Horses

In this unit students will learn about the physical and behavioral characteristics of horses as well as the history of wild and domesticated horses. Additionally, students will develop an understanding of the ethical issues raised by human use of horses and will explore various human prespectives and subsequent actions.

Unit Overview

This unit was developed by Melody Pazian, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Coordinator of Tri-State Humane Education Programs and Dr. Sheila Schwartz, United Federation of Teachers Humane Education Committee Chairperson.

Performance Objective I

Students will be able to identify the ways in which horses have lived and evolved - - with regard to their relationship with humans - - from pre-historic times to the onset of the industrial revolution.

Performance Objective II

Students will understand how horses live in the wild today.

Performance Objective III

Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the ways in which people use horses today.

Performance Objective IV

Students will be able to discuss the ethical issues involved in human use of horses today.

Background and Characteristics of Horses

Perissodactyls, or odd-toed ungulates. Cows and pigs are artiodactyls, even-toed ungulates; they have two toes on each foot. The horse's hoof is actually the end of one large toe. The hoof itself is akin to our fingernail. The rhinoceros, with three toes on each foot, is also a perissodactyl.

Do You Want To Help Horses?

At this time the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), part of the United States Department of the Interior, manages wild horse herds under the Wild Free-Roaming Horse and Burro Act. Some members of Congress have introduced HR2874, which would give a few states the right to manage and remove horses and burros. If this bill passes, the welfare of horses would be endangered while the interests of cattle ranchers and others who want wild horses and burros removed from these lands would be given greater priority.