Cavallo

Cavallo is the Italian word for horse. In general usage it refers to the domesticated horse, a member of the genus Equus and the species Equus ferus caballus. The term cavallo derives from the Latin caballus, passing into Italian through early forms of the language. In Italian, cavallo can denote the animal as well as idiomatic expressions related to horses, such as riding or draught work.

Biology and classification: The horse is a large, fast quadruped with a single hoof on each foot. It is an even-toed ungulate and a non-ruminant herbivore, adapted to grazing and high-fiber forage. Species-wide variation produces many breeds that differ in size, conformation, temperament and appropriate use. Common terms related to gender and young include stallion (male), mare (female) and foal (young horse).

Domestication and diversity: Horses were domesticated in the Eurasian steppe during the late Neolithic and early Bronze Age, from wild ancestors of the genus Equus. Through selective breeding, hundreds of breeds have been developed for tasks such as riding, draft work, racing and companionship. Modern horses are found worldwide and interact with humans in agriculture, sport, transportation and therapy.

Uses and care: Historically central to transportation, agriculture and war, horses today are primarily used for sport, recreation, work in some rural areas, and equine-assisted therapy. They require appropriate nutrition, shelter, regular exercise, hoof care and veterinary attention, along with social interaction and humane handling.

Other uses: The term cavallo is also used as a surname and appears in place names, organizations and cultural references in Italian-speaking communities.