World Horse Day Date in the current year: July 11, 2025

Throughout history, horses have contributed profoundly to human progress, arguably more than any other animal. In the pre-industrial era, horses were essential for transportation, enabling people to travel farther and faster than on foot. Horses were also extensively used in agriculture to pull carts, wagons, and plows, and in the military to provide mobility, speed, and tactical advantages. Horses were also used in communication, such as postal and courier services, as well as in trade and hunting. Before industrial technology emerged, horses were crucial to the economic, social, and military development of civilizations.

Even in the modern world, where there is no need to rely on horses for transportation, land cultivation, or battle, these majestic animals still play important roles. For instance, draft horses are employed on organic farms and for transportation and agriculture in rural areas of low- and middle-income countries. Some countries have mounted police and/or rangers who patrol on horseback. Horses are also used in equestrian sports, tourism, recreational activities, traditional festivals, and as therapy animals.

However, the modern equine industry faces serious challenges. One of these is global warming, which increases stress heat for working and sport horses alike. Increasing costs of feed, veterinary care, and proper housing make horse ownership and management expensive. This leads to irresponsible owners and raises ethical concerns about equine welfare. Additionally, fluctuating demand poses a challenge to the industry, as interest in equestrian sports and recreational riding fluctuates with economic conditions and changing cultural attitudes, affecting the sustainability of horse-related businesses.

In June 2025, the UN General Assembly established World Horse Day by a resolution initiated by Mongolia, a country where horses have been central to traditional nomadic lifestyles for millennia. The day’s main goals are to highlight the role of horses in the well-being of rural communities around the globe, raise awareness of the challenges faced by the equine industry, and promote equine welfare, as well as the preservation of horse culture and heritage.

There are many ways to celebrate World Horse Day. You can visit a local horse rescue and donate money, food, or supplies; support a local business that offers horseback riding (but only if they treat their horses well); watch equestrian competitions; donate to an equine welfare organization; and spread awareness about the holiday on social media using the hashtag #WorldHorseDay.

World Horse Day established by the United Nations should not be confused with National Horse Protection Day, which is sometimes referred to as World Horse Day. The latter was established by pet and family lifestyle expert Colleen Paige in 2005 and is celebrated on March 1.