Equines | Equidae

Equines | Equidae

Description
Description

Equines, belonging to the family Equidae, comprise horses, donkeys, and zebras. These hoofed mammals are known for their long legs, muscular build, and a single, sturdy toe capped by a hoof on each limb—a trait that evolved over millions of years from earlier multi-toed ancestors. Originating in North America, equines now inhabit diverse habitats globally, from grasslands to deserts. While domestication has led to the worldwide spread of horses and donkeys, used for transport, agriculture, and companionship, wild species like zebras remain primarily in Africa. Equines have a rich fossil record, chronicling their evolution from small, forest-dwelling creatures to the large, swift animals we know today.

Anatomy
Anatomy

Equines are distinguished by their strong, lean bodies, long legs, and large heads with elongated faces. Adapted for speed and endurance, their powerful limbs end in a single hoof, a unique evolutionary feature for efficient movement. Equines are known for their remarkable agility and ability to cover vast distances, vital for escaping predators and foraging. They communicate through a range of sounds like whinnies and brays, and body language, such as ear positioning. Equines possess acute senses, with excellent hearing and a wide field of vision, though their depth perception is limited. Their sense of smell also plays a crucial role in social interactions and detecting threats.

Human Interaction
Human Interaction

Humans and equines share a profound bond dating back thousands of years. Horses were domesticated for transport, warfare, and agriculture, revolutionizing societies globally. Donkeys became vital pack animals, especially in challenging terrains. Literature, art, and pop culture teem with equine references, from the noble steeds of epic tales to movies like "Black Beauty" or "Spirit."

Meanwhile, zebras, although never domesticated, have become iconic symbols of the African landscape. Conservation concerns arise mainly for wild equine species, threatened by habitat loss and poaching. Efforts like establishing reserves and controlling trade aim to protect these majestic animals, acknowledging the invaluable legacy of human-equine relationships.

Common Questions
Common Questions
What are equines?

Equines are part of the mammal family, Equidae, that includes the modern horse, zebra, and ass. The equine family has 7 living species. Equines are odd-toed ungulates and have long, slender legs, long heads, long necks, manes, and long nails. All species of equines are herbivorous.

When did equines branch into horses and mules?

Mules are the result of breeding a female horse, and a male donkey. They were intentionally bred to bring out the best characteristics of horses and donkeys while eliminating any undesirable characteristics. Mules have been bred since 3,000 BCE.

What is the Coggins Test in equines?

The Coggins Test is a blood test in equines that is used to diagnose Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA). This disease causes equines to have fevers, anemia, edema, weight loss, and muscle wasting. Infected horses carry the disease for life, and there is no vaccine nor treatment for EIA.

55.1”-65” | 140-165 cm
78.7”-92.5” | 200-235 cm
507-606 lb | 230-275 kg
25-40 years
African Wild Ass
165.000
235.000
275.000
40.00
4200
GUIDE
3D
African Wild Ass
Donkey
119000
43”-57” | 109-145 cm
57”-76” | 145-193 cm
400-500 lb | 180-225 kg
25-40 years
Donkey
145.000
193.000
225.000
25.00
119000
GUIDE
3D
Donkey
Hinny
36000
41.3”-57” | 105-145 cm
53.1”-72.8” | 135-185 cm
300-800 lb | 136-363 kg
30-40 years
Hinny
145.000
185.000
363.000
40.00
36000
GUIDE
3D
Hinny
45.3”-51.2” | 115-130 cm
55.1”-63.8” | 140-162 cm
441-573 lb | 200-260 kg
20-40 years
Indian Wild Ass
130.000
162.000
260.000
40.00
5080
GUIDE
3D
Indian Wild Ass
Kiang
11050
56.3”-61” | 143-155 cm
74.8”-86.6” | 190-220 cm
551-882 lb | 250-400 kg
20-30 years
Kiang
155.000
220.000
400.000
30.00
11050
GUIDE
3D
Kiang
41.3”-55.1” | 105-140 cm
55.1”-70.9” | 140-180 cm
441-573 lb | 200-260 kg
15-40 years
Mongolian Wild Ass
140.000
180.000
260.000
40.00
3180
GUIDE
3D
Mongolian Wild Ass
Mule
309000
63”-78.7” | 160-200 cm
70.9”-86.6” | 180-220 cm
820-1,000 lb | 372-454 kg
30-40 years
Mule
200.000
220.000
454.000
40.00
309000
GUIDE
3D
Mule
56.3”-63” | 143-160 cm
66.9”-75.6” | 170-192 cm
441-573 lb | 200-260 kg
20-40 years
Persian Onager
160.000
192.000
260.000
40.00
1000
GUIDE
3D
Persian Onager
51"-75" | 130-191 cm
64"-96" | 163-244 cm
440-990 lb | 200-450 kg
20-30 years
Plains Zebra
191.000
244.000
450.000
30.00
128000
GUIDE
3D
Plains Zebra
51.2”-61” | 130-155 cm
63”-74.8” | 160-190 cm
551-794 lb | 250-360 kg
20-25 years
Przewalski's Horse
155.000
190.000
360.000
25.00
310
GUIDE
3D
Przewalski's Horse
Quagga
102300
53.1”-57” | 135-145 cm
65”-70.9” | 165-180 cm
551-661 lb | 250-300 kg
20-40 years
Quagga
145.000
180.000
300.000
40.00
102300
GUIDE
3D
Quagga
Tarpan
27100
54.3”-59.8” | 138-152 cm
70.9”-78.7” | 180-200 cm
661-882 lb | 300-400 kg
25-30 years
Tarpan
152.000
200.000
400.000
30.00
27100
GUIDE
3D
Tarpan
Zonkey
40000
45.3”-65” | 115-165 cm
53.1”-76.8” | 135-195 cm
500-700 lb | 227-318 kg
15-25 years
Zonkey
165.000
195.000
318.000
25.00
40000
GUIDE
3D
Zonkey
Zony
15000
46.5”-53.1” | 118-135 cm
55.1”-66.9” | 140-170 cm
500-700 lb | 227-318 kg
15-25 years
Zony
135.000
170.000
318.000
25.00
15000
GUIDE
3D
Zony
Zorse
39000
57”-72.8” | 145-185 cm
76.8”-98.4” | 195-250 cm
507-1,000 lb | 230-454 kg
15-30 years
Zorse
185.000
250.000
454.000
30.00
39000
GUIDE
3D
Zorse
Zony (Equus zebra x Equus caballus)
Scale illustration of an average Zony compared to a human

The Zony (Equus zebra x Equus equine) is the cross between a male zebra and the female pony. They are typically not large, but are strong. Zonies have the stripes of a zebra. The stripes do not cover their entire body, but only certain parts, like the neck or legs. When breeding the zony a medium sized pony is often preferred to create a riding zony. They are mostly found in zoos and are seen in the wild in Africa. They are herbivores and eat plant matter. The zony has a lifespan ranging between 15 to 25 years.

Zonies have a shoulder height between 43”–48” (109-122 cm), overall standing height of 46.5”-53.1” (118-135 cm), and body length of 55.1”-66.9” (140-170 cm). The weight of a Zony is between 500-700 lb (227-318 kg). Zonies have a typical lifespan of 15-25 years.

Collection of scaled drawings of Zony in various poses with dimensions
The Zony (Equus zebra x Equus equine) is the cross between a male zebra and the female pony. They are typically not large, but are strong. Zonies have the stripes of a zebra. The stripes do not cover their entire body, but only certain parts, like the neck or legs.

Zonies have a shoulder height between 43”–48” (109-122 cm), overall standing height of 46.5”-53.1” (118-135 cm), and body length of 55.1”-66.9” (140-170 cm). The weight of a Zony is between 500-700 lb (227-318 kg). Zonies have a typical lifespan of 15-25 years.

Collection of scaled drawings of Zony in various poses with dimensions
Zony (Equus zebra x Equus caballus)
Height:
46.5”-53.1” | 118-135 cm
Width:
Length:
55.1”-66.9” | 140-170 cm
Depth:
Withers Height
43”–48” | 109-122 cm
Weight:
500-700 lb | 227-318 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Equus zebra x Equus caballus
Lifespan
15-25 years

Drawings include:

Zony side elevation (assorted), front, back

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Przewalski's Horse (Equus ferus przewalskii)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Przewalski's Horse to a typical person

The Prezwalski’s Horse (Equus prezwalskii) also referred to ask the Mongolian Wild Horse, is a rare horse that was at one point extinct. They are small with a heavy built and sand colored coat. The Prezwalski’s Horse is native to Europe and Asia. They became extinct due to man-made changes to their environment and are the only wild horses left in the world. They feed by grazing on grass and leaves from trees. They also need to consume large amounts of water. The Prezwalski’s Horse has a lifespan of up to 36 years and is considered to be in danger of extinction.

Przewalski's Horses have a shoulder height between 48”–56” (122-142 cm), overall standing height of 51.2”-61” (130-155 cm), and body length of 63”-74.8” (160-190 cm). The weight of a Przewalski's Horse is between 551-794 lb (250-360 kg). Przewalski's Horses have a typical lifespan of 20-25 years.

Series of side elevation illustrations of the Przewalski's Horse
The Prezwalski’s Horse (Equus prezwalskii) also referred to ask the Mongolian Wild Horse, is a rare horse that was at one point extinct. They are small with a heavy built and sand colored coat. The Prezwalski’s Horse is native to Europe and Asia. They became extinct due to man-made changes.

Przewalski's Horses have a shoulder height between 48”–56” (122-142 cm), overall standing height of 51.2”-61” (130-155 cm), and body length of 63”-74.8” (160-190 cm). The weight of a Przewalski's Horse is between 551-794 lb (250-360 kg). Przewalski's Horses have a typical lifespan of 20-25 years.

Series of side elevation illustrations of the Przewalski's Horse
Przewalski's Horse (Equus ferus przewalskii)
Height:
51.2”-61” | 130-155 cm
Width:
Length:
63”-74.8” | 160-190 cm
Depth:
Withers Height
48”–56” | 122-142 cm
Weight:
551-794 lb | 250-360 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Equus ferus przewalskii
Lifespan
20-25 years

Drawings include:

Przewalski's Horse side elevation (assorted), front, back

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Zonkey (Equus zebra x Equus asinus)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Zonkey to a typical person

The Zonkey (Equus zebra x Equus asinus) is the cross between a male zebra and the female donkey and are very rare. Other names for the zonkey include zedonk, zebrass, and zenkey. They have a brown, tan or grey colored coat with the typical stripes of zebra. Similar to the mule they are also sterile. They can be found in the wild in Africa, but are often seen in zoos. The Zonkey lives in the savanna and open woodlands. They are herbivorous and their diet consists of grasses, herbs, and fruits. They generally have a lifespan of 15 to 25 years.

Zonkeys have a shoulder height between 42”–60” (107-152 cm), overall standing height of 45.3”-65” (115-165 cm), and body length of 53.1”-76.8” (135-195 cm). The weight of a Zonkey is between 500-700 lb (227-318 kg). Zonkeys have a typical lifespan of 15-25 years.

Series of side elevation illustrations of the Zonkey with dimensions
The Zonkey (Equus zebra x Equus asinus) is the cross between a male zebra and the female donkey and are very rare. Other names for the zonkey include zedonk, zebrass, and zenkey. They have a brown, tan or grey colored coat with the typical stripes of zebra. Similar to the mule they are also sterile.

Zonkeys have a shoulder height between 42”–60” (107-152 cm), overall standing height of 45.3”-65” (115-165 cm), and body length of 53.1”-76.8” (135-195 cm). The weight of a Zonkey is between 500-700 lb (227-318 kg). Zonkeys have a typical lifespan of 15-25 years.

Series of side elevation illustrations of the Zonkey with dimensions
Zonkey (Equus zebra x Equus asinus)
Height:
45.3”-65” | 115-165 cm
Width:
Length:
53.1”-76.8” | 135-195 cm
Depth:
Withers Height
42”–60” | 107-152 cm
Weight:
500-700 lb | 227-318 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Equus zebra x Equus asinus
Lifespan
15-25 years

Drawings include:

Zonkey side elevation (assorted), front, back

Downloads

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Plains Zebra (Equus quagga)
Drawing comparing the dimensions of a zebra to a human

Zebra are a variation of the horse family known for their uniquely distinct coats of black-and-white stripes. Typically traveling in herds, zebra are found in many different habitats throughout Africa including grasslands, savannas, mountains, hills, and woodlands. Not unlike a fingerprint, the coat patterns on every individual zebra are different and are used as a form of camouflage that makes it difficult for predators to target a single zebra in a herd.

The average Zebra has an overall height of 51"-75" (130-191 cm), 42"-60" (107-152 cm), and body length of 64"-96" (163-244 cm). A typical Zebra weighs between 440-990 lb (200-450 kg) and has a lifespan of between 20-30 years.

Assortment of zebra illustrations from the side and front with dimensions
Zebra are a variation of the horse family known for their uniquely distinct coats of black-and-white stripes. Not unlike a fingerprint, the patterns on every individual zebra are different and are used as a form of camouflage that makes it difficult for predators to target a single zebra in a herd.

The average Zebra has an overall height of 51"-75" (130-191 cm), 42"-60" (107-152 cm), and body length of 64"-96" (163-244 cm). A typical Zebra weighs between 440-990 lb (200-450 kg) and has a lifespan of between 20-30 years.

Assortment of zebra illustrations from the side and front with dimensions
Plains Zebra (Equus quagga)
Height:
51"-75" | 130-191 cm
Width:
Length:
64"-96" | 163-244 cm
Depth:
Withers Height
42"-60" | 107-152 cm
Weight:
440-990 lb | 200-450 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Equus quagga
Lifespan
20-30 years

Drawings include:
Zebra side profile, front profile, back profile, laying down side profile

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Donkey (Equus africanus asinus)
Dimensioned drawing of an average donkey compared to a human for scale

Donkeys, also known as asses or burros, are members of the horse family (Equidae) that are distinguished from horses by their stockier stature and floppy ears. With variations that include wild, feral, and domestic, donkeys are herd animals found around the world that are most commonly kept as beasts of burden that have assisted in the transportation of goods for thousands of years. On farms, donkeys are often bred as pets and for producing milk but they have also been found to act as guardians that help protect the other livestock. Male donkeys are called jacks, while female donkeys are known as jennies or jennets.

The average Donkey has an overall height of 43”-57” (109-145 cm), withers height of 36”-48” (92-123 cm), and body length of 57”-76” (145-193 cm). A typical Donkey weighs between 400-500 lb (180-225 kg) and has a lifespan of roughly 25-40 years.

Illustrations of a donkey as viewed from the side, front, and laying down with dimensions
Donkeys, also known as asses or burros, are members of the horse family (Equidae) that are distinguished from horses by their stockier stature and floppy ears. With variations that include wild, feral, and domestic, donkeys are herd animals found around the world.

The average Donkey has an overall height of 43”-57” (109-145 cm), withers height of 36”-48” (92-123 cm), and body length of 57”-76” (145-193 cm). A typical Donkey weighs between 400-500 lb (180-225 kg) and has a lifespan of roughly 25-40 years.

Illustrations of a donkey as viewed from the side, front, and laying down with dimensions
Donkey (Equus africanus asinus)
Height:
43”-57” | 109-145 cm
Width:
Length:
57”-76” | 145-193 cm
Depth:
Withers Height
36”-48” | 92-123 cm
Weight:
400-500 lb | 180-225 kg
Area:

Uses: Milk, pack (transport), guardians

Scientific Name
Equus asinus
Lifespan
25-40 years

Drawings include:
Donkey side elevation (standing), side (male farmer), front, side (laying down)

Downloads

2D Downloads

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