Isn’t it amazing that some large animals like horses, which can weigh a ton or more, can be taught to obey a boy or girl weighing less than a hundred pounds? God arranged this in creation, declaring that man should have dominion over them. Centuries ago men discovered that a horse’s mouth could be used to control it. Between its front and back teeth there is an open space. A metal bar called a bit is placed there, and a bridle is attached to it. This is then used to lead the horse wherever the rider wants it to go.
King David in the Bible spoke of horses: “Be ye not as the horse... whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle.” Psalms 32:99Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee. (Psalm 32:9). This advice warns us not to resist God, so that He does not have to turn us in the right direction by some stronger action.
A horse keeps its “baby teeth” until it is five years old when new, strong teeth replace them. But over the years these wear down, so an experienced horseman can tell a horse’s age by looking at its teeth!
Have you noticed that a horse’s eyes are more on each side of its head than in front like yours? The Creator gave it this extra safety precaution so it can see to each side, even when munching grass.
A horse’s entire body helps it receive sounds. In addition to its ears, its hooves sense noise and pass it on through its bones and nerves. A horse can swivel its ears, too, turning them almost half-way around in the direction from which a sound is heard. It does not have to practice this, because God made it that way. Its ears are a clue to its disposition as well. Straight forward—it is interested and usually friendly. Turned back—look out—it may be in a bad mood!
The legs and feet of horses were especially designed at the time of its creation. As a horse runs its foot hits the ground with a powerful force. An elastic ligament above the hoof stretches out, so the lower part of the leg does not get hurt by the full force of the animal’s great weight. If it were not for this feature, the leg bones would break and become useless, but this allows it to gallop and jump without harm. Yet a horse can sleep standing upright. At such times its legs, provided with “lock-joints,” remain firm and straight even though the horse is sound asleep.
In spite of what some people teach, these wonderful animals did not develop their unusual abilities by themselves. Everything about them shows the wisdom of the Creator when He placed them among earth’s animals.
The Psalmist said: “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God,” and the invitation is given: “O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him.” Psalms 20:77Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. (Psalm 20:7) and 34:8. Have you taken hold of this gracious invitation and promise?
ML-06/06/1982