Centuries ago men discovered that a horse’s mouth could be used to control it. Between its front and back teeth 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 direct the horse wherever the rider wants it to go.
King David in the Bible wrote about horses: “Be ye not as the horse . . . whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle” (Psalm 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; then new, strong teeth replace them. But over the years these wear down, so an experienced horseman can tell a horse’s age by counting its teeth and looking at their condition.
Have you noticed that a horse’s eyes are situated 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 grazing. They have larger eyes than any other land animal.
A horse’s entire body helps it to receive sounds. Besides its ears, its hooves sense sound and pass it on through its bones and nerves. A horse has sharp hearing and can move its ears to catch sounds from almost any direction. It does not have to practice this because God made it this way. Its ears are also a clue to its disposition. Straight forward - it is interested and usually friendly. Laid back - look out! - it may be angry or annoyed.
The legs and feet of a horse were given a special design 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. This feature prevents the leg bones from breaking and becoming useless and allows it to gallop and jump without harm. Yet a horse can sleep standing upright. Its legs are provided with “lock-joints” which remain firm and straight even though the horse is sound asleep.
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” (Psalm 20:77Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. (Psalm 20:7)), and, “Blessed is the man that [trusts] in Him” (Psalm 34:88O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. (Psalm 34:8)). Are you trusting in earthly things, or are you trusting in God?
JULY 27, 1997
ML-07/27/1997