copyright © 2012 delmar, cengage learning. all rights reserved. chapter 9 the horse industry

Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Chapter 9

The Horse Industry


Horse History• Used since beginning of recorded history• Much of U.S. history built on horses and

mules• Numbers declined in 1920s

– But increased dramatically since 1960s

• Serve important role in U.S. agriculture


Classification• Belong to genus Equus• Most U.S. horses used for recreation

(continued)


Classification• U.S. has three horse classes:

– Light• 900 to 1,400 pounds

– Draft• More than 1,400 pounds

– Pony• 500 to 900 pounds


Horse Statistics• $15 billion industry in U.S.

– Third largest spectator sport– 75 million attend races annually– Approximately 7,000 horse shows annually

(continued)


Horse Statistics• Most U.S. horses registered quarter horses

– 1.8 million

• Next largest group:– Arabians– Approximately 620,000


Mules• Have special characteristics that make them

valuable– Horse’s size, speed, and strength– Donkey’s agility

• True hybrid– Cross between male ass (jack) and female horse (mare)

(continued)


Mules• Have several advantages over horses:

– More tolerant of heat– Sounder feet and legs– More sure-footed– Seldom overeat– Refuse to overwork

(continued)


Mules• Gaining popularity

– Pleasure riding– Hunting– Working– Pulling


Anatomy of the Horse


Horse Conformation and Body Type• Body type should match tasks• Some characteristics desirable in all horses:

– Short back– Long, level croup– Long, slender neck– Long, smooth muscles

• Proper functioning requires sound feet and legs


Main Breeding Methods• Pasture: Stallion pastured with mare

– Less labor-intensive– Greater pregnancy percentage– Mares can get rough

• Risk of skin blemishes for mares and stallions

(continued)


Main Breeding Methods• Hand: Stallion brought to mare

– Known breeding date– Closer estimation of foaling time


Other Breeding Methods• Artificial insemination

– Now used by many breed registries– Can only use fresh semen or cooled, transported semen

• Embryo transfer– Removes embryo from one mare and places it in another– Becoming more common in horses


Equine Reproduction Basics• Reproduction depends on two things:

– Photoperiod– Hormones

(continued)


Equine Reproduction Basics• Seasonal breeders

– Start cycling in spring– Stop cycling in fall– Can use artificial light to stimulate follicles

• Gestation period of approximately 340 days


After Birth• Foaling

– Navel cord treated in iodine solution– Foal given warm, soapy enema– Foal should stand and nurse in a few minutes

(continued)


After Birth• Weaning

– Foals tend to wean between four and six months– Males castrated from birth to two years

• Training– Usually begins before weaning– First lessons include leading with halter


Management Practices• Deworming• Vaccinations• Veterinary services• Farrier visits


Summary • Horses are vital part of U.S.• Horses have served as workers and

companions– Uniquely designed to serve human beings

• Pleasure horses on the rise

copyright © 2012 delmar, cengage learning. all rights reserved. chapter 9 the horse industry

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