The horse, Equus ferus caballus, is a subspecies of the equine family. Over the past 50 million years, through survival adaptations, the common horse has evolved from a relatively small, many-toed animal to the large, single-toed animal known today (Wilson, Mammal Species of the World (3rd ed.). Domestication of the common horse is thought to have begun around 4000 BC, becoming common by early 3000 BC (Wilson, Mammal Species of the World (3rd ed.). Baltimore). ).Domestication is a process in which wild species are removed from their natural habitat and are acclimated to survival and reproduction in captivity. Animals are domesticated for purposes that, in general, are designed to benefit humans. These reasons usually include work, food sources, and companionship. Over generations, domestication leads to genetic and physiological changes in the organism (Wilson, Mammal Species of the World (3rd ed.). Baltimore). Taming is different from domestication in that tamed animals are born in the wild, removed, trained, and the process repeats, while domesticated animals are raised in captivity (Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 2nd edition). Although most horses today are domesticated, in some countries there are populations of endangered wild horses, including the Przewalski's horse, which is found in Central Asia (The Foundation for the Preservation and Przewalski's horse protection, 2008). Depending on mitigating factors such as environment and breed, the domestic horse has a lifespan of 25 to 30 years. Horses undergo different stages of development and a horse can be defined in more detail (Ensminger Horses and Horsemanship pp. 46-50). A juvenile horse of either sex, less than a year old, is known as a foal...... middle of paper ...... ally, Sam is much bigger and stronger than me , and chose to let me be his friend of his own free will. If he didn't want this attention, he has the means to let me know. Sam is happy when he sees me, and when he hears my voice. He can distinguish my voice and my face from a song. When I walk over to his enclosure and call his name, he usually rushes to the door, delighted to receive my attention. In exchange for what I do for Sam, he gives it back to me. Sam does his best to keep me on my back when I fall and always works at his best when mounted. He tries to give me everything I ask for, and I do the same for him. In general, he and many other domestic horses are happy and healthy, probably much happier and healthier than wild horses. I believe that domestication is beneficial not only to humans, but also, more importantly, to horses..