Honoring a Timeless Partner
Few animals have contributed to human progress as profoundly — and quietly — as the horse. From ancient nomads on the Eurasian steppes to modern Olympic arenas and backyard barns, horses have carried goods, ploughed fields, won wars and comforted hearts. Even in today’s high-tech world, draft horses still work organic farms, mounted rangers protect wildlife, and therapy ponies bring joy to hospitals.
In recognition of this lasting partnership, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 79/291 on 3 June 2025, declaring 11 July “World Horse Day.” The resolution calls on governments, schools, businesses and individuals to celebrate the role of horses — and to tackle the challenges they face in the modern world.
The numbers speak for themselves: the FAO’s 2023 data counts around 60.8 million horses globally, athough they are unevenly distributed. The United States has 2.41 million horses and ponies on over 63,000 farms (2022 USDA Census), while the European Union supports a herd of about 7 million equines and 800,000 jobs in breeding, sport and tourism. In Mongolia, horses are still part of daily life — with 3.4 million horses for 3.3 million people.
Beyond sports and industry, horses, donkeys and mules are vital to rural life: a joint study by the World Organization for Animal Health and FAO estimates that 112 million working equids support the livelihoods of around 600 million people in low- and middle-income countries. These animals carry water, transport crops, and support families every day.
But the conditions horses face are getting tougher. According to the World Meteorological Organization, 2024 was the first full year with global temperatures exceeding 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels. This increases heat stress for working and sport horses alike. From cooling lanes at Olympic events to new global welfare standards, adapting to a changing climate is now essential.
World Horse Day is more than a celebration — it’s a call to protect one of humanity’s oldest partnerships, which still helps feed us, support our economies, and lift our spirits.
Why Horses Still Matter to Everyday Life
| Where they help | What the evidence shows |
|---|---|
| Food & farming | Draft horses provide low-carbon tillage, light soil impact and natural fertiliser. |
| Jobs & rural income | Working equids help 600 million people work, study and live with less physical burden. |
| Culture & tourism | The EU’s equine sector supports festivals, trail tourism and rare breeds — preserving heritage and boosting local economies. |
| Sport & inspiration | Olympic equestrian events follow strict “Beat the Heat” protocols — including misting lanes, shaded cool-downs and live temperature checks. |
Celebrating Horses: 5 Simple Ideas
| Do this | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Visit a local rescue or therapy center | Meet horses, learn care basics, and support your community. |
| Choose a carriage or trail ride— where horses are kindly treated —instead of a short drive | Enjoy low-emission travel and support small horse businesses. |
| Post a reliable horse fact on social media | Example: A horse can drink up to 50 litres (13.21 US gallons ≈ 10.998 UK gallons) of water on a hot day. |
| Donate extra towels or tack | Summer rescues need cooling cloths and safe halters. |
| Watch an Olympic equestrian replay | Learn how welfare protocols work in real time — and share what you notice. |
Related Observances
International Days & Weeks
- International Day of the Arabian Leopard (10 February)
Highlights big-cat conservation and the shared landscapes that wild horse herds also rely on. - World Wildlife Day (3 March)
Focuses on threats like habitat loss and illegal trade — issues that also affect wild and free-roaming equines. - International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (6 April)
Celebrates sport’s role in inclusion and peace; equestrian events showcase trust between horse and rider. - International Day for Biological Diversity (22 May)
Healthy grazing depends on diverse plants that keep equine diets balanced and pastures resilient. - World Environment Day (5 June)
Promotes land restoration and drought resilience — essential for sustainable grazing and rural horsekeeping. - International Day of Rural Women (15 October)
Rural women often care for working equids and benefit directly from horse-powered livelihoods. - World Food Day (16 October)
Recognises livestock — including horses — as key to food security and sustainable rural incomes.
International Years
- 2017 — International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development
Riding tours and equine cultural heritage connect travel, conservation and local jobs. - 2024 — International Year of Camelids
Celebrates tough, adaptable livestock in dry climates — much like the role of draft horses in low-impact farming. - 2025 — International Year of Cooperatives
From racing syndicates to shared stables, many equine ventures run as rural cooperatives. - 2026 — International Year of Rangelands & Pastoralists
Highlights sustainable grazing and traditional herding — both of which rely heavily on horses.
International Decades
- 2019–2028 — UN Decade of Family Farming
Many small farms still rely on horses for work, tourism, and rural survival. - 2021–2030 — UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration
Supports soil-friendly, low-carbon practices — like horse-powered farming and managed grazing.
UN Anniversaries
- 2022 — 50th Anniversary of UNEP
- UNEP supports rangeland restoration and climate action that benefit equine welfare.
- 2023 — 50th Anniversary of CITES
CITES regulates cross-border trade in horses and equine products to protect vulnerable breeds. - 2025 — 80th Anniversary of FAO
FAO collects global horse population data and promotes climate-smart livestock strategies.
