equine

Equine describes members of the horse family, Equidae, and is used broadly to refer to horses, donkeys, and zebras as well as characteristics associated with them. In veterinary medicine and zoology, equine traits include their body plan, dentition, and adaptations for sustained locomotion and grazing.

Taxonomically, equines are mammals in the order Perissodactyla and the family Equidae, within the genus Equus. The domestic horse is commonly classified as Equus caballus, with wild horses and their descendants linked to forms of Equus ferus. The Przewalski’s horse is described as Equus ferus przewalskii. Wild populations once more widespread are now restricted mostly to protected areas.

Biologically, equines are herbivorous, hindgut fermenters with a large cecum and simple stomach. They have a hoofed, digitigrade limb with a single weight-bearing toe. They display a range of gaits from walk to canter and gallop. The domestic horse typically has 64 chromosomes. Their dentition and jaws are adapted for grazing and processing fibrous plant material; lifespans commonly span several decades.

Humans have domesticated horses for transport, work, sport, and companionship for thousands of years. Donkeys and zebras are less widely domesticated but used in some contexts. Equine welfare, healthcare, nutrition, and management practices influence health and performance across breeds and uses, while conservation efforts focus on wild relatives and rare subspecies.