U.S. Department of Agriculture: Agricultural Research Service, Lincoln, Nebraska
Date of this Version
11-1962
Abstract
Light horses stand 14-2 to 17 hands high, weigh 900 to 1,400 pounds, and are used primarily for, riding, driving, or racing, or for utility purposes on the farm. Light horses generally are more rangy and are capable of more action and greater speed than draft horses.
Increasing interest is being shown in light horses. Today, there are 2¼ million horses in this country, of which 1.8 million are light horses. It is further estimated that 433,000 light horses are suburban-owned. About 250,000 horses are registered in a light horse breed registry.
Saddle clubs and 4-H horse clubs are growing in membership. Horse shows are increasing in size and number. More people are riding horses for pleasure than ever before.
On the western ranges, light horses are used both for recreation and work. More than 400,000 cow ponies still are used in the traditional manner—mechanical replacement has not yet been devised.
Although the U.S. Department of Agriculture does not conduct research on light horses, this publication is being issued to answer the many thousands of requests for information about light horses that are received each year by county agricultural agents, State colleges of agriculture, and the Department.
Breeds and. their characteristics: American Albino, American Saddle Horse, Appaloosa, Arabian, Hackney, Morgan, Morocco Spotted Horse, Palomino, Pinto, Pony of the Americas, Quarter Horse, Shetland Pony, Standardbred, Tennessee Walking Horse, Thoroughbred, Welsh Pony
How to select a horse: Methods of selection; Gaits; Common defects in way of going; How to measure; How to determine age; Blemishes and unsoundnesses; Stable vices
Breeding horses: Stallion, Mare, The foal
Feeding horses: Feeds, Minerals, Vitamins, Water, Pastures
Managing horses: Care of the feet; Kind and amount of bedding; Exercise; Health; Buildings and equipment; Fences
Comments
U.S. government publication