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Horses

The horse or domestic horse (Equus caballus) is a sizable ungulate (“hoofed”) mammal of the family Equidae and the genus Equus. Among the 10 living members of the Equus genus are zebras, donkeys, Przewalski’s Horse (a rare Asian species), and hemionids (Onager or Equus hemionus). The donkey (Equus asinus), also known as the burro or domestic ass, like the domestic horse, has many breeds. Przewalski’s Horse (Equus ferus przewalskii) and the domestic horse are the only equids that can cross-breed and produce fertile offspring. Horses, one of the most historically vital domesticated animals to humans, have played a central role in the lives of people for tens of thousands of years. No other animal, domestic or wild, has had so great an impact on the history of civilization as has the horse. The horse was an integral element in warfare and conquest, in transportation and travel, and in art and sport. Its beauty and power are legendary. Since ancient times, the horse has been depicted and revered as the noble bearer of heroes, champions, and gods. Horses are highly social and intelligent herd animals. They fail to thrive in isolation. Their intrinsic nature is to seek a relationship, which offers mutual benefit, ensuring kinship and protection. Humans have long exploited this social character to their advantage. Through domestication the horse’s instinct to herd with other horses has become one to “herd” with or embrace people, and the resulting “willingness to please” makes horses valuable to humanity and heroic figures in movies and literature.

Credit The New World Encyclopedia