Horses are large-sized animals (mammals) found all over the world. Due to their early and ongoing domestication, horses are not only popular and found everywhere, there are also over 300 breeds of horses in the world! Many breeds can be found in the "wild," on a farm, or as pets!
"Iclelandic Horses" by Jennifer Boyer;
used with permission under CC BY 2.0
A female horse is called a filly, mare, or dam. A filly is a female horse under the age of four. A mare is female horse, four years and older. And a dam is the name given when speaking of the mother of another horse.
Male horses are called colts, stallions, or geldings. A colt is a male horse under the age of four. A stallion is an uncastrated horse over the age of four, meaning he can make new horses! And a gelding is the name given to any male horse, old or young, that has been castrated.
"Iclelandic Horses" by Jennifer Boyer;
used with permission under CC BY 2.0
A group of horses is called a herd. Herds are led by dominant members, usually a mare. Because horses are such social creatures, they are able to form unique and complex relationships with one another and with human beings.
A recent study from 2018 explored how human body language, down to the tiniest movement, is understood by horses. While horses communicate in a variety of ways, including nickering, whinnying, and grooming, it is suggested that body language plays a key role in relationships with and amongst horses!
In fact, a lot of our knowlege and understanding of horses has been heavily influenced by our own interactions and body language with these giant animals.
As one scientist argues, allowing horses to be active and social amongst themselves is crucial for their ongoing survival and happiness. And making sure that humans are aware of body language around horses is just as important since we spend so much time with them!
