HORSES

Why Do Cowboys Say “Yee-Haw”?

Even though it’s a classic cowboy trope, you have to wonder: Did cowboys actually say that popular phrase?

A mounted police officer in New York City.

Why Do City Cops Ride Horses?

Police horses, though they may seem outdated, actually serve several important purposes.

The court of Kublai Khan, a rival to Kaidu.

The Mongolian Princess Who Challenged Her Suitors to a Wrestling Match—and Always Won

Delve into the history of Khutulun, the 13th-century Mongolian princess—and descendant of Genghis Khan—who challenged marriage suitors to wrestling matches.

10 Times Animals Changed History

History is teeming with unlikely heroes—these ones just happen to have feathers and fur.

Why Do We Call Someone a “One-Trick Pony”?

Maligning ponies has become a go-to way to dismiss someone. How did that happen?

The Budweiser Clydesdales at a Chicago White Sox vs Chicago Cubs game in 2019.

How the Budweiser Clydesdales Became a Commercial Success

The horses are an iconic feature in many Super Bowl commercials.

A farrier holding a horse’s newly shod hoof.

Why Do Some Horses Need Shoes, But Cows Don't?

There are many reasons why horses might need shoes. There’s pretty much only one reason why cows don’t.

The first edition of ‘Black Beauty,’ published 1877.

How ‘Black Beauty’ Changed the World For Horses

Anna Sewell’s 19th-century novel about a horse named Black Beauty put the spotlight on animal welfare.

“All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor.”

“The Rainbow Bridge”: The Emotional—and Once-Lost—History of the Popular Pet Memorial Poem

The poem “The Rainbow Bridge” has long comforted animal lovers who are mourning a pet. But for decades, its author remained a mystery.

What Is a Gift Horse, and Why Shouldn’t You Look Inside Its Mouth?

Not looking a gift horse in the mouth means being thankful for a gift, even if you secretly wished for something better—and it originated long before the invention of cars.

10 Questions About the Kentucky Derby, Answered

Put on a fancy hat, grab a mint julep, and become the best-informed person at your Derby party.

15 Wild Facts About Zebras

Some of these animals are rugged mountaineers, some have spots instead of stripes, and some of them bark like dogs. And if you want to tell the zebra species apart, look at their rumps.

Dog and pony shows were once all the rage.

The Entertaining History of Dog and Pony Shows

When people talk about a dog and pony show today, they usually mean a flashy presentation or event that's all about appearances, with little real substance. But where does this phrase come from, and what's its history?

Canines have inspired all kinds of words—and they’re not the only animals to have done so.

15 Common Words Inspired by Animals

Animals have always been important to the lives and livelihoods of humans, so it’s no wonder they've left a mark on language.

This person is literally feeling their oats—but is that where the phrase came from?

Where Does the Phrase ‘Feeling One’s Oats’ Come From?

The idiom has little to do with playing with our food and more to do with equine diets.

11 Gifts For Animal Lovers Who Can’t Have Pets

These unique gifts for cat lovers, dog lovers, and horse lovers will add some animal-themed joy to your loved one’s life this holiday season.

Dala horses are more than just holiday trinkets.

How the Dala Horse Became a Symbol of Sweden

These traditional Swedish toys are much more than a classic holiday gift or travel souvenir.

How Much Horsepower Does a Horse Have?

If you thought the answer was "one," we were right there with you. But we'd both be wrong.

The Origins of 12 Horse-Related Idioms

Horses own the winner’s circle in English idioms. But where did these popular phrases originate?

The horse rings in Portland, Oregon, have a new use.

10 Relics From Horse-Powered Cities Hiding in Plain Sight

You can still find reminders of the days when horse-drawn transportation reigned.

Heading on Vacation? Let Iceland’s Horses Write Your Out-of-Office Message For You

Icelandic horses have a reputation for being extra intelligent and independent—qualities that make for great office assistants.

Robert Redford and his horse Let's Merge on the set of The Electric Horseman (1979).

11 Actors Who Took Home Their Animal Co-Stars

Animals in movies seem lucky to begin with—but none can compete with the shelter dog that Chris Evans took home.

Name your horse Odor in the Court and you'll probably stand out.

'Hoof Hearted': The Reason Racehorses Have Such Weird Names

Racehorse names may honor a pedigree, a First Lady, or make a fart joke.

Welcome to Ponyhenge—a Massive, Mysterious, and Ever-Growing Graveyard for Rocking Horses in Massachusetts

Like Stonehenge, the rocking horse graveyard in Lincoln, Massachusetts, known as Ponyhenge is shrouded in mystery.