Horses, like humans, dissipate most of their excess body heat through sweating. Horses can sweat as much as 2½ to 3 gallons – 10 to 12 liters – per hour. Depending on the environmental temperature and the animal’s workload, it is possible for a horse to become dehydrated in as little as two to three hours. Furthermore, horses may not drink enough, even when provided water.

There are physiological differences between humans and horses. For example, horses don’t produce high levels of ketones, even when starving. Horses with Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) are not at high risk for cardiovascular disease, the way humans are. They develop laminitis instead.

Beyond the easily searchable genetic tests offered, the VGL’s new website also features a genetics glossary, coat color resources, and educational materials like “pop-up” scrollable definitions of words throughout the site, as well as continually-updated activities and gameslike animal-related crossword puzzles and DIY at-home science projects.