Horse are truly fascinating creatures, full of surprising traits that even the most seasoned horse owners may not know.

With an incredible ability to detect even the faintest scent of medicine in their feed or spot a stray crisp packet from what seems like miles away.

It's easy to believe that horse are constantly keeping us on our toes and that might just be the case. Here are 10 lesser-known facts about horse that may surprise you!

1. Horse Can't Regurgitate

Unlike many mammals, horses are physically unable to regurgitate due to differences in their digestive systems. Their lower esophageal sphincter muscles are much stronger than those in other animals, preventing backward pressure from opening the valve.

Additionally, the angle at which the equine esophagus meets the stomach further seals this valve. Since horse can't regurgitate, if their stomach becomes distended, like during a colic episode, it can pose a serious risk of rupture.

2. Horse Can Read and Remember Emotions

Studies have shown that horse can interpret human facial expressions, recognizing when we're happy or angry. Not only can they gauge our emotions, but they can also remember them, adjusting their behavior accordingly. Interestingly, a horse's heart rate can increase when looking at an angry person, demonstrating just how sensitive they are to our moods.

3. Horse Only Sleep Deeply When Lying Down

While horse need at least 30 minutes of deep REM sleep each day, they can only achieve this while lying down. During REM sleep, their bodies undergo crucial physiological changes that support their health, such as emotional regulation, memory consolidation, and learning.

4. The World's Oldest Horse Lived to 62

The average lifespan of a domestic horse is 25-30 years, but the oldest horse ever recorded lived a remarkable 62 years. Old Billy, born in 1760 near Woolston, Cheshire, worked as a barge horse and became a local legend. He passed away in 1822, leaving behind a legacy of longevity and fame.

5. Horse Have the Largest Eyes of Any Land Mammal

Horse possess the largest eyes of any land mammal, providing them with an almost 350° field of vision. This wide range allows them to detect movement, helping them spot predators before they’re seen. Horse eyes are particularly sensitive to motion, making them excellent at detecting even the slightest disturbance, such as a plastic bag in the breeze.

6. Horse Can't Breathe Through Their Mouth

Unlike humans, horse can only breathe through their noses. A flap of tissue called the soft palate prevents them from breathing through their mouths, except when swallowing. This feature helps protect them from inhaling food, but it also means that they cannot breathe through their mouth during respiratory distress.

7. Horse Graze for Up to 15 Hours a Day

Horse are natural grazers, spending up to 15 hours a day eating. In the wild, they can travel up to seven miles a day to find the best grasses. Their digestive systems are designed for a steady flow of small amounts of food, which helps buffer the constant acid production in their stomachs. Without adequate forage, domestic horses can suffer from gastric ulcers, which affect up to 37% of leisure horses.

8. Horse Ears Move 180 Degrees

Horses have remarkable ear mobility, with the ability to swivel their ears independently through 180°. They have 10 muscles controlling their ears, compared to just three in humans. This allows them to listen attentively to sounds around them, such as the feed room door opening or you calling their name, while also using their ears to communicate their emotions—whether they are relaxed, tense, or nervous.

9. It Takes 9 to 12 Months to Regrow a Hoof

A horse’s hoof grows at a rate of 0.6 to 1.2 cm per month, although this can vary depending on the season. Hooves grow faster in spring and summer when grass is most nutritious. Regular hoof care is essential to keep hooves balanced and prevent issues like cracking or uneven growth.

10. Horse Have an Exceptional Sense of Smell

Horses have an incredibly sensitive sense of smell, which is why they can often detect medications or unfamiliar substances in their feed long before tasting them.

Their large nasal cavity allows them to take in a lot of air, enabling them to pick up on scents from a distance. Interestingly, horses can even recognize the manure of other horses they’ve encountered before, showcasing their keen olfactory abilities.