Horses are such incredible creatures and wonderful companions. There really is no bond quite like the one between a person and their horse.
When you walk up to a horse for the first time, there is no denying how amazing they are. For folks who live around horses all the time, it may be hard to remember what it was like to first meet one. It's almost intimidating how huge, muscular, and graceful they are as animals. Then, once you saddle up, it's almost magical how they understand your slightest touch.
Horses are complex creatures and, even if you consider yourself a huge fan of horses, there still may be some things that you don't know about your favorite animal.
These 11 fun facts about horses may surprise you, and they may just make you see your four-legged companions in a whole new light.
Do you love horses? Did you know any of these bits of trivia before? Let us know what we missed in the comments.
And please SHARE these amazing tidbits with your fellow horse-loving family and friends on Facebook!
Thumbnail source: Flickr
1. Horses Can't Breathe Through Their Mouths
This helps prevent horses from inhaling food, but when in respiratory distress, they can only use their nostrils to breathe.
2. They Have The Biggest Eyes Of All Land Mammals
Seals, whales, and ostriches are the only other animals with bigger eyes.
3. Their Teeth Take Up More Space Than Their Brains
That being said, they do have very large teeth, and the size of the brain doesn't necessarily correlate with intelligence. Their brains weight about 22 ounces, which is half that of a human brain.
4. Horses Can Sleep Lying Down And Standing Up
They get a lot of sleep standing up, but when they need their REM sleep, they have to lie down. They don't need too much of that deep sleep, though.
5. Horses Can Get Sunburn
Just like us, horses with fair or pink skin can get sunburn, so keep your fair ponies from long exposure to direct sunlight.
6. The Oldest Horse Was 62 Years Old
Old Billy, a British barge horse born in 1760, was reported to have died in 1822, making him the longest living horse on record. The average horse only lives about 20–30 years.
7. They Have A Sweet Tooth
They dislike anything bitter or sour, but absolutely love the sweet stuff.
8. There Are More Horses In Mongolia Than People
About three million horses live in Mongolia, while the human population is behind by about 200,000.
9. Horses Don't Lie Down At The Same Time
One horse in the group will almost always act as the one on watch as an instinct.
10. On Average, They Drink 25 Gallons Per Day
In hotter weather, they will need even more water. When do they find the time to consume so much liquid?
11. Horses Get Lonely
They need companions to stay happy, and will also mourn the loss of a loved one. They're not too different form you or me in that sense.
Did you know all of this about horses? Please SHARE with family and friends on Facebook.
