Exploring the Equine Industry Lesson #5

Common Core/Next Generation Science Standards Addressed CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including vocabulary describing political, social, or economic aspects of history/social science. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST a - Introduce a topic and organize ideas, concepts, and information to make important connections and distinctions; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., figures, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.

Bell Work Are horses ruminant animals? Why would you look a gift horse in the mouth? What equipment do you need to properly ride a horse?

Student Learning Objectives Identify equine terminology. Discuss equine marketing options and economic importance. Explain selection of superior animals. List necessary equipment, supplies, and facilities for proper care of equine. Describe characteristics of horse breeds. Understand basic riding and safety concerns.

Terms bridle colt draft horse filly foal gelding hand light horse mare overo pony saddle stallion stud horse tack tobiano

What are some terms you may need to know to understand horses? Horses are also referred to as equine. Horses, ponies, donkeys, & mules are members of the horse family. Hand –unique measurement for horses –4 inches or 10.2 centimeters Height of horses –measured from ground to highest point of the withers in hands

What are the classifications of horses?

Light horse –used for riding or racing –stands 14.2 to 17 hands high –weighs between 900 and 1,400 pounds

Draft horse –used for work –stands 14.2 to 17.2 hands tall –weighs over 1,400 pounds

Equine Terms Filly –Thoroughbred female under 4 years of age or any other breed under 3 years of age Stud horse –male that is kept for breeding Foal –horse of either gender that has not been weaned

More Horse Terms Gelding –male horse that has been castrated before reaching sexual maturity Mare –mature female horse Stallion –mature male horse Colt –male horse that is not mature

Horse Parts

How are horses important to the economy? Estimated there are over 9.5million horses in the United States. Years ago horses were important because they were used for work. Horses have become primarily used for companionship, racing, riding, and breeding.

How are horses important to the economy? Racing horses is a very popular spectator sport –billions of dollars spent by horse owners to purchase best race horse –millions spent by spectators trying to predict the winners Horseback riding is popular –outdoor enthusiasts –used as therapy for healing certain injuries –ranches use to monitor and round-up cattle

How are horses important to the economy? Breeders are constantly work to improve bloodlines. –thousands of shows from small to national –farms breed mares to sell offspring for racing or shows Horses are also companion animals –make good pets –give owners a large sense of accomplishment through training

How do I know what horse to buy and where to get it? Several uses: –shows –racing –working –pleasure riding –breeding no horse can be used for all these Considerations: –age –sex –breed –color –conformation –markings –previous training –intentions –facilities –money to spend

How do I know what horse to buy and where to get it? Age –inexperienced riders may have problems with young animals needing training –not safe to buy a horse the owner can’t handle –up to 12 years old are considered to be in the prime of their life Sex –stallions are often harder to control –geldings tend to be docile –mares are usually less gentle

Breed –research breed to decide if breed fits your desires Registered vs. Unregistered –registered more expensive –registered resale value is higher Conformation –feet and legs is important –influence the way a horse moves and how long it will be useful How do I know what horse to buy and where to get it?

How do I know what horse to buy and where to get it? Color variations –Dun –gray –roan –pinto –palomino Purchase from : –breeders –private owners –dealers –auctions

What will I need to have to care for my horse? You will need: –housing –feed equipment –grooming equipment –saddles –bridles –time –dedication

What will I need to have to care for my horse? Housing –protect from sun, wind, excessive cold, and other weather –need 10 X 12’ stalls –keep stalls secure, clean & dry –need open space for exercise Feed & Equipment –hay & grain –minerals & vitamins –Keep feed above the ground –watering buckets or automatic waterers Do not use equipment that allows horses to drink too much water at one time.

What will I need to have to care for my horse? Grooming –buy high quality equipment –tack needed equipment for horses hoof pick mane & tail comb body brush bathing supplies halter Saddle –a padded leather seat placed on a horse for the rider to sit on –not required for riding but only experienced riders should ride bareback Bridle –part of the harness placed on the horse’s head and is for controlling and guiding the horse

Paints used for racing, shows, pleasure, & stock purposes two color patterns –Tobiano white legs below the knees and hocks, regular spots and heads are marked like a solid-colored horse –Overo variable head markings, one or more leg is dark colored, scattered body markings American Paint Horse Association, P.O. Box Fort Worth, TX

Arabians Originated in Arabia 850 to 1,100 pounds at maturity Color may be bay, gray, chestnut, and occasionally black or white Used for pleasure, racing, and showing Arabian Horse Trust Zuni Street Westminster, CO

Quarter Horses Originated in the United States named for short stretches they originally raced Colors may be black, brown, bay, sorrel, dun, chestnut, buckskin, gray, roan, and grullo. Used for riding, showing, racing, and stock horses. American Quarter Horse Association P.O. Box 200 Amarillo, TX 79168

Belgians Originated in Belgium Colors are bay, chestnut, or roan to 17 hands tall weighs 1,900 to 2,200 pounds at maturity mainly used for their power Belgian Draft Horse Corporation of America P.O. Box 335 Wabash, IN

Clydesdale Originated in Scotland Colors are mainly bay and brown with white markings averages 16 to 17 hands tall 1,700 to 1,900 pounds at maturity CLYDESDALE BREEDERS OF THE U.S.A KELLEY RD. PECATONICA, IL

What are riding and safety concerns? Riding is a good form of exercise that is very enjoyable. By understanding the behavior of horses and providing proper training to the horse and rider, riding will be safe and fun. Guidelines Don’t startle or scare a horse and always approach from the left side. You should keep horse under control but discipline in a humane fashion. Your horse always needs to know your intentions so that it knows what it is suppose to do.

Riding Guidelines Never tease an animal and always be calm and gentle with it. Always wear clothing that will protect you. Walk beside the horse when leading it, mount the horse from the left side, and take extra care when strangers are near. When new horses are introduced, take precautions so they do not fight.

Riding Guidelines Slow down when riding in areas that could injure the horse. If conditions are excessively rough, get off the horse and walk it. Spend enough time training and exercising the horse so you know the horse’s temperament and horse will be in good shape.

Review What are some terms you may need to know to understand horses? How are horses important to the economy? How do I know what horse to buy and where to get it? What will I need to have to care for my horse? What are the characteristics of common horse breeds? What are riding and safety concerns?

The End!