“Horses are herbivores with a digestive system adapted to a forage diet of grasses and other plant material, consumed steadily throughout the day. Therefore, compared to humans, they have a relatively small stomach but very long intestines to facilitate a steady flow of nutrients. A 450-kilogram (990 lb) horse will eat 7 to 11 kilograms (15 to 24 lb) of food per day and, under normal use, drink 38 litres (8.4 imp gal; 10 US gal) to 45 litres (9.9 imp gal; 12 US gal) of water. Horses are not ruminants, so they have only one stomach, like humans, but unlike humans, they can digest cellulose, a major component of grass. Cellulose digestion occurs in the cecum, or “water gut”, which food goes through before reaching the large intestine. Horses cannot vomit, so digestion problems can quickly cause colic, a leading cause of death.” (Giffin Horse Owner’s Veterinary Handbook p. 175)

Some foods that horses cannot eat are avocados and nuts, for example http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Horse-Book-Elwyn-Edwards/dp/0943955416

The small amount of fat they may take in can be easily dealt with by their liver, they do not have a gall bladder since their diet isn’t meant to be high in calories or fats…http://myhorse.com/blogs/horse-care/feeding/question-for-dr-juliet-getty-why-dont-horses-have-a-gallbladder/

Horses were thus used as work assistants on farms for uses like plowing the fields or carting equipment. It’s common knowledge they were used throughout history for transportation from recreational to carriage pulling.

Although the horse is still used for such purposes, it is my belief that although it may be fun or sentimental or readily available to do so, why not let go of this forceful approach to these beautiful creatures? Why not allow them the freedom to demonstrate the inherent beauty that is rightfully theirs moving without force and hardship, since we now have the ability to use vehicles and machinery instead? The real beauty of this animal can be seen in the running of wild horses like on sanctuaries such as http://www.wildmustangs.com/.

It is my preference to run with or beside an animal, than to force my will on that creature…Like you can with a dog in a doggie park or a fenced yard.. Movement by an animal you are forcing in the way you desire, is anything but beautiful and natural, in my eyes..Can we force ourselves to love some one? If a cold metal bit was put in our mouths and and reins forcing the direction we are to move in ..and a saddle with a person’s weight in it with stirrups for a person’s heels to kick us into doing what that person wants ..how would we feel?

I’ve fulfilled several dreams of mine amongst them was sharing Prancercise with the world..Another one was moving like a horse, along side one…I honor all of God’s creatures, and what better way to do so then to marvel at their free movement, and if possible, join with them in it!