National Horse Day 2023: Every year on December 13, we celebrate National Horse Day. It’s a day to honor the cultural, historical, and economic contributions made by horses. On December 13, equestrian enthusiasts nationwide will come together to honor these magnificent animals. See how you can recognize the day whether you’re an experienced rider or have never been on a horse before!
The background to National Horse Day
Congress declared December 13, 2004, to be National Horse Day. Ever since, people in the United States have used this day to honor and celebrate the horse’s contribution to the development of our nation and its contemporary significance.
The US economy benefits from horses to the tune of about $9.2 billion overall. Horses have become a part of American life in many ways, from helping to plow fields to transporting food and supplies into rural areas, moving livestock on ranches, or simply providing kind, considerate equine therapy.
Following the extinction of the ancient Native American horses some 13,000–11,000 years ago, European colonists brought the modern wild horse species back to America in the late 1400s. Since then, they have flourished in the mountainous west and the great plains, where the thunderous hooves of wild herds are still audible today. Horses are still required for work in many untamed and rural areas, and rodeos remain an essential and vibrant aspect of western American culture.
Even though the history of Horse Day may be relatively recent, horses have long played a significant role in the lives of many Americans.
Things to do For National Horses Day
Take an equestrian ride
Take a ride to commemorate National Horse Day, regardless of your level of experience with horses.
See a film about horses.
“Seabiscuit,” “Black Beauty,” “National Velvet.” And that’s only the start.
Give to a horse charity
Numerous groups exist that are committed to supporting horses. Look into your options and see how you can contribute.
Green Monday 2023: Date, History and Events
5 Facts About Wild Horses
A Mustang is a car, right?
The majority of the wild horses in the United States are called mustangs.
We can give Spanish explorers credit.
The ancestors of mustangs are Iberian horses, which Spanish explorers introduced to the Americas.
Large horses, few in number
Less than 25,000 wild horses exist in the United States, even though they are not considered an endangered species.
They are designed to survive.
There are no innate predators for Mustangs.
It’s only a number, age
In the wild, certain horses can live up to 40 years.
Why National Horse Day Is So Great
We have spent thousands of years with horses as companions.
Given the long-standing human-equine bond, it seems fitting that a whole day would be devoted to honoring horses!
America’s culture is heavily reliant on horses.
The history of America is deeply linked to horses, from cowboys to the Kentucky Derby. Whether you love horses or not, you have undoubtedly at some point observed America’s passion for them.
Horses improve our lives.
Riding in horse shows brings with it a competitive spirit that equestrians adore. Horses are necessary for farmers to perform daily tasks. And there are many others in between, like taking the occasional ride on a horse. People all around the world experience joy and companionship in their lives because of horses.
NATIONAL HORSE DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | December 13 | Wednesday |
| 2024 | December 13 | Friday |
| 2025 | December 13 | Saturday |
| 2026 | December 13 | Sunday |
| 2027 | December 13 | Monday |
