1. Introduction to Horses
Spring 2006
M. Marler
Revised Spring 2011

2. Today, we will learn… Define what a horse is.
Identify the differences between horses and ponies.
Define key horse terminology.

3. WAIT!!! What is a horse?
A horse is a member of the equine family of mammals that are specialized monogastrics.
The equine family includes horses, donkeys, and zebras.

5. What is a specialized monogastric?
“Mono” means _________?
“Gastric” refers to the _________?

6. What is the difference between a horse and a pony?
Horses are larger than ponies.
The height of member of the equine family are measured in units called “hands”.
A hand equals 4 inches.

7. World’s Tallest Living Horse? 20.2 Hands Tall

8. World’s Smallest Living Horse? 17.5 inches at the withers

9. The difference between horses and ponies…
Height is measured at the withers or shoulder area.
Horses are 14.2 hands and taller.
Ponies are 14.1 hands and shorter.

10. Basic Horse Terminology
Mare
Stallion
Gelding
Foal
Filly
Colt
Weanling
Gaits

11. Mare
A mature female horse 4 years of age or over.

12. Stallion
A mature male horse 4 years of age or older

13. Gelding
A castrated male horse

14. Filly
A young female horse up to 3 years of age

15. Colt
Can be used to describe either a young male horse under 3 years of age OR
A young horse of either gender 3 years or age or under.

16. Foal
A baby horse up to weaning.

17. Weanling A young horse that has been weaned from its dam.
Generally, a young horse between the ages of 6 month to 1 year.

18. Yearling
A young horse between 1-2 years old

19. Gaits-Walk
4 beat gait

20. Gaits-Trot/Jog 2 beat gait with the legs moving in diagonal pairs
Faster than a walk

21. Gaits-Canter/Lope 3 beat gait Faster than a trot

22. Gaits-Gallop A 4 beat gait The fastest of all gaits

23. Review!!!
What is a mature female horse called?

24. Review!!!
What is a baby horse called?

25. Review!!!
What is a castrated male horse called?

26. Review!!!
What is an intact, mature male horse called?

27. Review!!!
What is a young female horse up to 3 years of age called?

28. Review!!!
What is a young male horse up to 3 years of age called?

29. Review!!!
What is a weaned horse under a year old called?

30. Review!!! How many beats are in a walk? Trot? Canter? Gallop?
What is another name for a trot or canter?

31. Review!!!
How many inches are in a hand?

32. Review!!!
What is the least amount of hands necessary for a horse to be a horse?

33. On Wednesday, we will… List the top 10 most popular horse breeds.
Describe each breed’s origin, purpose, color & temperament.