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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Science & Nature • Mammal

Horse

The horse is a large domesticated hoofed mammal in the family Equidae, scientifically named *Equus ferus caballus*.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The horse is a large domesticated hoofed mammal in the family Equidae, scientifically named Equus ferus caballus. Horses are herbivores that have been bred into many breeds for riding, racing, work, sport, and recreation. Most domestic horses live about 25 to 30 years, though some live longer with good care.

Description

The horse is a large, strong hoofed mammal with a single hoofed toe on each foot. Domestic horses are kept around the world for riding, sport, transport, work, and companionship.

Diet and feeding

Horses are grazing herbivores that eat grasses and other plant material. In domestic care, they are typically fed hay, pasture grass, and sometimes grains or concentrates.

Life expectancy

Most horses live about 25 to 30 years, though some can live into their 40s with good nutrition and veterinary care. Lifespan varies by breed, workload, and management.

Breeds

Selective breeding has produced many specialized horse breeds for racing, riding, draft work, and other tasks. Sources commonly describe hundreds of breeds worldwide, with some broad groupings such as light horses, heavy horses, and ponies.

Key facts

  • Horses are domesticated members of the horse family Equidae and are classified as mammals.
  • They are herbivores and mainly graze on grass; domesticated horses also commonly eat hay and other forage.
  • Average lifespan is commonly given as about 25 to 30 years, with some horses living into their 40s or beyond.
  • Horses can run at roughly 30 mph (48 km/h), and faster speeds have been recorded in exceptional cases.
  • There are hundreds of horse breeds, often grouped informally into light horses, heavy horses, and ponies.
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Canadian context

Horses are part of Canadian agriculture, recreation, sport, and Indigenous cultural traditions, and they remain important in rural communities across Canada.

Frequently asked questions

What is a horse?
A horse is a large domesticated hoofed mammal in the family Equidae, scientifically called Equus ferus caballus.
How long do horses live?
Most horses live about 25 to 30 years, although some live longer with proper care.
What do horses eat?
Horses are herbivores that mainly eat grass and other forage; domestic horses also commonly eat hay.
How fast can a horse run?
A horse can gallop at around 30 mph (48 km/h), while exceptional horses have been recorded at higher speeds.
What are the different horse breeds?
There are hundreds of horse breeds worldwide. Common broad categories include light horses, heavy horses, and ponies.
How much does a horse cost?
The cost varies widely by breed, age, training, health, and purpose; no reliable single standard price is given in the provided sources.

References

  1. BBC Earth — https://www.bbcearth.com/factfiles/animals/mammals/horse
    Supports: Average lifespan of 25–30 years.
  2. Four Paws USA — https://www.fourpawsusa.org/our-stories/10-facts-library/10-facts-about-horses
    Supports: More than 400 breeds; typical size range; water intake example.
  3. Britannica Kids — https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/horse/353265
    Supports: Horse description, breed groupings, diet, lifespan, and general characteristics.
  4. National Geographic — https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/horse
    Supports: Scientific name, diet, size, and note that there are around 400 breeds.
  5. Fact Slides — https://www.factslides.com/s-Horse
    Supports: Herbivore diet and typical running speed range.
  6. The Fact File — https://thefactfile.org/facts-about-horses/
    Supports: Breed diversity and lifespan information.