National Horse Day is annually celebrated on December 13th in the United States. This day celebrates one of the most loving and culturally significant animal for the country which is obviously horse.
It's a day to remember the economic, historic, and cultural contributions that horses have made. Equine enthusiasts across the country will get together on December 13 to show their appreciation for these majestic creatures.
It was also established to honor the importance of horses to the country's security, recreation, and legacy, as well as their continuous impact on America through media such as film and their continued presence in open space.
| Event | National Horse Day |
|---|---|
| Date | December 13, 2022 |
| Day | Tuesday |
| Significance | The day celebrates and honors the Horses |
| Observed by | United States |
National Horse Day History:
Horses were first domesticated in around 3500 BC, probably on the steppes of southern Russia and Kazakhstan, and introduced to the ancient Near East in about 2300 BC. Before this time, people used donkeys as draught animals and beasts of burden. The adoption of the horse was one of the single most important discoveries for early human societies. Horses and other animals were used to pull wheeled vehicles, chariots, carts and wagons and horses were increasingly used for riding in the Near East from at least c. 2000 BC onwards.
After the primitive Native American horses died out between 13,000 and 11,000 years ago, today's wild-horse species were reintroduced to America by European colonists in the late 1400s. Colonial Spanish Horses were common in the southeastern and western U.S. from the 1500s until the mid-1800s when crossbreeding became common. Around the same time, some horses were released into the wild, and herds of feral horses known as mustangs roamed the plains. In the United States now, there are over 33,000 feral horses.
Horses were utilized by cowboys on cattle drives and ranches in the 1800s and for transportation, hauling, and farming. Horse racing grew in popularity during this period, with the introduction of Thoroughbred horse racing. Horses were bred for military and agricultural reasons as the 1900s began, but with mechanized transportation becoming more prevalent after World War I, horse populations declined. There were over 20 million horses in the nation in 1915, but only 4.5 million in 1959. In the United States today, there are about 9.2 million horses.
It was in the year 2004 when Congress designated December 13 as National Horse Day and, since then, Americans have been taking the day to celebrate and appreciate the role of the horse in not only helping our country become what it is today, but also its current role in the modern era. Horses, in general, contribute roughly $9.2 billion to the US economy. Whether they’re helping plow fields; move food and supplies into rural areas; move livestock in ranches; or just provide sweet, thoughtful equine therapy; horses have woven themselves into the fabric of life in America.
National Horse Day Significance:
Horses have been an important component of American life and culture since the founding of the nation. They have remained an integral part of American rural and urban life all the way until the 20th century, when the widespread emergence of mechanization caused their use for industrial, economic, and transportation purposes to decline. Modern use of the horse in the United States is primarily for recreation and entertainment purposes only, though some horses are still used for specialized tasks.
Infact horses have been important in the Americas even before the formation of the modern nation of United States among the Native Americans. Horses revolutionized Native life and became an integral part of tribal cultures, honored in objects, stories, songs, and ceremonies. Horses changed methods of hunting and warfare, modes of travel, lifestyles, and standards of wealth and prestige. Unfortunately they got extinct because of hunting once but then were reintroduced by the European settlers.
Other than all the cultural significance there is still one major reason to celebrate horses as they are a very gorgeous creature in itself as well. The sight of a horse in a full sprint or even at a slow canter is a memorable experience. There is no denying the charming qualities of a horse's appearance. Celebrating horses means celebrating all nature and the glorious outdoors. Horses are among nature's best attractions and encourage us to explore a life beyond the walls of our homes in the company of these lovely friends.
Humans have bonded with horses for a long time, so it only makes sense that there is a whole day dedicated to them! From cowboys to the Kentucky Derby, horses are ingrained in American history. Whether you're a horse person or not, you've surely witnessed America's love for horses at some point in history hence they are also a cultural symbol of America especially when it comes to American cowboy representation. This day also encourages people to take a horseride as it is one thing which many people enjoys relating to horses.
National Horse Day Facts:
Now let's take a look at some of the most amazing and fascinating facts about our lovely creature called horses:
- Horses can sleep standing up! They sleep laying down too. Horses must lie down to achieve a full restorative sleep cycle for a minimum of 30 minutes per day to avoid sleep deprivation.
- Horses can't burp, at least not the way humans do. They can't vomit or breathe through their mouths like humans do either. A horse's digestive system is a one-way street, unlike cattle and other ruminants who regurgitate food to re-chew it.
- You can estimate a horse's age by its teeth. While you can't tell the exact age of a horse by its teeth, you can estimate its age.
- Modern domesticated horses have a life expectancy between 25 and 30 years.
- The American Quarter horse is the most popular breed of horse in the world.
- Horses in the wild live in small herds, and domestic horses feel more comfortable if they have companions too. It can be quite stressful for a horse to live alone.
- Most of the white horses that you see were actually a much darker color at birth and gradually turn white.
National Horse Day FAQs:
1. When is National Horse Day celebrated?
National Horse Day is annually celebrated on December 13th in US.
2. Do horses enjoy being ridden?
Many horses like being ridden. For one thing, it keeps them from becoming bored. To make the experience enjoyable, the horse and rider must work together.
3. Are horses intelligent?
Horses, according to some scientists, have the IQ of a three-year-old child when compared to humans. Most horses can recognize themselves in the mirror, learn complex orders or tricks, and comprehend human emotion.