Man has tamed and used horses throughout history. Horses were one of the few means of transportation for thousands of years. The early Greeks and Romans rode fast horses and chariots were pulled by horses. Knights in armor rode them  charging  into battle. Horses were also used to carry or pull heavy loads of freight weighing several tons. They were  used to plow fields, pull carriages,stagecoaches and carts, and transport food, mail, and other products. Cars, buses, trains, planes and tractors have replaced the horse for these  purposes.

Now that horses are no longer an important means of transportation, they can hold their rightful claim to being the stately animal that they are. Horses are now used for recreation such as trail riding, horse shows, jumping events, circuses, carnivals, parades, rodeos,racing and other events. They are also used for work to round up herds of cattle on ranches. Some communities use horses for farm work such as pulling plows and carts. There are many different breeds of horses and they come in all sizes and colors. There is something for everyone to love,from the smallest Shetland Pony to the graceful Lippizan .Almost everyone goes through a "Horse lover" stage.For some, the feeling lasts a lifetime.

             

Trail Horses                                                    Danish Warm Blood

Horses, depending on breed, weigh between 300 to over 2000 pounds. Their average lifespan is 20-30 years, with ponies and some breeds living longer than others.There are over 150 different breeds and types of horses and ponies. Each one varies greatly in size, strength, and speed. As with all animals, lifespan depends on the quality of care received,  nutrition, and proper veterinary care. For horses, proper veterinary care includes dental care. Because horses are constantly chewing on feed, their teeth begin to grind down and become less sharp. Nature has compensated for this and their teeth grow throughout their life.

Horses have small stomachs compared to the size of their bodies. They need to eat food at least 3 times a day. Horses eat grass, hay and grains, oats being their favorite. A grain mixture is  made for horses by combining  wheat, rolled oats, and cracked corn sweetened with molasses. Apples, carrots, dried bread and sugar cubes are treats for horses. These large animals also drink between 10-12 gallons of water daily and need a daily supply of salt. Salt and minerals are lost when a horse sweats, so  blocks of salt are provided for them to lick. 

         

Ranch Horse Grey Arabian

         

Foal and Mare
First picture is of domestic horses, the second, wild horses.

Cowboys Place
 The Stable Doors
Tricia's Little Bit of Trouble
Denise's Horse
Silversha's Horse Graphics
Casey's Horses
Horse Haven

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