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Horse (Equus ferus caballus)

Horse facts

By for BBC Earth
Conservation status
Least Concern
Last updated: 03/05/2024
Last updated: 03/05/2024

  • kingdom: Animalia (Animals)
  • phylum: Chordata
  • class: Mammalia
  • order: Perissodactyla
  • family: Equidae
  • genus: Equus
  • species: ferus caballus
  • young: Foal, filly (female), colt (male)
  • group: Herd
  • predator:

    Mountain lions, wolves, bears and other large carnivores

  • life span: 25-30 years on average
  • size: 0.43-2.1m (1.4-6.9ft) from hoof to the top of the shoulder
  • weight: 26-1,000kg
  • habitats: Grasslands, Plains
  • population: 60 million (estimated)
  • endangered status: Least Concern
*Dependent upon species

**Source WWF

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Horse neighing.

Source: BBC Sound Effects 

Image of horses standing in a field

Horses have big hearts, which can weigh several kilogrammes and grow as large as a melon.