The horse belongs to the genus Equus and is a member of the family Equidae. The domestic horse is Equus caballus. Three groups of this genus still live in the wild and include the Zebra of Africa, the ass of Asia and Africa and Przhevalski's horse of western Mongolia.

The modern horse is a perissodactyl, or odd-toed ungulate. Other members of this group include the rhinoceros and the tapir. The hoof is actually a middle toe surrounded by a horny outer covering. There are remnants of a second and fourth toe on either side of the foot above the hoof. The horse has a simple stomach. A cecum is located where the small and large intestines meet. It is here that ingested food is processed. The cecum in large horses can hold up to 10 gallons of food.

Horses mature at the age of two, but are not generally bred until the age of three. Usually one foal is born after a gestation period of 11 months. Twins are rare.

The domestic horse is recorded in Babylonia in about 2000 B.C. These horses developed into the Arabian breed. Another strain was developed in Europe and this one became the modern draft horse. Today's ponies were developed in the British Isles. The horses that were introduced into the Americas were of the Arabian type, brought by Spanish explorers.

Horses over the last 300 years have been developed into a variety of breeds for many different types of work. They are various sizes, from the Arabs at about 60 inches at the shoulder, to the draft horses, which are 68 inches or more at the shoulder. Ponies are about 42 inches at the shoulder.

Here is a little herd of horses living at Jeannie's Cottage. They are from left: Acorn the mini chestnut horse from Douglas, a Chestnut Barn Mate from Russ, Horace by Russ, Lil Peeper Horse from Russ, Rumples Horse from Manhattan Toy, Rocker the Russ Luv Pet, a Palamino Barn Mate from Russ and a little horse from Wild Republic. You can find many horses in the Gift Shop.

Here's another herd of horses running across the field at Jeannie's Cottage.
All these horses are Barn Mates made by Russ Berrie.

Here's are all the Black Horses. There is a Barn Mate, Mercury the Douglas horse and
a Black Horse Pony Pal from Aurora.

Here are two grey Barn Mates made by Russ Berrie and a Burro made by Jaag.

This is a little Pastel Parade Blue Circus Horse from Baby Ganz.

This is the Black Hills Spotted Horse from Douglas and a Pinto Barn Mate from Russ.

This group of horses are all Ty Beanie Babies and include from left back: Siesta, Marshall, Lightning, Durango, Hoofer, Filly, and Oats. The front row are Derby (three versions).

And these very colorful Beanies are from left: Fairytale, Avalon, Pegasus and Charmer.

To see other barnyard animals, click on the links below:

Barnyard | Cows | Ducks | Goats | Guinea Pigs | Horse | Llama | Pigs | Sheep