World Horse Day

Celebrating Humanity’s Oldest Companion

World Horse Day is observed on 11 July. The story of human civilisation cannot be told without mentioning horses. FAO estimate puts the world’s horse population at ~6 crores. The Arabian horse is among the oldest known horse breeds. India is home to several unique indigenous breeds, such as the Marwari, Manipuri, and Bhutia, which are adapted to diverse terrains. The term horsepower (hp) is one of the most enduring examples of how a familiar animal became a benchmark for technology. Polo is among the oldest known team sports, and there are three Olympic equestrian sports, among the few in which men and women compete directly against one another. Beyond sports and work, horses have become valuable partners in healthcare. Equine-assisted therapy helps children and adults with physical disabilities, autism, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and emotional challenges. 

Horses Carried Humanity Long Before Engines Powered Our Journeys

World Horse Day on 11 July is a UN observance, and this year marks its second year. It is to recognise horses’ immense contribution to human civilisation and to promote their welfare, conservation, and sustainable management. The story of human civilisation cannot be told without mentioning horses. For thousands of years, skilled horse riders changed the course of history. Recall the mounted armies of Genghis Khan, the cavalry of Alexander the Great, and the Rajput and Maratha cavalry in India. There is a need to improve horse welfare and address challenges such as neglect, overwork, disease, and the effects of climate change.   

FAO estimate puts the world’s horse population at ~6 crores. The US, China, and Mexico have the largest horse populations. India has ~5-7 lakhs of them. The global horse industry is estimated to contribute more than $300 billion annually to the global economy. In many countries, the equine industry is an important source of employment in rural areas.  

The Arabian horse is among the oldest known horse breeds. India is home to several unique indigenous breeds, such as the Marwari, Manipuri, and Bhutia, which are adapted to diverse terrains. The tallest recorded horse was a Shire horse that stood about 7 ft 2½ inches tall, and the shortest known horse is 17 inches tall.

Horses can sleep both standing up and lying down, and they possess nearly 360° of vision. The average lifespan is 25–30 years. Their ears can rotate almost independently, allowing them to detect sounds from different directions. They communicate using body language, ear position, facial expressions, and vocal sounds. Horses are intelligent animals and have remarkable memories. They have excellent memories and can recognise people after many years. Horses are herbivores and eat only plant-based foods. Horses are the third-fastest animals after cheetahs and pronghorns. Typical racing speed of 55–65 km/h, with peak sprint speed of ~70 km/h.

Humans consume horse meat in several parts of the world, though its acceptance varies widely across cultures. In Central Asia, horse meat is an important part of traditional cuisine. 

Unlike Driving A Vehicle, Riding A Horse
Involves Working With A Living, Thinking Animal.

Humans did not begin riding horses with the sophisticated equipment we see today. The gear used for riding, collectively called horse tack, developed over several years as people learned how to ride more safely and control horses more effectively. One of the greatest technological revolutions in human history was not the domestication of the horse itself, but the invention of the stirrup (a pair of metal frames hanging from a saddle by straps). It transformed cavalry tactics and influenced the rise of powerful empires across Asia and Europe.

The term horsepower (hp) is one of the most enduring examples of how a familiar animal became a benchmark for technology. In the late 18^th century, James Watt introduced this term to convince customers of the power of steam engines, measuring it by comparison with a horse’s power.  

Polo is among the oldest known team sports, with a history of over 2,000 years. There are three Olympic sports, Dressage, Show Jumping and Eventing, among the few in which men and women compete directly against one another. Beyond sports and work, horses have become valuable partners in healthcare. Equine-assisted therapy helps children and adults with physical disabilities, autism, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and emotional challenges. 

World Horse Day: A Call to Ensure That Horses Continue to Be Treated With Dignity, Compassion, And Respect.

Toon: Shreya
Log: M Sai Baba
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