There’s no doubt that horses are fascinating creatures but how much do you really know about them?

Here are some interesting facts about horses that you might not be familiar with.

Horses Can Live For Many Years

A horse can be a very long term commitment and can potentially live for many decades.  Some horses have notched up thirty years on the planet or even longer than this.

Horses Mostly Sleep Standing Up

Unlike many creatures, horses don’t spend much time on the ground while they are asleep. They are known to snooze lying down from time to time but for the most part, you’ll find them nodding off in a standing position.

Their Digestive System Only Goes One Way

A horse’s digestive system only goes from front to back, which means that they do not have the ability to vomit. If this happens, it can be extremely serious and the situation can lead to a rupture. This makes it even more important that you don’t inadvertently feed your horse the wrong type of food as they will not be able to help the situation by being sick (as most pets are be able to do).

They Only Breathe Through Their Noses

Unlike humans, horses do not breathe through their mouth. Because they only use their nose to breathe, blocked or swollen nasal passages can be dangerous for your horse.

Horses Like to Live in Herds

In their natural environment in the wild, horses don’t tend to live by themselves. Instead, they stick together in small “herd” groups, which are led by a male stallion and also include females and foals. Once young males become colts, they are forced to leave the herd and will generally hang around together until they are in a position to lead their own herd. A herd could include anything up to 20 members. Domestic horses can feel lonely if they do not have any company from other horses.

Horses Have Almost 360 Degree Vision

Horses have very good peripheral vision but there are some limitations with their eyesight. They have “blind” spots in their vision, including directly behind them.

They Can Turn Their Ears

Horses have very impressive hearing, and can actually turn their ears in different directions to enable them to hear better.

Horses Communicate Through Their Faces

You might think that horses do most of their communicating through neighs and whinnies but they also use their facial expressions to demonstrate their feelings too, particularly with regards to their eyes, ears and noses.

They Are Used in Therapy

Horses are increasingly being used in mental health treatment. Equine Assisted Therapy is becoming more popular, and is based around the idea that the relationship between the patient and their allocated horse can help to build confidence and improve well being.