Does anyone know the evolutionary need for horse feathers? Why some breeds developed such extensive feathering and others didn’t? This is for an elementary school creative writing exercise and I couldn’t find anything on the net about it.
I did find one mention that it was to benefit horses in wet climates but that actually seems contrary to logic ??
Anyone have an idea? TIA
Seems like it’s mostly coldblooded horses/Native pony breeds who have it. They live in areas where it gets cold/wet/snowy, so I’d guess it’s for protection.
My guess would be that the heavy feathering was selectively bred for by humans who felt that the additional hair on the legs protected the horse’s lower legs from the rough brush an thistles found in their region.
I think that northern horses in general have more hair, and there was likely a genetic mutation that caused exaggerated feathers which people liked and then continued to breed for.
I doubt the heavy feathering was a trait that nature would favour on its own.
Now the heavier hair on the back of the legs/fetlocks helps draw the rain away from the sensitive heel of the horse, so it does have a purpose in wet climates.
I was told that feathers/fetlock hair were necessary to wick water and moisture away, ie, allow it to drain off and away from the fetlock and lower leg. It makes sense to me, so since my horses live out in wet conditions in the winter, I never clip the fetlock hair. Heavy feathers, on the other hand, may be a human enhancement.
Thanks for the ideas / info!
Maybe, if you have enough time before the report is due, you can contact one of the societies, like the Clydesdale Horse Society and ask them?
I have always been told it was to help protect the legs.
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