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Questions and Answers
What is the scientific classification of horses?
What is the scientific classification of horses?
Equus caballus
How many horses are there in the United States, approximately?
How many horses are there in the United States, approximately?
9.2 million
How much is estimated to be spent on horses annually?
How much is estimated to be spent on horses annually?
$29 billion
About how many people own horses?
About how many people own horses?
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Horses provide how much work?
Horses provide how much work?
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How much taxes do horses generate?
How much taxes do horses generate?
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What is the division of employment in the horse industry?
What is the division of employment in the horse industry?
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What percentage of total agricultural receipts do horses account for?
What percentage of total agricultural receipts do horses account for?
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What percentage of total animal agricultural receipts do horses account for?
What percentage of total animal agricultural receipts do horses account for?
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Why is the horse industry different from other livestock industries?
Why is the horse industry different from other livestock industries?
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What is the very important difference between horses and other livestock?
What is the very important difference between horses and other livestock?
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When and where were horses domesticated?
When and where were horses domesticated?
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When were horses introduced to the West Indies?
When were horses introduced to the West Indies?
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What is the mustang myth?
What is the mustang myth?
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What happened to horse genetics from the 1600s to roughly 1750?
What happened to horse genetics from the 1600s to roughly 1750?
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Where are horses most popular?
Where are horses most popular?
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Study Notes
Scientific Classification
- Horses are scientifically classified as Equus caballus.
- Donkeys belong to the classification Equus asinus.
Population in the United States
- Approximately 9.2 million horses exist in the United States.
- About 2 million people own horses, excluding individuals under 18.
Economic Impact
- The horse industry generates roughly $29 billion annually.
- It contributes $1.9 billion in taxes.
- Horses provide an estimated 1.4 million jobs, each averaging 40 hours of work per week.
Employment Distribution
- Employment is divided as follows:
- Racing: 27%
- Shows: 27%
- Recreation: 31%
- Other sectors: 15%
Agricultural Contribution
- Horses account for approximately 0.5% of total agricultural receipts.
- They represent about 1% of total animal agricultural receipts.
Unique Industry Characteristics
- The horse industry is hybrid, integrating both agricultural and recreational segments.
- Many horse owners do not partake in agriculture, despite horse feed being produced primarily by agricultural entities.
Key Differences from Other Livestock
- Horses are not raised for food or fiber, competing with livestock for high-quality feeds without a direct return.
- Their intangible contributions, such as companionship and cultural significance, are vital.
Domestication History
- Domestication occurred around 3000 BC in China and Mesopotamia.
- Horses were introduced to the West Indies by Columbus in 1493.
Mustang Myth
- Mustangs are incorrectly believed to have descended from wild horses. They are actually derived from escaped domesticated horses.
Horse Breeding Development
- Various horse breeds were developed by Native Americans between the 1600s and 1750.
Popularity by Region
- Horses are predominantly found in Texas, California, and Florida.
- Tennessee ranks 14th in horse population.
- Oklahoma has more horses than people, signifying a unique regional density.
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Description
Test your knowledge about horses with these flashcards. Learn about their scientific classification, population in the United States, and the economic impact of horses. Perfect for horse enthusiasts and students alike!
