Scientifically, horses possess hair. While often used interchangeably, a biological distinction exists between hair and fur.
Hair Versus Fur: A Biological Distinction
From a scientific perspective, both hair and fur are composed of the same fundamental protein, keratin, and originate from follicles within the skin. The primary differences lie in their density, growth cycles, and texture.
“Fur” refers to a dense, thick coat found on many mammals, with multiple layers like a soft undercoat and coarser guard hairs. This layering provides significant insulation, useful for animals in colder environments. Fur grows to a certain length and sheds cyclically, often twice a year, rather than continuously. In contrast, “hair” describes longer, coarser, or individually growing strands, such as human head hair or a horse’s mane. While hair provides some protection, it lacks the extreme density and layering characteristic of fur.
The Unique Characteristics of Equine Hair
A horse’s body covering is classified as hair, displaying various types adapted for specific functions. The main body coat, often referred to as temporary hair, provides insulation and protection from elements like wind, rain, and UV light. This body hair undergoes seasonal changes, shedding in spring to make way for a lighter summer coat and thickening in autumn for a denser winter coat. This seasonal shedding is primarily triggered by changes in daylight hours, rather than temperature, influencing hormone production that regulates hair growth.
Beyond the body coat, horses have specialized hair types, including permanent hair found in their manes, tails, and eyelashes. The mane and tail, consisting of long, strong hairs, serve multiple purposes such as keeping the neck warm, repelling water, and providing defense against biting insects. These permanent hairs grow for a determined length of time before being replaced, differing from the cyclical shedding of the body coat.
Horses also possess tactile hairs, known as vibrissae or whiskers, located around their muzzle, eyes, and chin. These hairs are thicker and stiffer than other hairs, deeply rooted with abundant nerve endings, making them highly sensitive sensory organs. Whiskers aid horses in navigating their surroundings, especially in low-light conditions, by detecting objects, assessing distance, texture, and movement, and even assisting in locating food. The specialized nature and sensory role of these hairs are so significant that trimming them has been banned in various countries and competitive equestrian organizations due to welfare concerns.