[For Seniors] Horse Trivia Quiz: Have fun with surprising facts about their behavior and little-known tidbits

When I'm angry

A horse’s ears clearly show how it’s feeling. In particular, be careful when the ears are pinned back, because that’s a sign the horse is angry, on alert, or irritated. If a horse’s ears are flat back, avoid approaching or touching it suddenly. Conversely, when the ears are facing forward, the horse is interested; when they’re turned to the side, it’s a sign of relaxation. By observing ear movements like this, it becomes easier to understand a horse’s emotions.

about 20 to 30 years

The average lifespan of a horse is considered to be around 25 years. Of course, this varies depending on the individual, living environment, and quality of health care, but thanks to advances in medicine and husbandry in recent years, it’s no longer unusual for horses to live over 30 years. Their average lifespan is slightly longer than that of common pets like dogs and cats, and among large animals they are relatively long-lived. In the past, harsh labor and poor living conditions sometimes shortened their lifespans, but today they are able to live much healthier lives.

Neck circumference

Horses are animals that really like being gently stroked around the neck. Just as the shoulders and back are good massage points for people, horses relax when their neck area is touched. On the other hand, they often dislike being touched suddenly on areas like the legs or belly, so be careful.

star

The white circular or oval marking in the middle of a horse’s face is called a “star.” It is especially characteristic when it appears on the forehead, and in English it is also referred to as a “star.” “Moon” and “flame” are names for other markings or general terms, but “star” is well known as a distinctive white marking on a horse’s face. In the worlds of horse racing and riding, the size and shape of this “star” can sometimes be used to identify individual horses. Be sure to remember it.

middle finger

A horse’s “hoof” is actually the part equivalent to a human middle finger that has evolved and enlarged. The ancestors of horses once had multiple digits, but over the course of evolution the other digits regressed, and only the middle digit developed into the hoof.

light vehicle (non-motorized vehicle)

Under the Road Traffic Act, horses are treated as “light vehicles.” Light vehicles also include bicycles, handcarts, and carts pulled by cattle or horses, so not only horses but also vehicles drawn by animals fall into this category. Therefore, road signs and traffic rules must be observed in the same way as for bicycles. In contrast, large trucks are classified as “large motor vehicles,” and are handled differently from horses. For traffic safety, be sure to follow traffic rules when riding a horse.

About 11 months

A horse’s gestation period is typically about 11 months (around 340 days). It’s a bit longer than a human’s, and foals are born after growing sufficiently in their mother’s womb. Thanks to this long period, a foal can stand up and run soon after birth. Horses live in herds, and being able to stand and move quickly is important for protecting themselves from predators.