Post by Anna on Sept 10, 2011 9:15:22 GMT -5
First of all, remember that you don't have to follow these. We're a realistic site, true, but we also want to be relaxed and fun. In addition, the horses here (and I believe everywhere else as well, but some might not think so) are smart enough to perhaps decide to change a few of these, such as the fact that the lead mare leads the herd. That said, I'll start:
The Myth: Horses sleep standing up.
The Facts: Horses do, in fact, have the ability to doze off while standing; they can lock their knees in a standing position and stay that way while asleep. However, to get the few hours of good deep sleep needed per day, a horse must lie down.
The Myth: The leader of a herd is the herd's stallion.
The Facts: The leader of the herd is in fact the lead mare. She is responsible for the safety of the herd overall, chooses the route when the herd travels, and generally takes care of the other horses. The stallion, however, acts as a sort of security guard. He chases away predators and other stallions, as well as making sure the other herd members do not wander off.
The Myth: Horses never get sick.
The Facts:Horses definitely get sick! True, some breeds are very hardy and may go for years without health problems. But really, have you ever heard of a living being that cannot get sick?
The Myth: Horses don't like to have their ears touched.
The Facts: Well, it's true some horses don't like their ears to be touched, but that's just personal preference. Many horses don't mind having their ears touched.
The Myth: Horses are pretty much big dogs.
The Facts: Far from it! Dogs are predators, horses are prey. Dogs are canines, horses are equines. Dogs are also much less easily frightened than horses; this is because they are predators. Horses, on the other hand, have to be constantly on watch for predators, unless they want to be eaten!
The Myth: Horses sleep standing up.
The Facts: Horses do, in fact, have the ability to doze off while standing; they can lock their knees in a standing position and stay that way while asleep. However, to get the few hours of good deep sleep needed per day, a horse must lie down.
The Myth: The leader of a herd is the herd's stallion.
The Facts: The leader of the herd is in fact the lead mare. She is responsible for the safety of the herd overall, chooses the route when the herd travels, and generally takes care of the other horses. The stallion, however, acts as a sort of security guard. He chases away predators and other stallions, as well as making sure the other herd members do not wander off.
The Myth: Horses never get sick.
The Facts:Horses definitely get sick! True, some breeds are very hardy and may go for years without health problems. But really, have you ever heard of a living being that cannot get sick?
The Myth: Horses don't like to have their ears touched.
The Facts: Well, it's true some horses don't like their ears to be touched, but that's just personal preference. Many horses don't mind having their ears touched.
The Myth: Horses are pretty much big dogs.
The Facts: Far from it! Dogs are predators, horses are prey. Dogs are canines, horses are equines. Dogs are also much less easily frightened than horses; this is because they are predators. Horses, on the other hand, have to be constantly on watch for predators, unless they want to be eaten!