Horses and humans have an ancient relationship. Asian nomads probably domesticated the first horses some 4,000 years ago, and the animals remained essential to many human societies until the advent of the engine. Horses still hold a place of honor in many cultures, often linked to heroic exploits in war.
There is only one species of domestic horse, but around 400 different breeds that specialize in everything from pulling wagons to racing. All horses are grazers.
While most horses are domestic, others remain wild. Feral horses are the descendents of once-tame animals that have run free for generations. Groups of such horses can be found in many places around the world. Free-roaming North American mustangs, for example, are the descendents of horses brought by Europeans more than 400 years ago.
Wild horses generally gather in groups of 3 to 20 animals. A stallion (mature male) leads the group, which consists of mares (females) and young foals. When young males become colts, at around two years of age, the stallion drives them away. The colts then roam with other young males until they can gather their own band of females.
The Przewalski's horse is the only truly wild horse whose ancestors were never domesticated. Ironically, this stocky, sturdy animal exists today only in captivity. The last wild Przewalski's horse was seen in Mongolia in 1968.
Wild-Borns and Herd Leaders
Wild-Borns are not that rare. Herd leaders are rarer.
Island
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| Wild Island in Anîmas (mottled brown) |
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Birth to Weaning
After an 11-month gestation, a mare gives birth to a foal. The newborn stands and nurses within a couple of hours after birth. He'll spend the next several months at his mother's side. Broodmares and their foals should spend most, if not all, of their time out on pasture with other mothers and babies. The foals can exercise, building bone and muscle, while learning how equine society works. Weaning occurs between the ages of four and six months.
Yearlings to 2-Year-Olds
Between the ages of 1 and 2, most male horses will be gelded, or castrated. Relatively few horses are kept as stallions, as they are usually harder to handle and many boarding stables won't accept them. Most equines spend their first two years growing and learning the basics, such as tying and standing for grooming and bathing. By the age of 2, most horses are close to their mature weight and height.
Young Horses and Training
Basic training starts with foals, who are halter-broke and taught to lead. Depending on the breed of horse and its discipline, more intensive training begins about the age of 2. Many racehorses start their careers as 2-year-olds, while reining and cutting horses are in training by that age. Other disciplines and breeds wait a bit longer. Late-maturing warmbloods, the sport horse of choice for dressage and jumping, are usually not ridden until the age of 3 1/2 or 4 years. No matter the breed or discipline, solid training is a must for any horse. A horse with training has value that an untrained animal does not.
Adulthood
A horse's prime is generally between the ages of 5 and 15. Most breeds are fully mature by the age of 5 and the horses are starting their careers. Like any athlete, horses need conditioning to perform without overextending themselves. Even horses just ridden for pleasure can hurt themselves if they're expected to hustle hard on weekends. Unfortunately, because horses are expensive to keep, animals with serious injuries are often euthanized or end up in bad situations. Speak with your vet and trainer about the right exercise program for your horse.
Equine Seniors
By the time your horse turns 20, he's a senior citizen. That doesn't necessarily mean he's ready for retirement. Like people, older horses vary in their health and activity level. Many geriatric horses can still perform a job even if they're not in their prime. For example, a former show horse might no longer school over fences regularly, but he's fine for going out on a relaxing trail ride. Horses who have been on regular worming and dental programs, and receiving good farrier and veterinary care, throughout their lives usually fare better in old age than those who received less attention. Older horses might benefit from joint supplements for arthritic stiffness and pain. They might also require dietary changes as their ability to chew decreases. Ask your vet about supplements and feed changes, including feeds designed for the senior horse. It's not unusual for a horse to live to be 30 or older.
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Note: you can create any type of horse, but no ponies. See the Types page for a list of all horses.
Bibliography
Gallery
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| A regular horse |
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| A family of Horses |
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| A Wild-Born horse |
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| Horse hand drawn then colored on iPad by Incinorator |
If you want to make a son/daughter of Queen Spirit and King Wild, reply. Note: You will have a prince/princess.
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