When is Day of the Horse?

The next occurence will be on December 13th, 2024. The last occurence was on December 13th, 2023.

What are the hashtags for Day of the Horse?

#DayoftheHorse, #NationalHorseDay

Day of the Horse (December 13th)

Quick facts
When is it?	Every December 13th
It's also known as:	National Horse Day
Tagged as:	Animals Horses
What are the hashtags?	#DayoftheHorse #NationalHorseDay
When was it founded?	2004
Who founded it?	US Congress
We first published this page on:	May 5th, 2020
We last updated this page:	Dec 2nd, 2024

The Day of the Horse was created to remember and pay tribute to the cultural, historic, and economic contributes that horses have made.

Equine enthusiasts will often get together so that they can show their appreciation for these incredible creatures. And, as you will soon discover, there are a number of different ways that you can observe the Day of the Horse!

It does not matter whether you have never been on a horse in your life or you are a seasoned rider, we can all appreciate the amazing work that horses have done over the years and just how precious these animals are.

How to Celebrate Day Of The Horse

There are so many different ways that you can celebrate and observe the Day of the Horse, and so we have put together some suggestions for you:

Go for a Horse Ride

This is one of the best ways to celebrate the Day of the Horse. If you have never been on a horse before, this is an experience you will never forget.

Raise Awareness About Horses

When we think about horses today, we often think about horse racing and how thoroughbred horses power across the finishing line in spectacular fashion.

However, there are horses all over the world that are helping humans in many different ways, and so it is good to raise awareness about this animal and everything the species has done for us.

You can simply post some messages on your social media accounts or you could write a blog post.

Dress in Horse Riding Clothing

Spend the day in clothing that shows you are a horse person. Of course, if you’re going to work in an office, we don’t recommend wearing breeches, boots, and a riding hat. A subtle touch will do! For example, you could buy a piece of jewelry with a horseshoe or horse pendant.

Watch a Horse Movie

There are some really great films out there that are based on the story of some pretty incredible horses. Two of our favorites are Secretariat and Seabiscuit. If you’ve seen them both, give The Black Stallion a try!

Support a Horse Charity

Get involved with a horse-related non-profit. It will be greatly appreciated, and you never know, it is something you might decide to do more of in the future. You could also donate supplies or money to a reputable non-profit horse recuse organization.

Of course, you can opt to fundraise instead. There are lots of different ways that you can fundraise today. This includes hosting a fundraising event, such as a fun run.

You could also decide to make items relating to horses, and then you can sell them donating some of the profits or all of them to a charity of your choice.

Facts About Horses

Horses are incredible creatures, and there are more than 400 different horse breeds. A horse can weigh as much as 998 kilograms and they can be as big as 175 cm from hoof to shoulder. Of course, tiny horses are in existence too. The smallest breed of horse can weigh as little as 54 kilograms and be as small as 76 cm.

Check out these other surprising and interesting facts about horses:

The quickest sprinting speed that has been recorded of a horse is 88 kph.
Horses are capable of seeing almost 360 degrees at one time because their eyes are on the side of their head.
Horses have larger eyes than any other type of mammal that is on the land.
Horses are able to sleep both standing up and lying down.

History Of Day Of The Horse

The Day of the Horse has been honored since 2004 when it was declared by the United States Congress.

Its purpose was to recognize the significant contribution that horses have made to the history, economy and culture of the country.

Today, more than two decades later, people from all around the world take the time to honor this animal and consider the role that horses have played in making our countries what they are today.

From thoughtful equine therapy to moving supplies and food in rural areas and helping with plowing fields; horses have a diverse and considerable role to play in our societies and this is something that we should most definitely recognise.

While on the subject of history, we should also mention the fact that horses have lived on Earth for over 50 million years.

The first horses originated in North America, then spreading to Europe and Asia. the horses that left North America then became extinct roughly 10,000 years ago.

They were then introduced by colonizing Europeans. According to the Oklahoma State University, it is thought that the first horses to be domesticated were in Asia between the years of 3000 and 4000 BC.

Back in those days, horses were primarily used for meat and milk. Eventually, though, they joined oxen as a type of animal that was used for transportation.

Day of the Horse FAQs

What are some unusual superstitions about horses around the world?

Many cultures link horses to good luck and protection. In Irish folklore, placing a horse shoe above a door wards off evil spirits.

In Mongolia, a horse’s tail hair is used in rituals to bring prosperity. These beliefs highlight horses’ deep symbolic value in various traditions.

How did horses shape early postal systems?

Horses revolutionized communication. The Pony Express in 1860 relied on fast horses to deliver mail across 2,000 miles in record time.

Earlier, horses were integral to royal mail systems in Persia and China, ensuring speed and reliability in communication.

What’s the most unusual horse-related festival?

In Japan, the Soma Nomaoi festival combines horseback riding with samurai traditions. Riders, dressed in samurai armor, race to catch flags in a dramatic display of skill and historical pride.

Did horses inspire any modern sports?

Polo, originating in Persia over 2,000 years ago, involved teams of riders using mallets to score goals. The sport influenced modern games like hockey and even shaped teamwork strategies in football.

Why are some horse breeds considered “royal”?

The Lipizzaner breed, famous for its performances at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, has a royal heritage.

Originally bred for European aristocracy, they embody elegance and discipline, still captivating audiences today.

What surprising traits make horses unique?

Horses can sense human emotions. They respond to fear, calmness, and even excitement, making them highly intuitive companions. Their heartbeat syncs with a calm human’s during close interaction.

How are horses celebrated in art and literature?

Horses are central to classics like Anna Sewell’s Black Beauty and George Stubbs’ equine paintings. These works explore their roles as loyal companions and symbols of freedom.

What’s the rarest horse breed in the world?

The Akhal-Teke from Turkmenistan is one of the rarest breeds. Known as the “Golden Horse,” its metallic coat and endurance make it a true wonder.

How did horses impact environmental conservation?

Horses help restore ecosystems. Grazing programs with wild horses promote biodiversity by preventing invasive plant species from dominating landscapes.

Are there any fascinating horse-related inventions?

Stirrup technology transformed horseback riding. Invented in ancient India, it allowed riders to balance better, revolutionizing cavalry tactics and enabling conquests across continents.

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Day of the Horse