Horse Characteristics
Biology / / July 04, 2021
Horses are quadruped animals that belong to vertebrate mammals, they are viviparous animals and their reproduction is by gametes and copulation.
This is one of the animals that have accompanied the human being in the trajectory of its historical evolution and even in its human evolution. It has served as transport, food, tool and even as a companion animal.
In the history of man, horse characteristics and those of the dog are found in the first place as those used as auxiliaries for the human being and were the first to be domesticated; The horse is the first vehicle used by the primitive human being, and today it is an essential part of their existence. Initially this animal was used as a tool, and it was basic for traditional hunting, but later it became an instrument of expansion and was an essential part of the war conventional.
Uses and characteristics of horses:
Source.- Horses are originally from what we now know as the Middle East in a section of Africa, in their evolution they are They replaced the claws and their small stature with helmets that allowed them to run and a larger size that gave them endurance.
Name.- The name is of Latin origin "EQUIS" which is where it derives its scientific name "EQUINO or EQUINUS FERUS CABALLUS", as the name "horse" turns out to be of Celtic origin that was later accepted and adapted by the Latins as horse.
Domestication.- The horse was domesticated since ancient times, its domestication seems to be a little later than that of dogs and It is estimated between 3700 and 355 thousand years old and according to archaeological investigations, it was presented in Kazakhstan
Anatomy.- Horses have a firm anatomy, and it does not vary; Its height is measured in a part called the cross and this height is called elevation; This area was chosen because it is the place where there is no alteration when the animal moves, as happens with the back and head that constantly change position.
Their teeth are specially designed to consume forages, and they have the peculiarity of growing until their death, which is used to measure their age.
Horses do not have teeth called canines until after four years of age, and on many occasions they are removed to be replaced. introduce them the so-called "bite", which is a piece of metal necessary to be leased and to be used as transport and to be mounted.
Feeding.- The horse's diet is purely herbivorous, its stomach is small and fully adapted to break down starches; for this his intestine is especially long. It has only one stomach so it is not included among ruminants and its requirement of Food is very high both in forages and in liquids, (which are essential for their digestion).
Races.- Horses are classified into many breeds, but the vast majority are crosses made by the men, to highlight the qualities he needed (horses are proof of assisted selection of the man).
Some breeds:
- Anglo Arabic
- Arab
- Aztec
- Breton
- Spanish (Andalusian)
- English
- Mustang
- Percheron
- pony
Applications.- The most distinguishable uses of horses are that of transport, to be able to use horses the ancient roads were created, this was due to the fact that horses are animals that gallop in plains, for this reason the horses were trained with donkeys, to produce mules, which have a better capacity to climb hills and some mountains although they lose the capacity reproductive.
I eat food.- They were also used as food, both by breeding and by circumstance. During the old conventional wars, they were used as food by losing the necessary resources.
As a sport.- One of the uses that have been given to the horse is that of runners, and specialized breeds were even created for this. It is used to place bets and is part of a very widespread industry, both legal and clandestine.
As therapy. The horse is used as therapy for children with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, mental damage or for people with strokes or paralyzing illnesses. They are chosen for their calmness and patience in supporting children and the sick.
As a pack animal.- Its great load capacity, especially in the Percherones, allows it to carry large loads in places where motor vehicles cannot reach.