Miniature Horse
Equus ferus caballus

There are over 300 different breeds of horses that have been developed for specific uses. Horses also come in many different sizes. Their height is measured in “hands”. One hand is equal to 4 inches. A large draft horse can measure over 18 hands (72 in) at it's withers, or shoulder, and weigh over 2,000 lbs. Miniature horses are less than 34 in. tall at the withers and can weigh less than 100 lbs.

Female horses are called mares and males are called stallions. Neutered males are called geldings. A baby horse is called a foal. Mares are pregnant for 11 months and usually have only one baby at a time.

Horses have a long standing relationship with humans. As long ago as 30,000 BC horses appeared in cave art. These horses were most likely not domesticated, but instead were probably hunted for meat. When humans actually began domesticating horses is not known for certain, but is estimated between 2000 - 4000 BC.

Humans have used horses as a means of transportation, by riding and driving them as well as in agriculture to pull farm equipment. They have also been used as a source of meat in many parts of the world.