Horse Facts for Homeschoolers and Other Smart Kids

HORSE FACTS FOR HOMESCHOOLERS AND OTHER SMART KIDS
By MARSHA HUBLER
Homeschool Consultant
AUTHOR OF THE BEST-SELLING KEYSTONE STABLES BOOKS
www.marshahubler.com

Homeschoolers are some of the smartest kids in the world. Why? Because they learn at an early age how important reading is, whether it's with paper or with technology. I've also found that most homeschoolers are also horse crazy and know their horse facts about as good as I know them. So, I'd like to share some of my own horse facts with homeschoolers, and other kids as well, just for fun. There's always something new to learn, isn't there?

In my opinion, horses are the most beautiful animals that God ever created. There's just something majestic and royal about a black prancing Andalusian stallion or a Palomino Quarter Horse marching in a parade. I think the beauty of a sleek, muscular equine is matchless in nature's world.

But what are some interesting horse facts you might not know about these gorgeous equines that have become so endeared to us? Let's take a look at some fascinating horse facts about a few of the most popular breeds:

The Arabian
Sometimes called "The China Doll of the Horse Kingdom," the Arabian is known as the most beautiful of horse breeds because of its delicate features. Although research indicates the Arabians are the world's oldest and purest breed, it is not known whether they originated in Arabia. However, many Bible scholars believe that the first horse that God created in the Garden of Eden must have embodied the strength and beauty that we see in the Arabian horse of today. It is also believed that all other breeds descended from this gorgeous steed that has stamina as well as courage and intelligence.
A purebred Arabian has a height of only 14 or 15 hands, a graceful arch in his neck and a high carriage in his tail. It is easy to identify one of these horses by examining his head. If you see a small, delicate "dish" face with a broad forehead and tiny muzzle, two ears that point inward and large eyes that are often ringed in black, you are probably looking at an Arabian. The breed comes in all colors, (including dappled and some paint), but if you run your finger against the grain of any pureblood Arabian's coat, you will see an underlying bed of black skin. Perhaps that's why whites are often called "greys."

The Morgan
The Morgan horse is very much like the quarter horse in that he can explode into a gallop for a short distance. The Morgan, with its short legs, muscles, and fox ears, also looks very much like the Quarter Horse. How can we tell the two breeds apart?
A Morgan is chunkier than a Quarter Horse, especially in his stout neck. His long, wavy tail often flows to the ground. His trot is quick and short and with such great stamina, he can trot all day long.

The Mustang
If you want a taste of America's Wild West from days gone by, then you should treat yourself to the "Wild Horse of America," the Mustang.
This 14-15 hands stout horse has its roots from Cortez and the Spanish conquistadors from the 16th Century. Although the Mustang's name comes from the Spanish word, "mesteno," which means "a stray or wild grazer," he is most well known as the horse of the Native Americans. Numerous tribes all over the western plains captured horses that had escaped from their Spanish owners and ran wild. The Native Americans immediately claimed the mustang as a gift from their gods and showed the world that the horse was, and is, easy to train once domesticated.

The Palomino
No other color of horse will turn heads his way than the gorgeous golden Palomino. While the average person thinks the ideal color for a Palomino is like a shiny gold coin, the Palomino breed's registry allows all kinds of coat colors as long as the mane and tail are silvery white. A white blaze can be on the face but can't extend beyond the eyes. The Palomino can also have white stockings, but the white can't extend beyond the knees. Colors of Palominos can range from a deep, dark chocolate to an almost-white cremello. As far as body confirmation, four breeds are strongly represented in crossbreeding with the Palomino today: the American Saddlebred, Tennessee walker, Morgan and Quarter Horse.
The Tennessee Walking Horse
If you buy a Tennessee Walker, get ready for a thrilling ride as smooth as running water! This is my favorite breed to ride!
The Tennessee Walking Horse finds its roots in 1886 in Tennessee, when a Standardbred (a Morgan and Standardbred trotter cross) stallion named Black Allan, refused to trot; instead, he chose to amble or "walk" fast. With effortless speed comparable to other horses' trots, Black Allan's new gait (each hoof hitting the ground at a different time) amazed the horse world. Owners of Thoroughbreds and saddle horses were quick to breed their mares to this delightful new "rocking-horse" stud, and the Tennessee Walker was on its way to becoming one of the most popular breeds in the world. In just a few short years, the walker became the favorite mount of not only circuit riding preachers and plantation owners, but ladies riding side saddle as well.
So there you have a few tidbits about some popular breeds of our beloved horses. To learn more, go to my blog at: www.horsefactsbymarshahubler.wordpress.com .

Marsha Hubler
Horse Facts Lover, Homeschool Consultant and Author

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