Fun Wild Horse Facts For Kids

A species of the Equus genus, the wild horse (Equus ferus), consists of three subspecies of the modern domesticated horse (Equus ferus caballus), extinct undomesticated tarpan (Equus ferus ferus), and Przewalski's horse (Equus ferus przewalskii). In the United States, the free-roaming herds of feral horses such as the mustangs are sometimes called wild horses or feral horses.

The species of wild horses are found in brown, chestnut, or black colors. The average weight and length of these horses is 700-800 lb (317-363 kg) and 74.8-82.6 in (190-210 cm), respectively, while they are around 52-60 in (132-152 cm) tall. Wild horses primarily dwell in grasslands and steppes. They are grazers and mainly feed on grasses and leaves.  

The subspecies of wild horse such as Przewalski's horse is primarily found in Central Asia. It is estimated that there are more than 400,000 feral horses found in Australia. The extinct tarpan horse was majorly found in Europe and a few regions of Asia. It is said that the species of the Equus genus evolved in North America.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature has declared the species as Endangered due to the population decline. The major threats to the species are hunting and loss of habitat.  

Let's read more interesting facts about the wild horse. If you found this article insightful, don't forget to check out exciting information about different animals like these horse facts and paint horse facts. 
 

Wild Horse Interesting Facts

What type of animal is a wild horse?

The wild horse is a herbivore species that belongs to the Equus genus. The free-roaming herds of mustangs are known as wild horses in the United States.

What class of animal does a wild horse belong to?

Wild horses belong to the class of mammals, the family of Equidae.

How many wild horses are there in the world?

The only extant subspecies of wild horses in Przewalski's horse and a recent study reveals that there are only 1900 horses left. The population of wild horses has been reducing rapidly. However, there are more than 400,000 feral horses found in Australia.

Where does a wild horse live?

Due to the low numbers, wild horses are protected by several countries. Horses are found in a few western states of the United States, such as Colorado and Idaho. The Przewalski's horses are native to Central Asia, while wild horses in Canada are confined to the west only.

What is a wild horse habitat?

Wild horses are generally found in wide-open areas, and grasslands serve as the wild horses' habitat. One can also find these horses in zoos where artificial habitats are created.

Who do wild horse live with?

Wild horses are found in groups or herds that mainly consist of one dominant stallion or male horse, numerous mares or females, and babies. The large herds also comprise several young stallions.

How long does a wild horse live?

The average wild horses' life span is around 25-30 years, while the Przewalski's horses generally live for more than 36 years. It is said that the horses living in captivity with proper care can live more.

How do they reproduce?

The breeding season of wild horses generally occurs during late spring and early summers. Stallions generally reach sexual maturity at the age of five, while mares attain adulthood when they are three. To exhibit dominance, male horses challenge the leader of some other herds.

After mating, female horses go through a gestation period of around 11-12 months and give birth to one offspring, also known as a foal. A disheartening fact about wild horses is the high infant mortality rate of foals. Unlike other wildlife species, around 25% of foals die in the first year.

The weaving period generally lasts for around 8-11 months, and foals start feeding within a few weeks after birth.

What is their conservation status?

The wild horse population has been falling badly, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature has declared the species as Endangered. The only surviving subspecies of wild horses, the Przewalski's horses, are also listed as Endangered in the IUCN's Red List.

Przewalski's horses once became extinct in the wild and were reintroduced around in the '90s. Loss of habitat and hunting are major threats to these horses. Also, different organizations have launched different initiatives and programs to protect these beautiful horses.

Wild Horse Fun Facts

What do wild horse look like?

The only extant subspecies of wild horses, Przewalski's horses are best known for their heavy build. Unlike domestic horses, these wild horses possess short legs and necks.

Wild horses have yellowish-white bellies, pale brown sides, while the area around the mane is dark brown. The mane usually remains erect. The hair on the tails is less full compared to domestic horses.

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These wild horses are considered very cute and attractive. These wild horses resemble ponies due to their short size and muscular bodies, and also, their bodies shine in bright sunlight. Their babies or foals are the most endearing.

How do they communicate?

Like the modern domesticated horses, these animals follow a wide range of methods to communicate. The major methods include different vocalizations, scent markings, and visual signs. The dominant stallions generally make shrill noises to warn other members of the herd during predation.

How big is a wild horse?

While talking about wild horses' size, the average weight and length of the horses are 700-800 lb  (317-363 kg) and 74.8-82.6 in (190-210 cm) respectively, while they are around 52-60 in (132-152 cm) tall. These horses are smaller than several species of domesticated horses but are bigger than pony horses and moose.

How fast can a wild horse run?

Wild horses in America, also known as mustangs, generally run at 25-30 mph (40-48 kph). While Przewalski's horses are one of the fastest in the world, they could easily reach the speed of 39.7 mph (64 kph).

How much does a wild horse weigh?

The average weight of a wild horse is 700-800 lb (317-363 kg).

What are the male and female names of the species?

Male wild horses are called stallions, while females are known as mares.

What would you call a baby wild horse?

The term foal is used to refer to the baby of a wild horse.

What do they eat?

Wild horses are herbivores, and they primarily prey on grasses, flowering plants, legumes, twigs, tree barks, and leaves. The horses are often preyed upon by wolves and coyotes.

Are they dangerous?

Like other wildlife species, these horses are not accustomed to humans and are quite dangerous. The horses generally recognize humans as threats and can easily attack if they feel threatened. Their attack could cause death as well.

Would they make a good pet?

No, wild horses are not considered as good pets by humans, unlike domestic horses. Also, it is illegal to own wild horses as the species is very rare. Humans drove the species to the verge of extinction, and it is our duty to protect them. Also, one can find these beautiful horses in zoos.

Did you know...

The wild horse Pinot Noir is one of the popular wines of the United States due to its mild taste.

The hooves of wild horses are quite hard that helps them to move on any terrain.

The young horses generally become stallions and mares after six years of age.

Przewalski's horse has 66 chromosomes, unlike the species of domestic horses.

How can you tell a wild horse?

The wild species such as Przewalski's horse possesses a short neck, unlike the domestic horse. Also, the former is quite strong and muscular, while the legs are a bit short. A wild horse would always perceive humans as a threat and could also attack.

Why are wild horses so popular?

Wild horses play a very crucial role within the ecosystem. As we know, these horses are grazers and generally thrive by feeding on grass and leaves.

They help to remove the unwanted foliage or plants that can prevent the growth of natural grasses. Apart from land management, wild horses help other species such as squirrels to make burrows and avoid predation. Sometimes, wild horses cause several problems such as overgrazing that leads to scarcity of food for other species.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! For more relatable content, check out these Alaskan malamute facts or elephant facts pages.

You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our horse coloring pages.