8 Fascinating Horse Facts You Didn't Know

They Can Sleep Both Standing Up and Lying Down

Horses often sleep standing using a special “stay apparatus” in their legs but need to lie down for deep REM sleep.

Horses Communicate Using Their Ears

The position and movement of a horse’s ears can tell you a lot about their mood and intentions.

Horses Have Nearly 360-Degree Vision

Thanks to their large eyes positioned on the sides of their heads, horses can see almost all around them—except for a small blind spot directly in front and behind.

Horses Have an Incredible Memory

They can remember people, places, and training for years, making them highly trainable.

They Have Around 205 Bones

An adult horse’s skeleton is made up of approximately 205 bones, supporting a strong but flexible frame.

They Use Their Nostrils to Communicate Too

Horses flare their nostrils to express emotions like excitement, fear, or anger.

Horses Have a Unique Way of Drinking

They drink about 5 to 10 gallons of water per day and have a specialized lip to suck up water efficiently.

Horses Can Run Shortly After Birth

Foals can stand and run within hours of being born, an important survival trait in the wild.