1. Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Chapter 9 The Horse Industry

2. Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Horse History Used since beginning of recorded history Much of U.S. history built on horses and mules Numbers declined in 1920s –But increased dramatically since 1960s Serve important role in U.S. agriculture

3. Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Classification Belong to genus Equus Most U.S. horses used for recreation (continued)

4. Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Classification U.S. has three horse classes: –Light 900 to 1,400 pounds –Draft More than 1,400 pounds –Pony 500 to 900 pounds

5. Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Horse Statistics $15 billion industry in U.S. –Third largest spectator sport –75 million attend races annually –Approximately 7,000 horse shows annually (continued)

6. Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Horse Statistics Most U.S. horses registered quarter horses –1.8 million Next largest group: –Arabians –Approximately 620,000

7. Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Mules Have special characteristics that make them valuable –Horse’s size, speed, and strength –Donkey’s agility True hybrid –Cross between male ass (jack) and female horse (mare) (continued)

8. Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Mules Have several advantages over horses: –More tolerant of heat –Sounder feet and legs –More sure-footed –Seldom overeat –Refuse to overwork (continued)

9. Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Mules Gaining popularity –Pleasure riding –Hunting –Working –Pulling

10. Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Anatomy of the Horse

11. Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Horse Conformation and Body Type Body type should match tasks Some characteristics desirable in all horses: –Short back –Long, level croup –Long, slender neck –Long, smooth muscles Proper functioning requires sound feet and legs

12. Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Main Breeding Methods Pasture: Stallion pastured with mare –Less labor-intensive –Greater pregnancy percentage –Mares can get rough Risk of skin blemishes for mares and stallions (continued)

13. Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Main Breeding Methods Hand: Stallion brought to mare –Known breeding date –Closer estimation of foaling time

14. Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Other Breeding Methods Artificial insemination –Now used by many breed registries –Can only use fresh semen or cooled, transported semen Embryo transfer –Removes embryo from one mare and places it in another –Becoming more common in horses

15. Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Equine Reproduction Basics Reproduction depends on two things: –Photoperiod –Hormones (continued)

16. Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Equine Reproduction Basics Seasonal breeders –Start cycling in spring –Stop cycling in fall –Can use artificial light to stimulate follicles Gestation period of approximately 340 days

17. Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. After Birth Foaling –Navel cord treated in iodine solution –Foal given warm, soapy enema –Foal should stand and nurse in a few minutes (continued)

18. Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. After Birth Weaning –Foals tend to wean between four and six months –Males castrated from birth to two years Training –Usually begins before weaning –First lessons include leading with halter

19. Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Management Practices Deworming Vaccinations Veterinary services Farrier visits

20. Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Summary Horses are vital part of U.S. Horses have served as workers and companions –Uniquely designed to serve human beings Pleasure horses on the rise