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Horses have been used in warfare for most of recorded history. The first archaeological evidence of horses used in warfare dates to between 4000 to 3000 BC,[208] and the use of horses in warfare was widespread by the end of the Bronze Age.[209][210] Although mechanization has largely replaced the horse as a weapon of war, horses are still seen today in limited military uses, mostly for ceremonial purposes, or for reconnaissance and transport activities in areas of rough terrain where motorized vehicles are ineffective. Horses have been used in the 21st century by the Janjaweed militias in the War in Darfur.[211] Products Horses are raw material for many products made by humans throughout history, including byproducts from the slaughter of horses as well as materials collected from living horses. Products collected from living horses include mare's milk, used by people with large horse herds, such as the Mongols, who let it ferment to produce kumis.[212] Horse blood was once used as food by the Mongols and other nomadic tribes, who found it a convenient source of nutrition when traveling. Drinking their own horses' blood allowed the Mongols to ride for extended periods of time without stopping to eat.[212] The drug Premarin is a mixture of estrogens extracted from the urine of pregnant mares (pregnant mares' urine), and was previously a widely used drug for hormone replacement therapy.[213] The tail hair of horses can be used for making bows for string instruments such as the violin, viola, cello, and double bass.[214] Horse meat has been used as food for humans and carnivorous animals throughout the ages. It is eaten in many parts of the world, though consumption is taboo in some cultures,[215] and a subject of political controversy in others.[216] Horsehide leather has been used for boots, gloves, jackets,[217] baseballs,[218] and baseball gloves. Horse hooves can also be used to produce animal glue.[219] Horse bones can be used to make implements.[220] Specifically, in Italian cuisine, the horse tibia is sharpened into a probe called a spinto, which is used to test the readiness of a (pig) ham as it cures.[221] In Asia, the saba is a horsehide vessel used in the production of kumis.[222] Care Main article: Horse care See also: Equine nutrition, Horse grooming, Veterinary medicine and Farrier A young man in US military clothing examines the teeth of a bay (dark brown) horse, while another person in military work clothing, partially obscured, holds the horse. Several other people are partially visible in the background. Checking teeth and other physical examinations are an important part of horse care. Horses are grazing animals, and their major source of nutrients is good-quality forage from hay or pasture.[223] They can consume approximately 2% to 2.5% of their body weight in dry feed each day. Therefore, a 450-kilogram (990 lb) adult horse could eat up to 11 kilograms (24 lb) of food.[224] Sometimes, concentrated feed such as grain is fed in addition to pasture or hay, especially when the animal is very active.[225] When grain is fed, equine nutritionists recommend that 50% or more of the animal's diet by weight should still be forage.[226] Horses require a plentiful supply of clean water, a minimum of 10 US gallons (38 L) to 12 US gallons (45 L) per day.[227] Although horses are adapted to live outside, they require shelter from the wind and precipitation, which can range from a simple shed or shelter to an elaborate stable.[228] Horses require routine hoof care from a farrier, as well as vaccinations to protect against various diseases, and dental examinations from a veterinarian or a specialized equine dentist.[229] If horses are kept inside in a barn, they require regular daily exercise for their physical health and mental well-being.[230] When turned outside, they require well-maintained, sturdy fences to be safely contained.[231] Regular grooming is also helpful to help the horse maintain good health of the hair coat and underlying skin.[232] |
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