested, as well as toxins. The gut has an absorptive area that is rather large, and due to horses being herbivores, and a slower digestion rate, toxins may get absorbed into their body quickly. 

First Signs Of Colic

All horses are different, but these are some of the signs they might be showing alongside other behaviour:

• Sweating
• An increase in their breathing rate
• Pulse rate is elevated
• Restlessness
• Pawing at nothing on the ground
• Rolling, or at least trying to roll
• Stretching, perhaps it looks like they are urinating
• Kicking to their own stomach
• Lying down and getting back up, and then repeating it
• Lying down more
• A poor appetite

Risks Of Suffering From Colic

There are many risks that are associated with the potential of suffering from colic, so it is always best to try and avoid such situations.

If the pasture has become over-grazed or is in generally poor condition, such as the soil, then this could be a factor in causing colic in your horse. Also, a change in routine, travelling long distances and even exercising whilst being unfit or after eating food can all bring on colic.

If their feeding routine is quite poor, then this can cause colic due to not having enough fiber and water, a change in diet that happens suddenly, food that is soiled or even the wrong amount of food. 

Lastly, there are issues with the body that may bring on a bout of colic such as if they have tooth problems. This is the first area of their digestive system, just like us humans. Once the teeth are affected, it can stop a horse from eating properly.

If they have worms or even some sort of gut damage due to surgery, then this can all bring on colic. 

How To Prevent Colic

Whilst aiming to prevent colic is always the best solution, it cannot eradicate the possibility altogether, however it is a great start. There are many ways to do this, which you should be doing anyway, but let us look at them in more detail.

Diet

A horse needs a constant supply of fresh water to make sure that they are staying hydrated and that their digestive system is working properly. 

Their diet should be high in fiber, with 60 percent of that coming from hay or another alternative. It needs to be good quality, as does all their food, to ensure there is no mold or hazards.

Frequent but small meals are best, with plenty of pasture grazing. Keep hard feed as a supplement part of their diet only.

Pasture Grass

Whilst it is great to have your horse spend time nuzzling at grass, you do not want the area to become overgrazed.

On the other end of the spectrum, if you have rich grass coming through, the best thing to do is to introduce it to them gradually as it should be seen as a change to their current diet.

Make sure the pasture is not heavily sanded too, as this is generally not good for them.

Exercise

A horse needs to stay fit and well, and to do this, they must have regular exercise. Whilst a routine is good, make sure your horse is not over-exercised and becomes tired. Also, never do sudden bursts of heavy exercise, especially if it is for long periods of time and they are not used to it.

Make sure they are spending plenty of time in the paddock, but if you are making any big changes to their exercise, introduce it to them slowly. 

Also, a horse will need a cooling-off period after exercise, so give them time to do this.

Routine Check-Ups

A horse’s lifestyle is a big factor when it comes to preventing colic. A good way to keep them healthy is by making sure they have regular dental checks, and this means not missing them or forgetting to schedule it in.

If a horse is not chewing food well, then this can increase the risk of a blockage forming in their intestine, which ultimately will lead to pain.

Also, make sure that they get checked for worms regularly too, and listen to any date recommendations given by the vet.

Treatment Of Colic

If a horse has a mild case of colic, then a vet may administer drugs which will relieve pain, as well as relax the horse – which will help stop those symptoms as listed above.

Once this has happened, you will need to keep in touch with the vet and inform them if anything changes, especially if you are worried.

If the horse does not respond to the treatment, and the case is more serious, then surgery may be suggested. 

If You Think Your Horse Has Colic

If you suspect that your horse is suffering from colic, then always treat it as an emergency, rather than waiting for it to ‘pass’. This means you should call for a vet as soon as you realize something is not right.

You should be keeping a note of your horse’s regular pulse rate and temperature so it is easier to spot any abnormalities. Also, you will be able to tell if any of the horse’s behaviour seems out of character.

So, what do you do if you think your horse is suffering from colic?

• Make sure your horse is in a safe environment where they cannot accidentally hurt themselves, such as if they are rolling around or repeatedly lying down.

• Remove any of the horse’s feed and hay to avoid more digestion issues.

• If you think the symptoms are mild, walking around may help relieve some of the pain, but stay near the stable and do not venture out.

• If your horse seems anxious, make sure you keep watch, but stay out of their way, it could make it worse.

Final Words

Understanding how colic affects a horse can help you to prevent it from happening in the first place. Whilst it is common in today’s management of horses to suffer from colic, it can be prevented if you keep your horse healthy, exercised and routinely checked.

Horses have been a crucial part of human civilization for thousands of years, and we have used them heavily for transport, as well as farming, industry, food, and various other crucial elements of society. 

While the treatment and cultural attitude towards horses varies in different parts of the world, there’s no denying the fact that horses have played a huge role in human history and that we have had a massive impact on horses,

as natural selection and breeding programs were created hundreds of years ago to create the biggest,

most powerful and most effective horses for various purposes, from warhorses to farming and draft horses powerful enough to move huge amounts of weight.

There are many different breeds of horses, and there are several that have competed for the title of the biggest horse breed. 

In this guide, we’re going to look at which horse is the biggest living breed, as well as which horse is the tallest ever living breed,

and then some of the largest breeds of horse that exist to give you a better understanding of just how impressive and majestic these horses are, as well as where to look if you find yourself looking to purchase one.

What Is The Tallest Living Horse?

The tallest living horse was a red flaxen Belgian gelding horse called Big Jake, who was noted for his enormous height. He was some 20 hands 2 and ¾ inches tall, weighed 2600 lbs (1133 kg), and held the title of world’s biggest horse from 2010.

Tragically, Big Jake passed away in June 2021 at the age of 21 years old, but up until that point in time he was regarded as the world’s biggest living horse, and is the second tallest horse ever recorded in history.

Jake was truly enormous, but as with a lot of large horse breeds, he was a gentle giant, with a gentle soul and a fondness for munching on people’s hair.

Big Jake was so big that he would eat twice the amount of food as a normal horse, and great care had to be taken to ensure that he didn’t become too heavy as this would put huge stress on his joints, which is something that all large horses are at risk of.

The search for a new tallest living horse is ongoing and will likely be claimed in the coming years, but until that point, it is hard to confirm who is next tallest after Big Jake.

What Is The Tallest Ever Recorded Horse?

The biggest horse ever recorded was a Shire Horse called Sampson, born in 1846 in Bedfordshire, England. Sampson was later renamed Mammoth when his full size became apparent.

He was 21.25 hands tall and weighed 2260 lbs (1524kg), which also made him the heaviest horse ever recorded. British Shire horses were made for use in farming and industry, which explains their massive size and powerful bodies.

Mammoth holds the record for the tallest and heaviest horse to this day, although many horses have come close to beating this record.

What Are Some Of The Biggest Horse Breeds?

In this section we’re going to look at some of the biggest horse breeds which regularly count among the heaviest and tallest of horses, to give you a better understanding of what breeds to look for when it comes to finding a very large and powerful horse.

1. Suffolk Punch

The Suffolk Punch originates from Suffolk, England, an area that has bred large draft horses since the 1500s. It is the oldest native breed of horse in Great Britain and was bred for agriculture and farming work, making it immensely powerful. 

They can measure around 16 to 18 hands and weigh 1900 to 2200 lbs.

The horse almost became extinct in the 1950s, and there are only a very small number of these horses left in existence today, making their future survival a dubious prospect.

They are chestnut-colored with white markings on the legs and a docile, intelligent nature.

2. Dutch Draft Horse

The dutch draft horse is one of the rarest horse breeds, but is among the largest horses in the world, with a size of 15 to 17 hands in height and a weight of 1500 to 1700 lbs.

This horse was used extensively for farming work due to its immense power, as well as its slow walking speed and intelligent, calm nature.

They are usually grey, chestnut, or bay in color, and have short legs, and a very muscular body, with feathered hooves.

3. Belgian Draft Horse

With a size of 15 to 18 hands and a weight of 1800 to 2200 lbs, the Belgian Draft horse is famous for its size and power.

Sometimes referred to as the Flanders Horse, this is another breed typically used for farming work. They can be bay, roan, sorrel, or chestnut in color, and have a muscular body, short legs, and a thick neck to emphasize their power.

4. Percheron

Measuring between 15 to 19 hands, and weighing some 1900 to 2000lbs, the Percheron is famed for its size and power and was once considered the tallest horse in the world. 

These horses are famed for their elegance and beauty as well as their size, however, and they are regularly used in parades and horse shows, and a large amount of interbreeding has led to varying sizes of horses.

It’s a horse that is able to withstand hot climates very well and is known for its hardiness as well as its hard-working nature.

They are mostly black or grey in color.

5. Clydesdale

Clydesdales are a horse from Scotland that measures some 16 to 18 hands typically and weigh 1800 to 2000 lbs. They are noted for their high stepping gait, and their bay markings with white patches on the face, legs, and feet.

They can be grey, black, or chestnut in coloration, and are a gentle breed of horse, but can be energetic. They are quite easy to train and have elegant long necks unlike a lot of other draft horses.

6. Shire Horses

Shire’s measure 17 to 19 hands weigh 1800 to 2200 lbs, and hail from England. This breed currently has the record for largest ever recorded horse and is known for its muscular body, height, and easy-going temperament.

They can be bay, black, chestnut, brown, or grey and are famous in England as they were used for pulling beer carts as well as driving the canal boats and other heavy industries with their powerful bodies.

They were also heavily used for farming, and are ranked among the strongest breeds of horses, but the rise of technology has meant that these horses are more often used for carriage pulling, and the number of horses has decreased significantly.

Why Are Horses Measured In ‘Hands’?

Horses are measured in hands because it was traditional to measure a horse by placing one hand on the floor, and the other hand above that, working your way up the height of the horse and counting how many ‘hands’ high the horse was.

While modern measurements are much more accurate thanks to measuring sticks and other technologies, the traditional moniker of ‘hands’ has remained in place.

Horse riding is a fun thing to do, but if you are a beginner, not knowing what to wear can add on unwanted stress. If you are curious to know, then you have come to the right place.

Whether you are a newbie needing to know what to wear for your first lesson, or a friend has asked you to go riding at the weekend, then this guide will give you options when it comes to what to wear.

So, to avoid buying something that you really do not need, let us get to it. 

The Basics

It does not matter what type of horseback riding you are planning to do, you should always start with the basics when it comes to what to wear. Whilst styles may be different, you want to always make sure that you are safe and comfortable.

A Hat

If you want to protect your head from a potential fall, then wearing a helmet is necessary. This also includes on the beach, or other softer areas. Falling off a horse can cause quite the impact on the head, so it is always better to be safer.

Never opt for a helmet designed for another sport, for example cycling. Each helmet has different areas of protection due to the way you may fall off a horse or a bicycle. 

If you do not have a hat to hand, always ask to borrow one and never go without. If in doubt, purchase your own such as the inexpensive Troxel Equestrian hat, or if you want it to look like a cowboy hat but with protection, try the Resistol Unisex RideSafe for a bit of fun.

Just A Side Note: If a horseback riding helmet has been dented in a fall or impacted in some way, never reuse it. Once this has happened, it is no longer safe and needs to be discarded. Also, the fit matters. If it moves forward as you change direction with your head, then it is the wrong fit. 

Clothes That Do Not Chafe

If you are new to horseback riding, then you may be prone to saddle sores or chafing. To help avoid this from happening, you must wear appropriate clothing that can help to protect your skin, rather than make it worse.

A short horseback ride should not make a difference, unless the pants you have on chafe. If it is a long ride, take precautions by choosing seamless underwear, and adding a lubricant or powder to areas that may be prone to rubbing.

Heeled Boots

Whilst we are not talking high fashion heels, ½ inch heeled boots can do a great job at keeping your feet inside the stirrups. This means that they will not fall out or fall through, and you can easily remove your feet if you have an unplanned dismount.

Also, the heel can be on long boots, short boots or even hybrid sneakers. So long as you do not mind them getting dirty, they will be fine to wear. 

What To Wear On A Horseback Ride

If you are planning to go on a long horseback ride, then you may be wondering what to wear to make sure you are safe, yet super comfortable. There are a number of options, but it is always best to stay with the basics (as said above).

Because we have already covered wearing a hat, we will skip that here, but never, ever go horseback riding without a well fitted, safety checked hat.

Riding Pants

When you are looking for the perfect pair of breeches or jodhpurs, make sure that comfort comes before style. You need a pair that will feel extremely pleasant as you will be wearing them for a number of hours at a time.

Ill fitting pants can cause chaffing and help saddle sores to start forming, so just because a pair might look great, it does not mean they are suitable for you.

If you are wondering which one to purchase out of breeches and jodhpurs, then it is all down to your footwear. Breeches are best worn with long boots, whilst jodhpurs are cut differently so suit shorter boots.

Footwear

Having the right footwear is important for many reasons, so if you are planning to horseback ride for the long term, you will need to invest in something suitable.

It is always best to have a slight heel as well as a smooth sole. Whilst there is not much grip, the heel will do all the work. 

If you plan to wear long boots, at first they can appear quite restricting when it comes to movements, but they protect the inside of the leg. Short boots are a common choice and allow for extra flexibility.

Body Protector

Wearing a body protector on a long ride is really important because you always have to be prepared for a potential fall, even if you think it will not happen. It can also protect you if the horse kicks too, and can make a novice rider feel more confident.

Whilst it is always best to get one professionally fitted, it is fine to buy one straight-up due to it generally being best to wear one no matter what. 

It is a flexible item that includes a segmented body to help with movement, and is normally created using military grade mesh and light foam, but this can vary amongst brands.

It is usually worn over your clothes, but can be placed under a jacket or coat if the weather is cold or raining.

Horseback Riding Gloves

A little bit like playing the guitar, over time hands can become calloused. To make sure hands stay blister free and super soft, a good option is to wear horseback riding gloves.

Whilst it is tempting just to buy any old pair of gloves, it is recommended that you wear specific horseback riding gloves.

This is because they have been made to be grippy around the area where you need to hold the reins, for example, and are thin enough to be able to feel everything you are doing without them being bulky. 

Unplanned Horseback Riding With A Friend/Family

If your friend or a family member has asked if you would like to go horseback riding this weekend, then you are probably wondering what to wear – especially if you did not ask them.

If it is amongst the stables in a casual setting, rather than a long ride, then you can go a bit more casual. So long as you know you will have a good fitting hat, we can move on to the other areas.

Firstly, think about how comfortable you will need to feel and then see what you have in your closet. A good pair of jeans that are not too tight or loose will be a great option so long as they do not feel too snug between the calves. You really do want to avoid chafing!

A regular shirt or sweater will be fine, so long as it does not look like you are heading to the bar afterwards. Keep it simple, and look at the weather beforehand just in case you are wearing something too thick for the heat.

Lastly, you will want to find footwear with a slight heel, whether that is a chelsea boot or wellington boots. So long as you do not mind getting them dirty, and that they have a slight heel, they will be fine.

Things To Avoid

Whilst there are plenty of options when it comes to what to wear horse riding, there are a few things you should avoid if you want to be comfortable and safe.

Certain Jewelry

Jewelry can be worn when you horseback ride, but it needs to be something that cannot be pulled just in case something does happen like a fall, or if you accidentally snag it and cause yourself injury. Stud earrings are absolutely fine, however.

Wrong Footwear

The shoes you wear can make a big difference to safety and if you are comfortable. You will be making commands using your heels and legs, so will need to make sure the shoes you wear can live up to the job if you are going in and out of the stirrups.

Footwear such as clogs, high fashion shoes or boots, slides and flip flops should not be worn. Some of these types of shoes may fall off, and also you should expect to have dirty footwear at times, so do not wear your best Alexander McQueen sneakers.

Tight Pants Or Shorts

Even though the pants that horseback riders wear are tight, you do not want them to be too tight. This can cause unwanted friction and chafing at the hem in delicate areas, as well as potentially pinch at the inner calves. 

Shorts are the same, and should never be worn for horseback riding.

On the other hand, your clothes should not be too bulky either. Wearing a pair of pants that fit well is the perfect answer.

Fashion Shirts

As we have stated above, it is perfectly fine to wear a basic shirt that is not specifically for horseback riding. Whilst that is okay, you should avoid wearing anything too excessive such as a top that has holes in, or plastics jewels added to it, etc.

Keep it basic, and leave your best clothes for a different day. It is better to wear something you do not mind getting dirty, and that will clean well without needing special washing instructions.

A Dress

Whilst it may look super comfortable, it actually is not, especially if it is a long dress because it will get in the way – however, due to the positioning of legs, you also do not want to wear a short dress.

The flow of the skirt can cause an accident when dismounting and mounting, so extra care would need to be taken, especially if you plan to do so in a wedding dress.

Also, due to having very little fabric underneath the dress, it will also be very uncomfortable and cause chafing and potential saddle sores on the legs. If you are planning on wearing a dress, find a pair of shorter leggings to go with it.

Still Struggling On What To Wear

If you are still a little worried about what to wear, then the best thing you can do is ask. It will take away the stress you are feeling, especially if you are going to your first lesson or riding with a friend.

Whilst you do not want to wear the wrong thing to avoid embarrassment, so long as you do not turn up in flip flops and the best pair of jeans you own, then you will be fine.

Final Words

Learning to ride a horse for the first time can be nerve wracking enough (and exciting), but it also brings along with it its own kind of stress and worries. What to wear is one of them, especially if you have never ridden a horse before and you do not know what it feels like.

Jeans are a sensible option for those who have nothing else that might protect their legs, and a plain sweater or shirt will do just fine. So long as you get the basics right, then you are good to go.

If dogs are man’s best friend, horses are our dutiful colleague. These beautiful creatures have been a companion to humanity since the start of recorded history, and they have aided in our rise and our success.

Without horses, we would not have been able to build awe-inspiring constructs or have great trade routes that stretched across continents.

They changed the way in which people travel and transport goods, and empires have been built upon their shoulders. It is clear to see that horses are very important to our success, and their abilities are incredible.

However, among those abilities that they have, is intelligence one of them? We can see intellect in many creatures, both great and small, but for horses it can be hard to judge.

This is perhaps because although they are domesticated, it is not in the same way as cats or dogs who live with us in the house.

Instead, their intelligence may be more wild and unrecognizable, but is it even there? Today, we will look closely at a horse’s intellect and discover whether they truly are smart creatures.

So, Are Horses Smart?

This may come as a shock to most people – yet absolutely not to a person who has an extended interaction with a horse – but horses are quite intelligent creatures.

The problem for a lot of humans when we examine an animal’s behavior for intelligence is that most animals we look at are predators.

Predators are going to act differently to prey in given situations and since most of our companions or animals that we recognize as intelligent are predators, it gives us a preconceived bias about what intelligence should look like.

This is especially true for flight or fight responses that animals exhibit, as prey can be spooked easily and will instinctively flee unless trained otherwise.

Another concern is that we look at horses very similarly to dogs when comparing intelligence, which is a mistake. Dogs are medium-sized pack animals that can be motivated easily. Horses are enormous herd animals that are not naturally motivated.

They will follow the herd, but they are also liable to wander off and do their own thing if they see something they like.

Don’t get me wrong, horses can understand what you want if communicated properly, they just don’t really care that much unless you give them a reason to.

Due to dogs always wanting a form of stimulation it is much easier to get them to do what you want, as such horse intelligence should be considered more like a cats, in that their contentment is not beholden to you but that in no way makes them stupid.

With this in mind, let’s have a look at the intellectual abilities that most horses have, and you can decide for yourself whether a horse’s intelligence is high or low.

Intellectual Skills

Emotional Recognition

This may come as a shock to some people, but in tests and studies, horse’s have proven unilaterally that they can recognize human emotions.

That’s right, that animal that was just thought of as quite literally a work horse is adept at understanding you, maybe even more than yourself.

This ability is said to be on par with that of a domestic dog and, in much the same way as a dog, they will respond to the emotions of people they like.

In fact, horses become very personable when you are not having a good time and will often force or demand cuddles on those that are upset and avoid angry or people in a mood at all costs, even walking in a wide arc away from them.

However, emotional intelligence in horses may beat out that of dogs, horses have even been shown to recognize the emotions of someone in a photograph and respond in kind. This skill is something that I’m not sure dogs – or even I – could do.

Communicative Ability

Horses are able to communicate with us quite well, in fact. After a few repetitions, horses were found to be able to make associations and communicate with their handlers in a way the handlers can understand.

In one case, the horses were taught that touching a coat with their muzzle meant they were cold and that they wanted to wear the coat.

This was done for 23 horses in a stable. For the next year, these horses were monitored and every time it got cold or wet, the horses came up and asked for a coat by touching their muzzle to the material. When it was hot or sunny, not one horse asked for a coat.

This communicative ability may not be on par with dogs, or it may well be but because of a horse’s temperamental nature, they choose to ignore commands.

We may never know, but what we do know is that their ability to understand their riders’ directions is a lot less to do with instinct and more so with intellect.

Exceptional Visual And Auditory Recognition Skills

We already spoke about how horses can recognize emotions in people, but their recognition ability goes far beyond that.

There is always the story of horses going up to the same person who always has a carrot, when in actuality horses would probably still go to that person even if they didn’t have a carrot.

This is because horses can recognize us. They know our faces and smells, which means that if you have a horse that likes you, and you are in the vicinity it will probably make its way towards you, just because it enjoys being around you.

The more time you spend with a horse, the more likely it’ll recognize you and this memory of who you are can last years.

However, that is not the most impressive skill that horses have for knowing their favorite people. They actually have a skill that some people struggle with. Horses can identify you, just from your voice.

That’s right, a horse that can’t understand human language or speech patterns knows exactly who you are just from how you sound.

Recent studies have shown that horses are able to match voices to the faces of people they know very quickly, normally only a few seconds.

This skill probably developed because they are herd animals, and it makes it easier to identify your herd over others, but it is still impressive.

In Comparison To Other Creature’s Intellect, Where Do Horses Sit?

As stated earlier, we use predators and close companion animals as indicators of animal intelligence most of the time, so this is a little tricky to answer. However, if we do some comparisons using human intellect, it may give a very rough picture of where horses sit.

A cat’s intelligence is roughly the same as that of a 2-year-old child and a dog’s is about that of a 3 to 5-year-old child.

A horse’s intelligence has been compared to a 3-year-old child, making it quite clever among the animals. As such, we can kind of place it squarely in between a cats and a dog’s intelligence with the potential for it to be higher.

I believe with more studies taking place in the future that maybe this could change, but for now it is in the middle.

Final Thoughts

Horses are among the most intelligent animals, to say otherwise would be to give false information. We may not think or understand their intelligence as well as other animals, and they may not care to show us their intellect, but that does not make them stupid.

In the future, we will hopefully examine horse intelligence more closely and come to a more concrete conclusion, but for now we can simply marvel at these wonderful, smart, and beautiful creatures who have remained our companions for thousands of years.