Critter Guide :: Mammals :: Horse Horses come in many sizes and colors and have keen senses of hearing and sight. They have been very helpful to humans. DNA evidence shows modern horses are descended from at least 77 wild species. Where do they live? Horses live all over the world, both in the wild and with humans as domesticated animals. Around 2,000 years ago, humans first domesticated horses and began to use them for work and travel. What do they eat? Wild horses eat grass and vegetation, while domesticated horses are fed hay and grain as well. Social Environment Horses in the wild have a harem social system, where one dominant male leads a group of several females and their offspring. When mature, males often attempt to take over a harem and steal its females. Critter Fact Horses often use their tails as an extra hand to swat away insects. Did You Know? Horses do in fact have "feathers." They are the long hairs on the back of a horse's lower leg. They help to drain water away from their hooves. Related Episodes Cloud: Wild Stallion of the Rockies http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/cloud/ Cloud's Legacy: The Wild Stallion Returns http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/cloudslegacy/ Horse and Rider http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/horseandrider/ Horses http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/horses/ Wild Horses of Mongolia with Julia Roberts http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/mongolia/

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