Horses, like dogs, have a special place in human affections. This miniature Falabella is one extreme of a magnificent species that has a long presence on the planet, with and without the human race. The picture raises issues about pets and people.
Horses How did the horse evolve (from creatures such as the eohippus, 30cm high, lived 40-50 million years ago, and hipparion, 1.5m tall, about 10 million years ago; modern version of equidae family, related to zebras and asses)? Why has the horse been so popular and important in history (farming, transport, cavalry, communications, sport and leisure)? Do you know any different types, their characteristics and uses (Arab, thoroughbred racehorse; shire, big and strong, farming; quarterhorse, ridden by cowboys; hackney, pulls carriages; Falabella, smallest breed, as in picture)? What are horses used for today (shire horses still valuable on small farms and in countries where it is still a means of transport; horse racing, showjumping; riding for enjoyment)? Look at some of the great paintings of horses by artists such as George Stubbs, and describe this much-loved animal (sleek, muscled, powerful, magnificent, elegant, impressive, fast, effortless in motion).
Animals and people
Do you have any pets, and how do they fit into your home and family? Why are some animals (dogs, cats, gerbils, goldfish, budgerigars) more common than others (beetles, sparrows, squirrels)? Discuss examples of relationships between people and animals (work - asses, oxen; food - chickens, pigs; materials and clothing - sheep, cows; companionship - cats, canaries; leisure - horses, dogs).
Television
The woman and horse in the picture are watching a film about horses. Why do people watch programmes together (discuss them, share experience and emotions)? How does your family react to programmes (in silence; shout, for example in football matches, or when something makes them cross; talk about them, during or after)?
Writing
(a) Write an account, from an animal’s point of view, of watching a television programme about humans (the Kennomeat advert, a few years ago, cleverly portrayed a dog being waited on by an obedient manservant); (b) create some speech bubbles for the picture (“When’s the Grand National coming on?”); (c) tell the story of a child who has always wanted a horse to ride, but is then given this one for Christmas.
Ted Wragg is professor of education at the University of Exeter
TALKING POINTS
If you have a pet, should it be treated like one of the family?
For Pets may be animals, but they have feelings. It is unfair to buy one and then relegate it to poorer conditions, making it sleep outside or sit under furniture. Pets such as dogs have the same qualities valued in humans - intelligence, courage and loyalty, so they should be regarded as full members of the family.
Against It is quite proper to treat pets as animals, not humans, but in a kindly way. They should be banned from sitting on chairs or beds, as it is unhygienic. Visitors feel uncomfortable if there are hairs everywhere. Many creatures have to sleep outside and eat food appropriate to them, not consume our diet.
