Did You Know?

Facts About Horses

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AQHA Quarter Horse Markings and Color Genetics


Markings on horses are usually distinctive white areas on an otherwise dark base colored coat. Although there are numerous basic facial markings on horses, each will be unique in shape to a particular horse. Like snowflakes, no two are identical. This is useful for horse owners because it provides a means of accurate identification. If you need to fill out registration papers, or documents like a Coggins test, these markings will be part of the identification recorded for your horse.

Terminology

FOAL

Male or Female horse
less than 1 year old

COLT

Male horse
between 2 and 4 years old

STALLION

GELDING
Male horse
older than 4 years
Castrated Male horse
older than 4 years

YEARLING

Male or Female horse
​between 1 and 2 years old

FILLY

Female horse
between 2 and 4 years old

MARE

Female horse
older than 4 years

* The height of a horse is measured using the unit, "hand",
where one hand = 4 inches. (ex. Horse measures 15h, it is 15x4 = 60" tall)

* The actual daily amount of water that most horses need to consume
(at a minimum) to maintain body functions and remain properly hydrated is between a half gallon to a gallon per 100 pounds of body weight.
​(ex. 1,000lb horse needs 5-10 gallons/day)

* Horses teeth never stop growing therefore regular dental care from a veterinarian is necessary.

* Mature horses sleep up to 4 hours each day in short increments. 
They do so lying down or while standing.

* The age of a horse is best determined by examining it's teeth.

*  Horses are Herbivores - (An animal that feeds on plants)

* Depending on lifestyle, health, etc., a horse can live to be over 30 years old.
(The oldest horse on record lived to the age of 62 and died in 1822.)

* Horses are social animals who will get lonely if kept alone and
​will mourn the passing of a companion.

Anatomy Of A Horse

HENNEKE BODY CONDITION SCORING SYSTEM

Don Henneke, PhD, developed the Henneke Body Condition Scoring System during his graduate study at Texas A & M University . It is based on both visual appraisal and palpable fat cover of the six major points of the horse that are most responsive to changes in body fat.  The Henneke Scoring System is a scientific method of evaluating a horse’s body condition regardless of breed, body type, sex or age. Six parts of the horse are checked in this system - the neck, withers, shoulder, ribs, loin and tail.   It is now widely used by law enforcement agencies as an objective method of scoring a horse’s body condition in horse cruelty cases. The Chart is accepted in a court of law.