We always hear that horses played a huge role in human history—but do we actually know them well?

If you're curious about how horses see the world, how long they live, or whether they're smarter than dogs, you're in for a treat today. We've gathered 10 super fun and surprising facts about horses.

Whether you're a horse lover or just curious, these facts are sure to impress your friends and maybe even shock you a little!

“Smiling” horses aren't really smiling

You've probably seen horses curl their upper lips, showing their teeth like they're grinning. Cute, right? Well, that's not a smile—it's something called the Flehmen response. Horses do this to pull smells into a special part of their nose that helps them “analyze” scents better. So basically, when they do that face, they're trying to figure out what you smell like!

Big eyes, but not perfect vision

Did you know horses have some of the largest eyes among land animals—about 5 cm across? That's about nine times bigger than ours! But bigger doesn't mean better. Horses can't focus the way we do. The top part of their eyes sees things close-up, and the lower part catches distant objects. It helps them spot things both nearby and far away—but it also means they rely more on movement than details.

Horses never forget kindness

Research in 2010 showed that horses have amazing memories. If you treat a horse well, it will remember you for life! And not just people—they remember paths and places too. That's why there's an old saying in Chinese that goes, “An old horse knows the way home.” They're loyal, not just strong.

Sleeping while standing? Yes, really!

Horses often sleep standing up—sounds tiring, right? But it's totally natural for them. Their bodies have a special lock-in system in their knees and elbows. This lets them rest without needing to use muscles to stand. So while they look like they're just chilling, they're actually relaxing those legs pretty well.

They can't burp, breathe through their mouths, or get sick

This one's wild—horses can't burp, can't throw up, and they don't breathe through their mouths! Their digestion is a one-way street. Unlike cows who chew their food again, horses don't. They digest fiber really well, but if they eat too much, their stomachs can get dangerously full. That's why it's super important to feed them the right way.

Horses don't see colors like we do

Horses are what scientists call “dichromatic,” which means they see fewer colors than we do. They can tell apart red, green, and gray, but they struggle with blue and yellow shades. That's why obstacle courses in horse competitions often use super bright colors—not just for style, but to help horses spot them better.

White horses aren't born white

Here's a twist: most white horses are actually born darker. Many of them are technically gray horses. As they grow older, their fur gradually turns lighter. By the time they're around 10, they can look completely white—but if you check under their fur, their skin is still dark gray!

So, how long do horses live?

These days, thanks to better care and understanding, horses are living longer than ever. Most horses live to be around 30 years old. Some smaller ones, like ponies, can even live past 40. The record? A horse that made it to 60 years! Pretty amazing, right?

Why the long face?

We joke about horses having long faces—but there's a reason. Their mouths are super long to help them chew grass well. Unlike animals that store unchewed food in their stomachs, horses need to chew everything properly right away. Plus, their long faces are great for keeping watch. With eyes on the sides of their heads and upright ears, they can stay alert while grazing with their heads down. Smart design, right?

Measuring a horse by “hands”

Ever heard of measuring a horse in “hands”? It's not just a random term. Back in the day, people literally used their hands to measure horse height. But since hand sizes varied, it was later set to exactly 4 inches (about 10.16 cm) per “hand.” This is still how we measure most horses today, from the ground to the top of their shoulders. Smaller horses like ponies, though, are usually measured in centimeters.

So Lykkers, which horse fact surprised you the most?

Horses have been our partners for thousands of years, but there's still so much about them that's unexpected and fascinating. Whether it's their sleeping habits, their color-changing coats, or their impressive memories, horses continue to amaze us. Next time someone brings up horses, drop one of these cool facts—you'll sound like a total pro.

Got a horse fact of your own? Or maybe a question that's been bugging you? Share it with us—we'd love to hear from you!