Iintroduction horse, large land mammal notable for its speed, strength, and endurance. horses are members of the equidae family, which also includes zebras and asses. like all equids, the horse is extremely well adapted to traveling long distances with great efficiency and to surviving on a diet of nutrient-poor, high-fiber grasses. the horse is an intensely social animal, forming strong associations with members of its herd and possessing a keen ability to recognize subtle social cues. these instinctive behaviors form the basis of the horses ability to bond with and obey a human trainer.
the horses influence on human history and civilization make it one of the most important domestic animals. horses were domesticated in eurasia around 6,000 years ago. throughout much of human history, they have provided humans with mobility and have served in agriculture, warfare, and sport. today domestic horses are found throughout the world, with a total population estimated at 60 million. so...