May
The first Kentucky Derby was May 17, 1875
Ag in the Classroom Southern Region Meeting in 2015 was held in Louisville, home of the Kentucky Derby.
You know horses are smarter than people. You never heard of a horse going broke betting on people.
- Will Rogers
For want of a Nail the Shoe was lost; for want of a Shoe the Horse was lost; and for want of a Horse the Rider was lost; being overtaken and slain by the Enemy, all for want of Care about a Horse-shoe Nail.
- Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard's Almanack, June 1758
Poster hanging on the wall at Keeneland Race Track in Kentucky's Bluegrass Region
A hundred or more years before Oklahoma was settled by Europeans, Kiowa, Comanche, Cheyenne and Pawnee hunters rode horses into Oklahoma, following the buffalo.
No Foot, No Horse
Just like human athletes, equestrian (horse) athletes must have the right kind of shoes in order to do their best. Learn more with this lesson.
Books
Gibbons, Gail, Horses, Holiday House, 2003. (Grades K-3)
A historical overview of Eohippus' evolution and horse appearance, disappearance and reappearance on the North American continent introduces the book. Discussion of the three basic horse sizes, characteristics and terminology (withers, hands, flank, quarters, fetlock), a double page spread about horse feet and horseshoes, followed by a discussion of gait, teeth, and habits suits the curious as well as report writers. Birth of a foal and its growth into a yearling is also covered. Throughout the full color illustrations, Gibbons uses various breeds of horse to discuss general characteristics and labels the breed so that young readers can learn names or ignore them in pursuit of generalities. A table of some well-known purebred horses and another of entertainment events horses typically appear in round out the information.
Gruber, Beth, Horse Sense (Pet's Point of View), Compass Point, 2004. (Grades 3-6)
Overview of the horse, its evolution, relatives, anatomy, gaits, care, equipment and history. Includes fun facts, record breakers, a timeline, superstars and glossary.
McCully, Emily, Wonder Horse: The True Story of the World's Smartest Horse, Henry Holt & Co., 2010. (Grades PreK-2)
Bill Key, born a slave, overcame many obstacles to become a veterinarian and a business man. Key's horse, Jim, is eventually recognized as the world's smartest horse and accompanied Key in his work with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Pitts, Zachary, The Pebble First Guide to Horses, Pebble, 2008. (Grades 2-8)
Thirteen breeds of horses commonly found in the US are identified in a photograph and then information is provided about height, weight, colors, origin, uses and facts. Includes a glossary.