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The horse (Equus caballus sometimes seen as a subspecies of the Wild Horse, Equus ferus caballus) is a large odd-toed ungulate mammal, one of ten modern species of the genus Equus. Horses have long been one of the most economically important domesticated animals, and have played an important role in the transport of people and cargo for thousands of years. While isolated domestication may have occurred as early as 10,000 years ago, clear evidence of widespread horse use by humans dates to around 2000 BC. Since they were domesticated, selective breeding has resulted in many breeds. Some have been bred so that they can be ridden, usually with a saddle, while other breeds can be harnessed to pull objects like carriages or plows. In some cultures, horses are a source of food, including horse meat and sometimes milk; in other cultures it is taboo to eat them. Today, in wealthy countries, horses are predominantly kept for leisure and sporting pursuits, while they are still used as working horses in many other parts of the world.

Biology of the horse


Depending on breed, management, and environment, the domestic horse today has an average life expectancy of 25 to 30 years.

The mare is pregnant for 11 months and usually gives birth to one foal (male: colt, female: filly). Twins are rare, but do occur on occasion. Horses may sometimes be physically capable of reproduction at approximately 18 months, particularly colts, but in practice rarely are allowed to breed until the age of 2 or 3 years at the earliest. Fillies are rarely bred until they are at least 3 years old. Horses are not considered completely grown until an average age of 4 years, though age of achieving full growth also varies by breed and by individual genetics. In the strenuous sport of endurance riding, horses are not allowed to compete until they are a full 60 months (5 years) old.

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RT @TheOnion: New York Marathon Winner Tests Positive For Performance-Enhancing Horse http://ow.ly/zAR2 // LOL!
billstclair (Bill St. Clair) Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:14:08 -0000
RT @TheOnion: New York Marathon Winner Tests Positive For Performance-Enhancing Horse http://ow.ly/zAR2 // LOL!
Lose/Lose Mac Trojan Horse - http://bit.ly/brnfF
TheSavage042 (Bill Savage) Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:13:52 -0000
Lose/Lose Mac Trojan Horse - http://bit.ly/brnfF
A Woman on a White Horse in 2012? http://bit.ly/48eIXu
Shroudedindoubt (Turin) Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:13:45 -0000
A Woman on a White Horse in 2012? http://bit.ly/48eIXu
Golden Horse seeks new pastures http://bit.ly/irzTD
UKcomicGuy (Judge Cal) Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:13:29 -0000
Golden Horse seeks new pastures http://bit.ly/irzTD
lizzies tonight <3 i lover her soo much. rip Gary Corbeil, and Jordan Luxston. i have to piss like a race horse!!!! - in english class <3
britnanny (brittany corbeil ) Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:13:08 -0000
lizzies tonight <3 i lover her soo much. rip Gary Corbeil, and Jordan Luxston. i have to piss like a race horse!!!! - in english class <3
@clint If you like Tex-Mex food, the Iron Horse on SE Milwaukie Ave is one of my all-time favorite restaurants.
lunarobverse (Brian Moon) Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:13:02 -0000
@clint If you like Tex-Mex food, the Iron Horse on SE Milwaukie Ave is one of my all-time favorite restaurants.

 
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Delicacies of Horseflesh - Includes three different horse recipes: Kazy, Shuzhuk, and Karta.

Horsemeat Pie - Made with sweet red peppers, mushrooms, and Cheddar cheese.

RecipeSource: Horseman Stew - A recipe for an italian stew involving the use of horse meat.

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