Horseback riding is a very popular activity at Seabrook, so we decided to put together some interesting facts about horses we think everyone should know. Horses are gorgeous animals with a lot of character, and there are literally hundreds of useful tidbits one can learn about them. Today, however, we pick out the top 5 fun facts. Here are the ones that made the cut:

1. You Can Tell a Horse’s Age by its Teeth

Ever heard the sayings “straight from the horse’s mouth” and “don’t look a gift horse in the mouth”? Horse teeth have been fascinating for scientists for a long time, and it is generally believed that you can tell a horse’s age by counting its teeth. Wear and tear may also factor in determining the age of the horse, although there are still many that don’t believe in this method.

2. Horses Spend More Energy Lying Down!

This one is just the most counter-intuitive fact in the history of fun facts! But apparently it’s true, and it is the single most important reason why horses generally sleep standing up. Yep, you read that right, horses can sleep while standing. Okay, being hunted by vicious predators is also a key reason to sleep standing up, but it’s just more fun to think “saving” energy is the factor. To accomplish this feat, horses lock their legs in, and avoid falling over. When are humans going to evolve to that level?

3. Horses Can Drink 10 Gallons of Water A Day

Another very common saying is “you can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make it drink”. Apparently, though, if the horse decides to take a drink on its own, it can fit up to 10 gallons in a single day! That number is just astounding! Make sure to help your horse to a room-temperature water, however, as really cold water on a hot day can upset the horse’s digestive system.

4. A Horse’s Head Weighs 10+ Pounds on Average

Speaking of 10, imagine having a brain the size of a potato and your head weighing 10 pounds?!? 10 Pounds is about the weight of an average bowling ball! That is one heavy head! Makes you wonder, do horses have inherently strong neck muscles? Or inherently weak ones for that matter? If anyone has the answer of this, please enlighten us in the comment section below!

5. Horses See 2 Different Images from Their Eyes

Technically called monocular vision, horses can use both eyes to look at two different objects since they are on each side of their head. Hence, they can use one eye to watch the front, and another to watch the back in case predators are around. Or, if they are on the Washington Coast beach strolling around, they can look at the ocean and at the beautiful coastline at the same time! We’d love to borrow this “feature” at least for the Pacific Ocean sunsets?

Horses really are magnificent creatures, and we are very happy to have them be a part of Seabrook. Know any other interesting facts about horses? Share them with us below, and we can all learn from each other!

Tags: beach, fun facts, horseback riding, horses, ocean, pacific ocean, sand, sunset, washington coast