Learn with Fun Horse Quizzes! Mysterious Facts about Horses Elementary School Kids Want to Know

about 37 degrees

A healthy body temperature for a horse is usually around 36.5–38.5°C. That’s about the same as humans. If it exceeds 39°C, it’s considered a fever. It can rise a bit after exercise or in summer. Veterinarians check health by monitoring temperature and appetite.

When calling out to friends or people

Horses often neigh—“hihīn”—to call out to companions or people, or when they want to convey something. They frequently vocalize to communicate with herd mates that are far away. In other words, they communicate with each other by voice. When they’re calm, they may also snort, like “huff.”

sixth

The Chinese zodiac has twelve animals arranged in order: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse… so the horse is the eighth. The Year of the Horse has an energetic, forward-looking image. At festivals and events, you can also see decorations inspired by the horse.

To protect the neck from insects and rain

A horse’s mane serves to protect its neck by shielding it from direct rain and keeping insects away. When the wind blows, the hair sways and helps dry the sweat. In the past, it was also valued in battles because it made the horse look more imposing.

draft horse

Horses used to pull heavy loads such as carriages are called “banba” (draft horses). They’re known for being strong and large. These days, leisurely horse-drawn carriage rides, known as hikiuma experiences, are popular in tourist areas. Many of these horses are powerful yet gentle.

When you're irritated

Horses swish their tails to chase away insects and when they feel uncomfortable or irritated. When they’re happy, they don’t swish their tails much. A slow, gentle swaying means they’re relaxed. You can understand how a horse feels from its tail movements, so it’s important to observe them carefully to build a good relationship.

leaf part

Horses often start by eating the soft, easy-to-chew leaf parts of grasses. That’s because they find leaves tastier than stems or roots. Fresh leaves are their favorite.

Approach slowly from the front

Horses can get startled if you approach them from behind. If you approach slowly from the front, they will feel more at ease. Make sure the horse is calm before you mount. Gently stroking them will help reassure them.

tongue

When horses drink water, they use their tongues to scoop it up. They don’t use their hands or hooves. Rather than lapping with their long tongues, they drink by gulping it down. They can drink more than 20 liters in a day, and they get especially thirsty after exercise.

to take in a lot of air

Because horses need a lot of oxygen when they run, their noses are well developed and allow them to take in large amounts of air. When they snort, it’s also a gesture for sensing smells. They even communicate feelings with their herd through scent. Their nostrils are wide, so they can inhale plenty of air.