Basic Differences in Type

Ministry of Agriculture of Russian Federation

The Department of Scientific and Technological Policy and Education

FSEI HPE " Krasnoyarsk State Agrarian University"

Report

“The Field Guide To Horses”

Done by:

Checked by:

Krasnoyarsk 2015

Content
I. Introduction 3
II. Body of the paper

2.1 An Introduction to Horses 4

2.2 Beyond the Basics 8

2.3 Identifying Horse Colors 10

2.4 White Markings and Other Identifying Characteristics 15
III. Conclusion 19
IV. References 20
V. Annotation 21

I. Introduction

There are many breeds of horse, and for centuries on end horse breeders have selectively chosen the best specimens to fulfill a variety of important human needs. From the endurance of Arabian horses to the speed of the thoroughbred to the sturdiness of the pony, horses have been serving mankind for nearly as long as humans have existed.

Whether your idea of the perfect horse is a black horse, a white horse, a brown horse or a spotted horse, there are horse breeds available for your taste. In addition, there are types of horses that are perfect for dressage, great at show jumping, or just perfect for hacking around on the trails. No matter which horse breeds you look at, there will be something at which they excel.

Part of the reason for the versatility of various breeds of horse is the result of genetics. For example, the strong hindquarters and compact nature of the Andalusian horse make it perfect for the world of dressage, and for many years the Portuguese have used the power of this strong white horse in their training and breeding programs.

Other types of horse, like the Friesian, are perfectly suited to pulling carriages, and in ages past they also served as the sturdy warhorses of knights as they rode into battle. These are just but two examples of the versatility of the many breeds of horse.

Many modern advances, from taming the earth through farming, to conquering the west, would have been impossible for humans without their equine companions. From the mustangs and appaloosas favored by the Indians, to the speedy and strong quarter horses ridden by the earliest cowboys, all these breeds of horse have helped make the human race what it is today.

Horses have fascinated mankind for almost as long as their have been people on the earth.

II. Body of the paper

An Introduction to Horses

In this chapter the author describes the differences between horse types, finds the basics of good conformation, and tells about equine body parts, gaits, and registration.

Basic Differences in Type

A horse is a horse, but there are subtle variations in their basic type. Light horses are by far the most common; these horses typically range in size from 14.2hh up to 17hh, with the vast majority falling in the 15 to 16hh range. The light horse breeds are ideal for riding and are well suited to a wide range of equestrian disciplines, from trail riding and eventing to dressage and jumping.

Throughout history, draft horses were utilized as work horses. They pulled the plows and assisted with farm chores, steadily performing their daily tasks with strength, stamina, and more than a bit of good sense. Today’s draft horses usually don’t work quite as hard as they did in the olden days, but the breeds still possess the inherent qualities and characteristics that make the draft breeds so unique. Massive substance and bone, coupled with immense muscling and strength, are the hallmarks of the draft breeds. These breeds can range in height from as small as l5hh all the way up to over l9hh, with most falling in the 17hh range.

Light horses are noted for their riding quality, and light horse breeds rank as some of the most popular in the United States. Some of the most popular breeds include the American Quarter Horse, the Thoroughbred, the Appaloosa, and the American Paint Horse.

The pony breeds are in a class of their own, immediately distinguishable by their diminutive size (most range from 11hh to l4.2hh), but also by their distinctive pony characteristics. Attractive heads, deep bodies, and a shorter leg-to-body ratio all combine to create a compact package of pony charm. Ponies are well known for their hardiness, strong constitutions, and longevity.

Ponies are immediately recognizable by their deep bodies, shorter legs, and endearing faces. Unlike the light an draft horse breeds, which can range from 14.2hh to over 18hh, pony breeds stand less than 14.2hh and are often much smaller [1, с. 7].