Enter our 12 Days of Christmas Giveaways here!
SubscribeGift a Sub
Enable cache 100

Horses Speak

Ever wonder what your horse might say if he had one hour to talk? According to legend all animals are given the ability to talk for one hour tonight, precisely at midnight. The tale began as far back as the 5th century when a Christian poet suggested that farm animals kneeled at midnight and spoke in adoration of Baby Jesus, who’d once shared a stable with some of their ancestors. Centuries later, St. Francis of Assisi included live animals during a retelling of the Nativity, which caused a resurgence of the legend throughout Europe. Even today, many animal owners believe that their livestock—along with their household pets—acquire the gift of speech on Christmas Eve. Of course, to overhear what they’re saying requires quite a bit of stealth, as the animals will only talk when they think they’re alone. But maybe… just maybe… if you tip-toe out to the barn a few minutes past midnight you might hear your horse expressing himself in the most human of tones.

View Comments

Recent Posts

Synchrony’s CareCredit Marks Nearly 20 Years with Hagyard Equine Medical Institute

Stamford, Conn. — Synchrony (NYSE: SYF), a leading consumer financial services company, on November 18 highlighted its nearly two-decade partnership…

48 minutes ago

Haven Pines: A Family Sleigh Ride Business

Tucked into the forests of northern Wisconsin is a family-owned and operated homestead known as Haven Pines. Run by Erin…

1 day ago

Shop Small Business Saturday: Equestrian Edition

It’s holiday shopping season and I’ve spent the last few months searching for unique or useful equestrian gifts. I’m so…

5 days ago

Choosing the Right Hay Type

Timothy, orchard grass, alfalfa, fescue, clover—so many hay types! What’s the right type of hay to choose in your particular…

5 days ago

Thrush Season Is Upon Us.

As horse owners, you know it’s time for that stinky, white crumbly grossness that comes with thrush - and even…

1 week ago

ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Hazel

Welcome to Horse Illustrated’s weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the…

1 week ago