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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