World Horse Day 2025: Honoring Humanity’s Most Loyal Companion

World Horse Day, observed for the first time on July 11, 2025, is a global tribute to one of the most significant and loyal companions in human history — the horse. Horses have been partners in our development for millennia: ploughing our fields, fighting our wars, transporting our goods, and healing our hearts. In recognition of this enduring relationship, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution on June 3, 2025, formally establishing this day. Beyond being a celebration, it’s a powerful call to action: to acknowledge horses’ roles in agriculture, transport, culture, therapy, and sport — and more importantly, to protect them amid modern challenges like climate change and neglect.

History of World Horse Day

The UN General Assembly passed Resolution 79/291 on 3 June 2025, officially declaring 11 July as World Horse Day.

The resolution highlights the contributions of horses across history and calls upon governments, schools, and individuals to honor and safeguard their welfare.

The date was chosen to coincide with the rich seasonal significance of horses in many cultures.

Significance of the Day

World Horse Day 2025 isn’t just ceremonial — it’s a global reminder of how deeply interconnected horses are with our lives:

Cultural Heritage: From nomads of the Eurasian steppes to cavalry units and Olympic sports, horses have helped shape civilizations.

Daily Livelihoods: In many low- and middle-income countries, working equids (horses, donkeys, mules) support over 600 million people.

Sustainable Agriculture: Draft horses help reduce carbon footprints in farming by enabling low-impact ploughing and fertilization.

Emotional & Therapeutic Support: Horses are widely used in equine therapy, helping those with disabilities, PTSD, and anxiety.

Global Horse Statistics & Contributions

Region	Number of Horses	Highlights
United States	2.41 million	Used in farming, sport, and therapy
European Union	7 million	800,000 jobs in breeding, tourism, and sport
Mongolia	3.4 million horses	More horses than people (3.3 million)
Global Working Equids	112 million (est.)	Support daily life for over 600 million people

Climate Change & Equine Welfare

With 2024 being the hottest year on record (1.5°C above pre-industrial levels), horses — especially working and sporting ones — face growing risks:

• Heat Stress: Horses struggle to regulate body temperature under extreme heat.
• Adaptation Efforts: Cooling lanes, shaded stalls, misting fans are now common in Olympic equestrian settings.
• Policy Action Needed: Global welfare standards must adapt to address climate-driven risks to horses’ health and productivity.

10 Fascinating Horse Facts for Awareness

• Horses can sleep standing up and lying down.
• They have a 360-degree field of vision.
• A horse can drink up to 50 litres of water a day.
• Foals can walk within hours and run within a day of birth.
• Horses have strong memories, recognizing people and places even after years.
• They can rotate ears 180° to detect sound direction.
• Horses are highly social and bond closely with their herd.
• They eat throughout the day due to small stomach size.
• Wild horses often cross rivers for survival.
• They communicate through body language, including posture, ears, and tail movement.

Why Horses Still Matter Today

1. Food & Farming

Horses enable eco-friendly tillage, cause less soil compaction, and provide natural manure.

2. Jobs & Rural Economy

Nearly 600 million people depend on working equids for transport, water, and crop delivery.

3. Sport & Culture

Equestrian sports promote animal welfare, heritage, and youth engagement.

4. Tourism & Tradition

Trail tourism, horse fairs, and cultural festivals keep indigenous breeds and traditions alive.

How to Celebrate World Horse Day

• Visit a rescue or therapy center
• Take an ethical horse ride
• Share educational horse facts
• Donate tack or cooling gear
• Watch Olympic equestrian clips