calul

Calul, in Romanian, means “the horse” and refers to the domesticated horse, Equus ferus caballus, a large herbivorous mammal in the family Equidae. Taxonomically it belongs to the order Perissodactyla, genus Equus, with domesticated populations arising from wild ancestors.

Horses vary widely in size and build, but most share features such as a single hooved toe on each limb, a long head, a mane and tail, and a stout skeleton adapted for running. Coat colors and markings are diverse, and many breeds have distinct temperaments and abilities. Horses are social, often living in herds, and they communicate through vocalizations, postures, and facial expressions. They are prey animals with strong flight responses, requiring reliable handling and training.

Domestication and use have shaped the horse’s role in human society. Domesticated around 3500–3000 BCE on the Eurasian steppes, horses were later utilized for transport, agriculture, warfare, sport, and companionship. Today, they are kept as working animals, in recreational riding, racing, dressage, jumping, and therapy programs. Breeds have been developed to suit various tasks, from heavy draft animals to agile sports horses.

Diet and care involve grazing on pasture or forage, access to clean water, and regular veterinary care. Hoof care, dental maintenance, vaccination, and appropriate exercise are essential for welfare. While domestic horses as a group are not endangered, some wild horse populations, such as Przewalski’s horse, remain endangered or critically endangered.

Culturally, the horse has deep significance in many regions, including Romania, where it has supported farming, transport, and traditional folklore.