Honouring a timeless partner - World Horse Day

UNAA
Jul 10
3 min read

11th July 2025

Throughout history and around the world, humans have had a close relationship with horses for transport, for work and for sport.

**PHOTO |** AI-generated illustration by Sadek Ahmed.

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.

Protecting our partners

As global temperatures rise, caring for horses is becoming more urgent. The extreme heat of 2024 revealed how climate stress affects horses — whether on farms, in transit, or at events. In response, global organizations are updating care standards for feeding, hoof care, rest, and equipment. Efforts to better track horse populations are also growing, especially in rural areas. From Olympic arenas to local shows, new heat-protection rules are taking hold. In a warming world, horse care must evolve.

Key facts at a glance

Horses remain essential worldwide: ≈ 61 million are working, healing and inspiring on every continent.
A major economic contributor: In the EU, ≈ 7 million horses support a €100-billion ($115.27 billion USD) industry and 800,000 jobs.
A rural lifeline: Working horses, donkeys and mules support 600 million people’s daily lives.
Climate change raises urgent needs: 2024’s record heat shows that shade, cooling and welfare must be shared global priorities.