A Horse is a Horse, Of Course, Of Course by Charlene Sands

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In my new release THE TEXAN’S ONE-NIGHT STANDOFF, my heroine Ruby Lopez is an expert horse wrangler and trainer.  As a result I had to do some extensive research on the subject of training horses.  I found some inspiration in the Australian television series Downunder Horseman, a tutorial on how to train horses. Believe it or not, horses aren’t exactly docile and they have many fears that they need to overcome, such as approaching a body of water, or going into the water.  It is not necessarily an inherent trait.  Ruby is a gentle soul when it comes to animals, but she’s a spitfire and an independent woman, who isn’t opposed to flipping a man over her shoulders when he deserves it.  She was so much fun to write, seeing how the man she nicknamed Galahad, because he rushed to her defense one night, softens her rough edges.

 

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How many of these fun horse facts did you know?  I was amazed at some of them!

Horses can sleep both lying down and standing up.

Horses can run shortly after birth.

Domestic horses have a lifespan of around 25 years.

A 19th century horse named ‘Old Billy’ is said to have lived 62 years.

Horses have around 205 bones in their skeleton

Horses have been domesticated for over 5000 years

A horse’s teeth take up more space in the head than a horse’s brain.

Horses drink at least 25 gallons of water a day, more in hotter climates.

Horses are herbivores (plant eaters).

Because horse’s eyes are on the side of their head they are capable of seeing nearly 360 degrees at one time.

Horses gallop at around  27 mph.

The fastest recorded sprinting speed of a horse was 55 mph.

Estimates suggest that there are around 60 million horses in the world.

Scientists believe that horses have evolved over the past 50 million years from much smaller creatures.

When horses look like they’re laughing, they’re actually engaging in a special nose-enhancing technique known as “flehmen” to determine if the smell is bad or good.

Horses have bigger eyes than any other mammal that lives on land.   (That’s amazing!)

 

12dayscharlenedesire-prize

I’ve been running this fun prize package on Facebook, yesterday, today and tomorrow.  Prize includes DVD, Bracelet Bling,  two Charlene Sands’ books and Santa Kisses!   Please stop by and enter to win my Twelve Days of Desire Giveaway!

And Happy Holidays from me to you!

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19 thoughts on “A Horse is a Horse, Of Course, Of Course by Charlene Sands”

  1. This is amazing. Yes I actually knew quite a few of the things horses can do. They are by far the most beautiful animal other that God created. I’m from Stephenville, TX., but live in Kansas now due to my job. The Australian Horseman actually lives in Stephenville about 5 miles from my parents place. Thanks for the wonderful article. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

  2. My cousin use to own a few horses. She had to sell because of the cost of feed and vet bills but she still rides just not her own horses.

    • Yes, my cousin too, boards horses in order to keep his own. It’s expensive and very labor intensive to keep horses. They are sweet animals though. I wish I could have one!

  3. What a wonderful post, Charlene. I have learned many of these facts by volunteering at the local horse rescue, but it’s so great to review them. One thing I love most about these incredible creatures is looking into their eyes. I can see myself.

    Funny story: I was first at the ranch one mucking day, earlier on, and found Amigo lying down! I was panic-struck until…well, I learned soon they do like to nap lying down sometimes LOL.

    Best of luck with another terrific book!

    • Thanks Tanya!

      I think your story is really funny. I didn’t know that either, but then I read that at least one horse will remain standing, while others laid down, to protect the herd. Isn’t that fascinating?

  4. Char, I wanted a horse soooo much when I was little. But we lived within city limits and had a small backyard. My dad always would ask, “Where would we keep him, Cheryl? He wouldn’t be happy in a small space like we have. Horses like to run.” That would always get me to pipe down–I wouldn’t want my beloved horse to be UNHAPPY! LOL I think horses are so beautiful. I would still love to have one, just as a pet. Probably would never ride at this point, but just love to watch them. Great post, and I love this title of yours, “The Texan’s One-Night Standoff”–I have to have it!

    • Hi Cheryl! Your dad was snart to let you down easily about the horse. I wanted one so badly too but we lived in a residential area I was glad but jealous when my cousin got one. At least I was able to ride a few times.

  5. Some interesting horse facts. Thank you. I knew 4 of them. I have been following the 12 Days of Desire on Facebook. All of you authors have put together some nice prizes.

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