Equino

Equino is a term used to describe things related to horses. It derives from Latin equinus, which in turn comes from equus, the word for horse. In English, the closest standard term is equine.

In many Romance languages, equino (masculine) and equina (feminine) function as adjectives indicating horse-related characteristics, and they can also be used as nouns to refer to a horse or horses. Plural forms and gender endings vary by language. For example, Spanish and Portuguese commonly use equino/equina and equinos/equinas in appropriate contexts. The term is frequently found in scientific, veterinary, and agricultural usage.

Biology and veterinary science use equine to describe the horse family, particularly the genus Equus. This includes horses (Equus ferus caballus), donkeys (Equus africanus asinus), and zebras (several species within Equus). Equine anatomy, physiology, and medicine address aspects specific to these animals, such as the musculoskeletal system, digestion, and common diseases.

Beyond science, equine appears in cultural, educational, and recreational contexts, including equine sports, therapy, and conservation discussions. While English often prefers “equine,” Romance-language variants of equino and its derivatives appear in nomenclature for breeds, parts of anatomy, and veterinary terminology. The term thus serves as a broad linguistic and scientific indicator of horse-related relationships.