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Agriculture & Business

Montana Horse Industry Quiz

Test your knowledge about horses in Montana, how they're used, and how they're cared for.

1. About how many horses does Montana have when both registered and unregistered horses are counted?

Around 10,000 Around 50,000 Around 130,000 or a bit more Over 1 million

2. Which horse breed is especially popular on Montana ranches for working cattle?

Thoroughbred American Quarter Horse Shetland Pony Miniature Horse

3. Today, what are most horses in Montana and the U.S. used for?

Heavy farm work only Military use Recreation, sport, and ranch work Zoo exhibits only

4. Which of the following is a draft horse breed that might still be used for pulling wagons or hay sleds?

Clydesdale Arabian Appaloosa Paso Fino

5. What is the usual length of a mare's pregnancy (gestation)?

About 3 months About 6 months About 11 months, or around 340 days About 2 years

6. Which pair correctly matches the horse terms?

Stallion - neutered male, Gelding - intact male Mare - young male, Colt - adult female Gelding - castrated male, Mare - adult female Filly - adult male, Colt - adult female

7. How much water might an adult horse drink in a day under moderate conditions?

1-2 gallons 3-4 gallons About 5-15 gallons No water is needed if it eats hay

8. Why do horses need high-quality forage and frequent small meals?

They have four stomachs like cows They are hindgut fermenters with a small stomach and sensitive digestion They can't chew food They only eat once a week

9. How often are many ridden or working horses trimmed or shod (given new shoes)?

Once a year Every 6-8 weeks, depending on growth and use Every day Never; hooves stop growing

10. What does it mean when a horse's teeth are "floated"?

The teeth are whitened with toothpaste The teeth are painted so they shine Sharp points on the teeth are filed down with a special tool so the horse can chew comfortably The teeth are removed and replaced with dentures

Updated: September 14, 2020

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