Introduction to Equine Science

AKA- Horses

I. Breeds

II. General horse use in U.S.

75% are owned for personal pleasure 25% are for ranching, racing, breeding,

and commercial riding

III. Three main types of horse enterprises

Breeding- breed mares and sell offspring

Training- Train horses for show, competition, or racing

Boarding stables- Facilities for keeping horses (feed and care)

IV. U.S. Economics

There is over ten million horses in the United states

Over 16 billion dollars is spent in the horse industry annually

Horse racing is the biggest spectator sport in the United States

V. Benefits of horses

Contribute to economic growth Provide people with physical exercise Provide a release of tensions Responsibility Family activities (shows, pleasure) Competition (rodeos, racing, etc.) Work (ranch, farm, hunting, etc.) Fun/pleasure

VI. Classification by height

A hand is 4 inches Measured from ground to top of withers 14-2 hands = 58 inches Ponies are anything under 14-2 hands Horses are anything at or over 14-2

hands

VII. General uses of a horse

pleasure breeding working stock show sport

VIII. Purchasing a horse

Breeders– most reliable– more expensive– certified quality

Private owners– good or bad, depending on the reason they are

selling the horse– chance to get to know horse and owner– their guarentee may only be as good as their word

Auctions– Less reliable– Hard to know soundness – Who knows why it’s there– Private horse sales a little more reliable

IX. What to do when buying

Find out horses history, pedigree if possible Find out how well it is broke and who broke

it, if possible Age Does it have any problems or a history of

problems (lameness, bucking, disease, etc.) Is it desirable in appearance

Watch it walk and check for soundness in legs

Ride horse (you may want to have the owner ride it first)– Check for bridle control, stops, athletic

ability, other qualities that you desire

X. Age

Younger horses usually need more training and a more experienced rider

Older horses are usually calmer, well broke, and less experienced riders are needed

Prime of life is 5-12 years old Many NFR roping horses are near or in

their twenties

XI. Sex of horse

Mares– Tend to be moody or flighty, especially when

in heat and in presence of other mares Geldings

– More dependable and steady Stallions

– Hard to manage, especially in presence of a mare in heat

XII. Breed

Pick a breed that will satisfy your needs– Quarterhorses- rodeo, stock, racing– Thoroughbred- racing– Arabians- endurance– Paints- color, show