WHAT ARE THE EQUINE SPECIES ?
Besides horses (Equus caballus), the most numerous equine species around the world, represented by hundreds of different breeds and their crosses, other species of Genus Equus include:
- A DONKEY, Equus asinus, also known as a burro or ass, is a domestic equine species that is believed to come from the African wild ass, Equus africanus. There are more than a hundred different breeds of donkeys around the world, some bigger than others and with a variety of coat colors. Independently of the breed, they are known for their strength, resistance to adverse conditions, and for having longer ears than horses. Donkeys have been used as draft and pack animals since around 3000 BC.
Although a donkey has 62 chromosomes (two chromosomes less than a horse), these two equine species (donkey and horse) are crossed to produce strong hybrids for work. A “mule” is the result of breeding a jack (male donkey) and a mare (female horse). A “hinny” is obtained from breeding a stallion (male horse) and a jennet (female donkey). Although both gender hybrids have normal sexual behavior, they are considered sterile; therefore, male mules and hinnies should be gelded. Rarely, female mules may conceive and foal a normal offspring.
The hybrid effect gives mules and hinnies special traits from both parents: The agility, speed, and versatility of the horse plus the strength, resistance to harsh environmental conditions of the donkey. Mules are also known for being sure footed. Nowadays, they are commonly used for riding long distances, as pack animals, and for farm work. Because of the horse factor in producing a mule, enthusiasts from all over the world produce mules that carry the best qualities of specific horse breeds. Examples are draft-type mules (by using in the cross a mare of one of the well-recognized draft breeds), Appaloosa mules, gaited mules (including Paso mules, Tennessee Walker mules), Miniature mules, Quarter (horse) mules, etc.
Worldwide, there are still three species of WILD ASSES: African wild ass (Equus africanus), Asiatic wild ass or Onager (Equus hemionus), and Tibetan wild ass (Equus kiang).
- The three subspecies of ZEBRAS, Equus zebra (known as “mountain” zebra), Equus grevyi (known as “Grevy’s zebra”), and Equus quagga (known as “common” or “plain” zebra), live wild in different areas of the African continent. However, some zebras are housed in zoos and farms, and they reproduce there. The three subspecies differ from each other by their size, black and white stripe pattern, and their ear size and shape. Additionally, they have a different number of chromosomes (32, 44, and 46 respectively).
Different types of ‘zebroids’ (often infertile) can be produced by crossing a zebra with another equine species. Although they can be trained for riding, pulling carts, or carrying loads on their backs, or just kept as pets, this practice is more a curiosity than a need of producing a superior quality equine hybrid. Zebroids inherit a stripe pattern on their coats that vary depending on the species of zebra being crossed and the coat color of the other equine. ‘Zorse’ is the name given to the cross between a zebra stallion and a female horse. ‘Zonkey’ is the name given to the cross between a zebra stallion and a female donkey.
The PRZEWALSKI’S HORSE, Equus przewalskii also called the Mongolian wild horse (or Takhi) is original to Eastern Asia. Few animals of this horse subspecies with 66 chromosomes still exist in Mongolia and zoos. Its head is big in proportion to the body, and its looks are very primitive. It has a dun color (yellow-red coat with a dark dorsal stripe), short mane, not abundant dark tail. Their height (to the withers) is about 12 to 14 hands