Horses are fascinating animals, and there are many unusual facts about them that may surprise even experienced horse owners. Their physical abilities, behaviour and senses reveal just how remarkable these animals are. Here are 10 fascinating facts about horses that you might not already know.
Horses Cannot Vomit
Unlike many other mammals, horses cannot be sick or vomit because of the way their digestive system is structured. The muscles forming a horse’s lower oesophageal sphincter are considerably stronger than those of other animals, making it extremely difficult for the valve to open when pressure comes from the stomach.
The oesophagus also connects to the stomach at a much lower angle. When the stomach becomes distended, this causes the valve to close even more firmly. In addition, the stomach is positioned deep within the rib cage, meaning it cannot easily be compressed by the abdominal muscles. If a horse becomes unwell and its stomach becomes distended, particularly during an episode of colic, there is therefore a serious risk of stomach rupture.
Horses Can Recognise Human Emotions
Horses are able to read human facial expressions and distinguish between happiness and anger. They can also remember a person's emotional state and alter their behaviour according to the mood they perceive.
A horse's heart rate increases when it looks at an angry person. This provides a scientific explanation for the ability horses have to recognise the mood of the people around them.
Horses Need To Lie Down For Deep Sleep
Horses require at least 30 minutes of deep REM sleep each day, and they can only achieve this while lying down. During REM sleep, horses undergo various physiological and neurological changes that contribute to their health and wellbeing.
REM sleep is believed to have a role in memory consolidation, emotional regulation and learning. This makes sufficient deep sleep an important part of a horse's daily routine.
The Oldest Horse Lived To 62
Domestic horses have an average lifespan of around 25 to 30 years, but the oldest horse in the world lived for an extraordinary 62 years. Known as Old Billy, this horse was born in 1760 near Woolston in Cheshire.
Old Billy is said to have worked as a barge horse and became well known in the local area. Several artists painted him during his lifetime. He died near Manchester in 1822.
Horses Have The Largest Eyes Of Any Land Mammal
Horses have the largest eyes of any land mammal. The size and position of their eyes provide them with an almost 350-degree field of vision.
Scientists have found that the size of a mammal's eye is related to its body size and maximum running speed. Fast-running animals, including horses and cheetahs, require good vision to help them avoid obstacles while moving at speed.
A horse's eyes are also highly sensitive to movement. This helps horses detect predators before the predators notice them.
Horses Cannot Breathe Through Their Mouths
People can breathe through their mouths, but horses can only breathe through their noses. A flap of tissue called the soft palate separates the pharynx, or throat, from the mouth, except when a horse is swallowing.
This arrangement helps prevent food from being inhaled. However, it also means that a horse cannot use its mouth to breathe when experiencing respiratory distress.
Horses Can Graze For Up To 15 Hours A Day
In the wild, horses spend most of their time grazing and can travel as far as seven miles each day while searching for the best grasses. Their digestive systems are adapted to receive a nearly constant supply of small amounts of food.
This steady flow of food helps to buffer the acid that is continually produced in the stomach. When domestic horses do not receive enough forage, digestive acids can build up over time and cause gastric ulcers. Stress can also cause ulcers, which are thought to affect up to 37% of leisure horses.
Horse Ears Can Move Through 180 Degrees
A horse's ears are remarkably mobile. While humans have only three muscles connected to each ear, horses have 10, allowing them to swivel their ears independently.
This means a horse can direct each ear towards different sounds, keeping one focused on you while the other listens elsewhere. Horses also use their ears as an expressive form of communication, helping to show whether they are relaxed, nervous or tense.
A Complete Hoof Takes Nine To 12 Months To Regrow
A horse's hoof grows by approximately 0.6cm to 1.2cm each month. The rate of growth can change throughout the year, with hooves known to grow more quickly during spring and summer when the grass is at its most nutritious.
Because hooves continue to grow, a horse's feet need to be shod or trimmed regularly. This helps prevent the hoof from growing out of balance or developing cracks.
Horses Have A Strong Sense Of Smell
Horses have a much stronger sense of smell than people. They can detect an unusual scent, such as medication, in their feed before they have even tasted it, which can make giving supplements or medication difficult, particularly when a horse is a fussy eater.
Their large nasal cavity enables them to inhale a substantial amount of air while identifying different smells. Research from 2011 also found that horses can recognise the manure of horses they have encountered previously.
These 10 fascinating facts about horses demonstrate the unusual abilities and characteristics of these animals, from their inability to vomit and their distinctive sleep requirements to their remarkable vision, hearing, hoof growth and strong sense of smell. Horses can also recognise human emotions, graze for many hours each day and use their highly mobile ears to communicate. Which of these fascinating facts about horses surprised you most?
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