Arabian Horse Reading Literacy Project

Why do horses roll?

Horses roll for pleasure. Most often horses roll to scratch and stretch, particularly if they are wet or have lots of hair they are shedding. They enjoy it in the same way a human would enjoy a good stretch and back rub. Rolling involves all the muscles of their body. It's like a horse's self chiropractic treatment. They also roll when they have a stomach or abdominal pain. Horses like to roll to rub their backs, neck and sides and particularly enjoy rolling in the dirt or sand.

Why do horses stand together?

Horses are herd animals and they use each other as shelter from the weather, and to enjoy the company of another horse, often standing head to tail swishing flies away from each other's face and scratching each other's withers, back and neck.

Do horses ever go to the dentist?

The horse relies on its teeth to eat, and survive. The front teeth are flat and sharp, and rip the grass they eat in the pasture. The back teeth are the grinder teeth. They are responsible for grinding the vegetation just pulled into the mouth by the front teeth. Often the back grinder teeth will develop sharp edges. These sharp edges may cause the horse discomfort and affect the way and amount the horse will eat. It is important for a Veterinarian to check their teeth every year and file off any sharp edges on the teeth. They do it with a large file.

Where/How do you feel the horse's heart beat?

The normal pulse rate of a horse is 30-50 beats per minute. It takes practice to feel it. Rest the tips of your fingers on the artery that passes over the edge of the lower jaw, and count the beats. Expect the rate to be three or four times the respiratory rate, even after exercise.

What are horse's favorite food?

Horses like to eat green grass. When there is no green grass they enjoy dry and dust free hay. A serving of oats will always be appreciated, as is an assortment of manufactured horse feeds. Horses will be more likely to be attracted to tastes that are salty or sweet. Apples and carrots are also foods they enjoy. These are often used as treats, rewards for good performance or behaviour. Many horses like peppermints or candies, but these are not good for their teeth.

How do horses sleep?

Horses are able to sleep standing up. They can lock one or both of their stifle joints to keep themselves upright. As a horse goes to sleep, its eyes will half close and its head will sink down a little. When horses are in groups, one of them usually stays awake grazing while the others doze off in this way. This is an instinctive herd behaviour.

Does a horse sleep in a bed?

Although horses are able to sleep standing up, they like to lie down from time to time. Bedding in stalls provides comfort and insulation, prevents a horse's feet and legs from getting sore from standing for a long time on a hard surface. Wood shavings, straw and sawdust are the most common types of available bedding. They absorb moisture and add a nice smell.

What are horse shoes for?

Horse's feet did not evolve to travel long distances on rough ground. Wild horses spend most of their time grazing, moving on only to find food or to escape danger. Domestic horses are asked to cover relatively long distances, often on hard ground, so shoes are used to protect their feet. Horses that are not worked regularly on hard ground may not need shoes.

How do you know if a horse is happy?

A contented horse is not worried about any other horses that may be around. It shows off its best features by carrying its head high and holding its tail up, and tends to make its movements more extravagant than usual.

Why do horses rest their hind foot?

This is done not to take weight off the foot (most weight is taken on the front feet) but as a way to relax.