The Year of the Horse is here! Speaking of horses today, let's dive into some fascinating and lesser-known facts about them!
Did you know that horses sleep standing up most of the time? Thanks to a special "locking mechanism" in their legs, they can keep their muscles relaxed and stay upright without feeling tired or falling over. Pretty incredible, right?
Horses are natural nose-breathers. Due to their unique anatomy, they can't breathe through their mouths. So, if you ever see a horse panting with its mouth open, it could be a sign that something's wrong with its health.
Horses have nearly 360-degree vision. Their eyes are about 5 centimeters in diameter, making them the largest of any land mammal! This gives them an ultra-wide field of view, but they do have blind spots, right behind them and directly under their nose. So, when approaching a horse, avoid sneaking up from behind or making sudden loud noises.
Very few horses are born white. Most white horses are actually born gray, often with dark coats at birth. By the time they're four or five years old, their coats start lightening to a pale gray, although their legs might still be darker. It is only after the age of ten or so that a white horse's body becomes completely white.
A horse's height is measured in "hands." This unit, equivalent to 10.16 centimeters, is used to measure a horse's height at its shoulder. On average, an adult horse stands between 14 and 16 hands tall.
Horses have exceptional memories. They're like "walking hard drives"! Horses can remember people and experiences for years, even a lifetime. Whether someone has treated them kindly or poorly, they won't forget. This explains how ancient messenger horses could remember routes for years.
Horses aren't colorblind. They can distinguish blue and yellow clearly, but they're less sensitive to red and orange. That's why show jumping obstacles are often painted in blue and yellow. Horses can see them clearly and make those perfect leaps!
Horses need social interactions. They thrive on companionship and find comfort in their herd. In the wild, they even take turns standing guard so others can eat or rest peacefully. Talk about teamwork!
So, did you learn something new about horses today? As the Year of the Horse gallops in, here's wishing you a year full of energy, progress, and smooth paths ahead. May you triumph like a horse arriving at the finish line!
(Video Editor: Zoey SUN)
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