Introduction to Equine Science AKA- Horses

I. Breeds

II. General horse use in U.S. u 75% are owned for personal pleasure u 25% are for ranching, racing, breeding, and commercial riding

III. Three main types of horse enterprises u Breeding- breed mares and sell offspring u Training- Train horses for show, competition, or racing u Boarding stables- Facilities for keeping horses (feed and care)

IV. U.S. Economics u There is over ten million horses in the United states u Over 16 billion dollars is spent in the horse industry annually u Horse racing is the biggest spectator sport in the United States

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

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

VII. General uses of a horse u pleasure u breeding u working stock u show u sport

VIII. Purchasing a horse u Breeders –most reliable –more expensive –certified quality u 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

u 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 u Find out horses history, pedigree if possible u Find out how well it is broke and who broke it, if possible u Age u Does it have any problems or a history of problems (lameness, bucking, disease, etc.) u Is it desirable in appearance

u Watch it walk and check for soundness in legs u 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 u Younger horses usually need more training and a more experienced rider u Older horses are usually calmer, well broke, and less experienced riders are needed u Prime of life is 5-12 years old u Many NFR roping horses are near or in their twenties

XI. Sex of horse u Mares –Tend to be moody or flighty, especially when in heat and in presence of other mares u Geldings –More dependable and steady u Stallions –Hard to manage, especially in presence of a mare in heat

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