When and where were horseshoes invented?

We...actually aren't sure. In fact, what people call "hoof boots" predates the nailed on horseshoe, being used by the Romans.

We know that horseshoes appeared in northern Europe just after the Roman period, so they may have been invented in wet, muddy climates where hoof boots, especially primitive ones, would tend to be pulled off of the horse's feet. But we still don't know who first nailed a crescent of iron onto a horse's hoof (or what the horse thought about it!).

What is a mullen mouth?

A mullen  mouth is a bit which is curved instead of straight. The idea is that it rests more comfortably on the horse's tongue.

Are horses native to North America?

Yes and no! Horses evolved in North America, spread across the land bridge into Asia and then - for reasons we don't know - became extinct on this continent until reintroduced by the Europeans.

Are horses born with hooves?

Yup - but they have a pad on them so they don't damage the mare's womb when they kick or during birth. It comes off pretty quickly.

They need their hooves to be able to run, after all.

Are horses loyal?

From my observation, yes. Horses can tell people apart and studies show they can recognize people who treated them well (or just treated them, ahem) after months of separation. And as herd animals they are loyal to their herd.

In fact horses, like dogs, are amongst the most loyal animals on the planet.

Are horses afraid of pigs?

It's a common understanding that horses are terrified of pigs.

Horses that aren't used to pigs will often shy away from them - perhaps because pigs are omnivores that wouldn't shy away from a meal of horse meat.

Pigs also smell funny even to humans and make strange noises. Oh, and they're inclined to come running up to say hi, which horses also don't appreciate.

However, I've also known an entire of herd horses to welcome a pet pig as a buddy...so once they get used to them they're fine. Or perhaps once they realize that pig is being well fed by the humans...

Can horses count?

The jury is actually out on whether horses can count. Most "counting" horses react to the body language of their handler. However, show jumpers often seem to know exactly how many strides they need to put in.

I suspect they can't count the way we can, but they have a sense of rhythm that can make it look like they are at times.