Horses and humans have an ancient relationship. Asian nomads
probably domesticated the first horses some 4,000 years ago, and the animals
remained essential to many human societies until the advent of the engine.
Horses still hold a place of honor in many cultures, often linked to heroic
exploits in war.
There is only one species of domestic horse, but around 400
different breeds that specialize in everything from pulling wagons to racing.
All horses are grazers.
While most horses are domestic, others remain wild. Feral
horses are the descendents of once-tame animals that have run free for
generations. Groups of such horses can be found in many places around the
world. Free-roaming North American mustangs, for example, are the descendents
of horses brought by Europeans more than 400 years ago.
Wild horses generally gather in groups of 3 to 20 animals. A
stallion (mature male) leads the group, which consists of mares (females) and
young foals. When young males become colts, at around two years of age, the stallion
drives them away. The colts then roam with other young males until they can
gather their own band of females.
The Przewalski's horse is the only truly wild horse whose
ancestors were never domesticated. Ironically, this stocky, sturdy animal exists
today only in captivity. The last wild Przewalski's horse was seen in Mongolia
in 1968.
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