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Horse RecordsFrom the largest to the fastest |
By Stefan Anitei, Science Editor
22nd of May 2007, 20:36 GMT
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The largest horses in the world are those of the English breed Shire. These horses often bypass the height of 1.8 m (6 ft) and reach in weight one tone (almost as much as a rhino, to which horses and their relatives, donkeys and zebras, are related). Average horses have 0.3-0.4 tones.
These draft horses are generally tame and due to their enormous size, they generate a huge power: they can drag up to 5 tones and in some areas, they are still traditionally employed, despite modern mechanization. Their appearance makes them extremely appreciated in circuses and advertising.
Still, related to their size, these are not
the most powerful horses. This title is held by ... the Shetland ponies!
These horses are just one meter (3 ft) high (but some individuals can be of only 65 cm (2 ft)), but have an extraordinary power and endurance, due to the harsh conditions of the Shetland and Orkney Islands (Scotland) where they were employed for pulling mine trolleys. A 90 cm Shetland pony can carry 85 kg (210 pounds) over 65 km (40 mi) in one day.
In zoos, they are used for pulling small coaches filled with children in active trot for hours continuously.
The smallest horses in the world belong the Argentinean breed Falabella, which never bypasses 70 cm in height. Most Fallabellas are stubborn, clever, and often dog-like in loyalty, which makes them ideal pets.
Besides beauty, the Arabian horses are famous for their remarkable stamina. During the Crimean war, a Turkish currier transmitted a message after galloping 150 km (90 mi). When it reached the final point, the stallion was still full of energy while the rider dropped death of exhaustion. As soon as it was born, the colt of Arabian horse was brought in the same tent with its master. This way the colt accustomed and attached to him. At one month, the cold was weaned and fed with camel milk. Then the training started and at the age of three years, it could be ridden by children. By the age of four, the horse was ridden by his master and this time no longer spared, being put to make long distances.
Extremely resistant are also the Turkmen horses Akhal-Teke. These horses can gallop in the desert for up to 360 km (225 mi) without drinking a drop of water.
On short distances, the fastest horse is the Thoroughbred. These horses can run one kilometer (0.6 mi) in just 53.6 seconds, loaded with a 51 kg (120 pounds) jockey. This translates to 67 km (42 mi) per hour.
The only surviving wild horses are the takhi horses from Mongolia. Mustangs are just bewildered horses. In US, mustangs are encountered in Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Nevada and California.
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