The Fragility of a Horse
- Minji Kwak
- Dec 30, 2025
- 2 min read
These four-legged mammals have been used throughout history as beasts of labor, from pulling heavy carts to being used in wars. Yet they're incredibly susceptible to death. Why is that?
Horses are renowned for their strength and beauty, with their top-notch endurance and speed. A city was even named after a horse, when his owner, Alexander the Great, grieved his death. The horse's name was Bucephalus. Secretariat, American Pharaoh, and Man o' War are some of the greatest racehorses in history. These creatures are not only companions but also amazing athletes. Again and again, we have witnessed and recorded amazing performances done by these equines, who can weigh hundreds of kilograms and grow much longer and taller than us. Despite their massive frames and power, horses are extremely delicate, and a lot of it can be attributed to their skeleton.
Each breed differs, as some are more sturdy than others. Horses face common injuries that could be debilitating. They don't die from broken legs, but it's the rehabilitation process that's much more difficult. Severe leg fractures are generally fatal because horses would struggle to function on three legs and the weight has to be carried on only three legs. These mammals are far stronger than humans but that also means they carry more weight and with it, force. Their legs are more like our hands and fingers, so for their size, their own limbs are pretty fragile.
It doesn't help that we've bred horses for other characteristics besides longevity and health. This also applies to other animals, especially dogs. An example is the pug, which has multiple breathing, eye, and other issues. It's caused by selective breeding, for that signature flat-faced look.
Besides their legs, horses also have sensitive stomachs. Many horses die due to colic, abdominal pain (for horses), because horses are incapable of throwing up. Horses can't be lying down for too long or that can lead to severe issues, and they need to be moving around. Movement keeps their blood pumping, and it keeps them alive.
Despite all this, horses thrive in the right environment, with the right care and attention. It's just important to be careful, since a misstep with these large animals can turn catastrophic.
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