Equine Lecture Evolution, History, Breeds, and Body Parts (External, Digestion, and Markings)

Evolution Evolved from North America’s “Dawn Horse” which was the size of a fox. 50 million years ago Adaptations allowed an ancient ancestor to survive by grazing on grasses, fleeing from predators with longer legs, and increased flexibility of limbs. ----- Meeting Notes (10/31/11 08:26) -----

Ancient Lines From the Pliohippus evolved three lines. Equus caballus (modern horse, tarpan, and Asiatic wild horses) Asses (African, Asiatic, and Kiang) Zebras (Grevy’s, Burchell’s, Mountain, and extinct Quagga)

History Domesticated 4000-3000 B.C. in herds for milk, meat, and skins. Eventually, used to ride and then to transport goods. Later glorified in art, politics, a way of life, and war. With the lessening of the need for horses, came the use for sports and recreation.

1 “hand”= 4 inches

Light Horse Breeds

Arabian Small to medium sized, “dished” small head, skin is dark, many different colors First breed to be domesticated by humans Weighs between 850-1,100 pounds, height of 14-15 hands Used for pleasure riding, ranch work, and parades

American Saddlebred Usually one solid color, frequently have white markings. Developed during colonial times to get a horse that can give long, fast rides. Weighs 1,000-2,000 pounds, height of 14-15 hands. Used for showing in saddle & fine harness classes & riding bridle paths

Morgan Known for versatility, stylish action, stamina and ease of handling. Good show horse, noted for thick neck & crest Weighs about 1,000 pounds height of 14-15 hands Pleasure & driving horses, & as working ranch horses

Quarter Horse Bred for “cow sense” as it works with cattle horse & short 1/4 mile races Heavily muscled in rear, gentle disposition Used for racing, cutting, show & stock. Weighs 1,100-1,300 height of 14-15

American Paint Horse Descendent of plain Indians’ horses, must be of Quarter Horse bloodline. To be registered as paint must meet minimum color requirements More stockier & heavily muscled than other light breeds

Pinto Horse A colored horse of any breed, but not of quarter horse bloodline.

Tennessee Walker Bred for a running walk, gait smooth ride. Comes in all colors, weighs 1,000-1,200 pounds height of 15-16 hands Used for pleasure riding and show

Thoroughbred Developed in England Tall, long legged horse, lean usually brown or black with white markings on legs Used for racing and cross breeding to produce “warm breeds”

Standardbred Looks similar to thoroughbred but more beefy & bulky. A “warm breed” from the thoroughbred. Either trot or pace, weighs from 600-1,150 pounds Used for harness racing in the east, pleasure, and show.

Ponies (Any breed of horse less than 14.2 hands) Shetland Welsh Comes from Shetland islands off the coast of Scotland Height of 10.3-11.1 hands Also registered under Shetland- Miniature horse Used for children to ride on at carnivals From Wales Bigger pony than Shetland, but smaller than light horse breeds Used for small children and sometimes with a harness Pictured: Section A Welsh Mountain Pony