Interesting Facts About Equus Caballus!

• Equus caballus, is a term given to modern-day horses.
• A horse is a member of the "equus" family. This word originates from the Greek dialect, which means quickness.
• More than 350 breeds of ponies and horses can be found throughout the world.
• The height of a horse is measured using the unit, "hand", where one hand equals four inches.
• If you want to know how old a horse is, all you need to do is to count its teeth.
• Equinophobia, is the fear of the horses.
• An average horse's head weighs 11.84 pounds (5.37kg).
• A horse's heart weighs an amazing 10 pounds (4.54kg).
• A horse is able to drink 10 gallons of water per day.
• If you hold your hand out to a horse and it approaches you, while then blowing warm air onto the palm of your hand, it means that he/she wants to be friends with you. If it rests its head on your shoulder, it means that he/she trusts you.
• Horses use their facial expressions to communicate. Their moods can be determined with the help of their nostrils, eyes and ears.
• Horses spend more energy lying down.
• The hoof of a horse is like a fingernail; it keeps on growing and needs to be clipped.
• The 1st of January is when all racehorses in the US celebrate their birthday.
• A horse is able to walk, trot, canter and gallop, in horse behavior lingo.
• Horses usually live for around 20 to 25 years. Some of them can live up to 5 years more.
• In most cases, the foal (young horse) is born at night, away from danger and prying eyes.
• After being born, it only takes a foal about 1-2 hours to stand up and walk.
• A cross between a donkey and zebra is known as a zeedonk.
• Foals are fully grown by 3-4 years of age.
• Horses eat short, juicy grass, and hay. Foods like barley, corn, oats and bran are good for working horses.
• A horse's mood mimics its owner's emotions. If you are in a bad mood, the horse senses this and acts out the same behavior. If you are in a good mood, the horse is well-behaved and isn't difficult to work with.
• Horses are either a mixture of colours or the same colour all over. Horses are usually, black, brown, cream or gray in color.
• A horse has two blind spots; one is located directly in front of them while the other is located directly behind.
• A breed of horses called Akhal-Teke from Russia can go for days without water or food.
• One of the few breeds of horses that live in North America are called Mustangs.
• A cross between a horse and a zebra, is known as a zebroid, or zorse.
• "Old Billy," was the oldest recorded horse that lived to be 62.
• Falabella of Argentina, is the smallest breed of horse.
• "Little Pumpkin," is the smallest pony in history - it stood high at 14 inches and weighed 20 lbs (9kg).
• "Samson," was the tallest horse recorded in history.
• Another horse known for its height as one of the tallest, was Dr Le Gear, from the Pecheron breed.
• A male horse is known as a stallion, whereas a donkey stallion is known as a jack.
• A female horse is known as a mare.
• A donkey mare is known as a jenny.
• A baby horse is known as a foal.
• A young female horse is known as a filly.
• The father of a horse is known as a sire.
• The mother of a horse is known as a dam.
• A fully grown small horse is known as a pony.
• A farrier or blacksmith is the person who cares for a horse's feet.

source : http://www.buzzle.com/articles/horse-facts-interesting-facts-about-horses.html