Hay, Why the Long Face? Trivia Quiz

Answer: Secretariat

Secretariat is one of the most legendary racehorses in history. In 1973, he became the first Triple Crown winner in a quarter century, setting records in all three events (the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes), records that still stand more than fifty years later.

His 31-length victory at the Belmont is considered one of the most dominant displays in the history of racing. He was known for his dominance, powerful stride, and big heart, that last quite literally, as his heart was over twice the size of an average horse's.

Answer: Teeth

A horse's teeth can reveal a lot about its age, especially in younger animals. By looking at the size, shape, and wear of the incisors, as well as the presence or absence of certain teeth, equine veterinarians and knowledgeable handlers can estimate a horse's age fairly accurately, at least up to around age ten.

After that, age estimates become less precise, but tooth wear patterns still provide useful hints.

Answer: A horse for pulling carriages, wagons, plows, etc.

A draft horse (or draught horse, if you like) refers to a large, muscular breed specifically developed for heavy labor, such as pulling plows, wagons, and other loads. These horses are known for their strength, calm temperament, and endurance. They are not one specific breed but a category that includes breeds like the Clydesdale, Shire, Belgian, and Percheron.

While they aren't typically used for riding due to their size and gait, they've historically been essential in agriculture, transportation, and even war before the age of machinery.

Answer: Canter

The canter is a three-beat gait that is faster than a trot but slower than a gallop. It is smooth and controlled, often used in both English and Western riding styles. In contrast, a walk is a slow four-beat gait, a trot is a bouncy two-beat gait, and a gallop is a fast four-beat gait. The rack is a smooth four-beat gait specific to gaited breeds like the American Saddlebred.

Answer: Communicating commands to the horse

A bit is part of some bridles and sits in a horse's mouth, resting on the bars (the gap between the front and back teeth). It allows the rider to communicate with the horse by applying pressure on the reins, giving signals for direction, speed, and stopping. If a horse appears to being "chomping" on the bit, it's usually a sign of tension, discomfort, or anticipation.

Modern riding includes both bitted and bitless options.

Answer: The Morgan

The Morgan horse is one of the earliest horse breeds developed in the United States. It originated in Massachusetts in the late 18th century with a stallion named Figure, and the breed later became known as the Justin Morgan after his owner. Remarkably versatile, Morgans were prized for their strength, endurance, and good temperament.

They served as cavalry mounts during the American Civil War, pulled carriages, worked on farms, and even raced. Their compact, muscular build and willingness to work made them a foundational breed for other American horse lines.

Answer: To keep the right hand free for roping and using weapons

Dating back to the Middle Ages, the reins have typically been held in the left hand so that the rider's right hand remains free. This has been true for centuries, from knights wielding swords in battle to working cowboys throwing lassos and handling tools to modern rodeos and trail riding. (And that's with all due apologies to our Southpaw quiz-takers.)

Answer: A device that limits the horse's field of vision

Blinkers (also called blinders) are pieces of horse tack attached to the bridle, typically made of leather or plastic, that block a horse's peripheral vision. They're often used in racing or driving to keep the horse focused on what's ahead, preventing distractions or spooking from movement to the sides.

While not uncomfortable when properly fitted, they do significantly narrow what the horse can see.

Answer: Curry Comb

The curry comb is typically the first tool used when grooming a horse. Made of rubber or plastic with short teeth, it's moved in circular motions to loosen caked mud, dirt, gravel, and hair. It also stimulates circulation and helps bring out natural oils to the surface for a healthy coat.

The dandy brush follows the curry comb and is used to sweep away the loosened dirt, while a soft brush is used last for sensitive areas like the face and legs.

Answer: Duns have a dark stripe down their back

Buckskins and duns can look very similar at first glance, both often featuring a tan or golden coat with black points (mane, tail, and lower legs). However, the dun has primitive markings caused by the dun gene, the most notable being a dorsal stripe running down its spine. Other primitive markings may include leg barring (like faint zebra stripes) and shoulder stripes.

Buckskins, on the other hand, do not have these markings. They get their color because the cream gene (responsible for horse coloration) lightens a bay horse's coat, giving them a golden body with black mane, tail, and legs, but they don't have the stripe down the back or other markings that duns have.

To put it more succinctly: if it looks like a buckskin but has a stripe down its back, it's probably a dun.