Horse vs. Elephant — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 18, 2024
Horses are smaller, faster animals primarily used for riding and racing, while elephants are massive, slower mammals known for their strength and intelligence.
Difference Between Horse and Elephant
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Horses are significantly smaller and lighter than elephants, allowing them greater speed and agility. Whereas elephants, being the largest land animals, possess immense body mass and strength, which limits their speed but increases their capacity for labor and carrying heavy loads.
In terms of domestication, horses have been used by humans for transportation, work, and companionship for thousands of years. On the other hand, elephants have been used primarily for labor and in ceremonial roles, mainly in Asia and Africa, due to their intelligence and strength.
Horses are herbivores that primarily graze on grasses, making them relatively easier to feed in domestic settings. Elephants, while also herbivores, require a massive intake of vegetation daily, consuming up to 300 kilograms of food which can make their upkeep more challenging.
Reproductively, horses have a gestation period of approximately 11 months and can be bred more frequently, which has implications for their use in agriculture and sports. Elephants have a much longer gestation period of about 22 months, which, combined with their longer lifespan, makes their population growth and recovery more sensitive.
Socially, horses are often kept in groups and can form bonds with both other horses and humans. Elephants are known for their complex social structures and emotional intelligence, forming deep familial bonds and demonstrating behaviors such as grief and cooperation.
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Comparison Chart
Size
Smaller, lighter
Larger, heavier
Speed
Faster, more agile
Slower, less agile
Domestication
Widely domesticated for various purposes
Less commonly domesticated, used for labor
Diet
Eats less, mainly grasses
Consumes large amounts, diverse vegetation
Gestation Period
About 11 months
About 22 months
Compare with Definitions
Horse
A large domesticated animal with a flowing mane and tail, used for riding, racing, or pulling loads.
She rode her horse through the forest at dusk.
Elephant
The largest living land mammal, known for its massive body, large ears, and long trunk.
An elephant can use its trunk to grasp objects.
Horse
A unit of measurement for engine power in vehicles, known as horsepower.
This car has 150 horsepower.
Elephant
A symbol of wisdom in cultures and often associated with memory.
Elephants are said to never forget.
Horse
A colloquial term for heroin, used mainly in slang.
He was caught trafficking horse across state lines.
Elephant
A political symbol for the Republican Party in the United States.
The elephant is often seen in political cartoons.
Horse
To engage in horseplay; rough or boisterous playing.
The kids were horsing around in the backyard.
Elephant
Used metaphorically to describe an obvious problem that is being ignored.
The so-called elephant in the room.
Horse
A pivotal support beam or frame in gymnastics equipment.
The gymnast practiced her routine on the pommel horse.
Elephant
An object or structure that is unusually large and unwieldy.
That oversized sculpture is an elephant in the lobby.
Horse
The horse (Equus ferus caballus) is a domesticated one-toed hoofed mammal. It belongs to the taxonomic family Equidae and is one of two extant subspecies of Equus ferus.
Elephant
Elephants are a select group of proboscideans belonging to the family Elephantidae. They are the largest existing land animals.
Horse
A large plant-eating domesticated mammal with solid hoofs and a flowing mane and tail, used for riding, racing, and to carry and pull loads.
Elephant
Any of several very large herbivorous mammals of the family Elephantidae native to Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, having thick, almost hairless skin, a long, flexible, prehensile trunk, upper incisors forming long curved tusks of ivory, and, in the African species, large fan-shaped ears.
Horse
A frame or structure on which something is mounted or supported, especially a sawhorse.
Elephant
Any of various extinct animals of the family Elephantidae.
Horse
A unit of horsepower
A 63-horse engine
Elephant
A mammal of the order Proboscidea, having a trunk, and two large ivory tusks jutting from the upper jaw.
Horse
Heroin.
Elephant
(in particular) Any member of the subfamily Elephantinae not also of the genera Mammuthus and Primelephas.
Horse
An obstruction in a vein.
Elephant
(figuratively) Anything huge and ponderous.
Horse
Provide (a person or vehicle) with a horse or horses
Six men, horsed, masked, and armed
Elephant
Synonym of elephant paper
Horse
A large hoofed mammal (Equus caballus) having a short coat, a long mane, and a long tail, domesticated since ancient times and used for riding and for drawing or carrying loads.
Elephant
Used when counting to add length, so that each count takes about one second
Let's play hide and seek. I'll count. One elephant, two elephant, three elephant...
Horse
An adult male horse; a stallion.
Elephant
Ivory.
Horse
Any of various equine mammals, such as the wild Asian species Przewalski's horse or certain extinct forms related ancestrally to the modern horse.
Elephant
(xiangqi) A xiangqi piece, that is moved two points diagonally, may not jump over intervening pieces and may not cross the river.
Horse
A frame or device, usually with four legs, used for supporting or holding.
Elephant
A mammal of the order Proboscidia and family Elephantidae, of which two living species, Elephas maximus (formerly Elephas Indicus) and Loxodonta Africana (formerly E. Africanus), and several fossil species, are known. They have five toes, a long proboscis or trunk, and two large ivory tusks proceeding from the extremity of the upper jaw, and curving upwards. The molar teeth are large and have transverse folds. Elephants are the largest land animals now existing. The elephant is classed as a pachyderm.
Horse
(Sports) A vaulting horse.
Elephant
Ivory; the tusk of the elephant.
Horse
(Slang) Heroin.
Elephant
Five-toed pachyderm
Horse
Often horses Horsepower
A muscle car with 400 horses under the hood.
Elephant
The symbol of the Republican Party; introduced in cartoons by Thomas Nast in 1874
Horse
Mounted soldiers; cavalry
A squadron of horse.
Horse
A block of rock interrupting a vein and containing no minerals.
Horse
A large block of displaced rock that is caught along a fault.
Horse
To provide with a horse.
Horse
To haul or hoist energetically
"Things had changed little since the days of the pyramids, with building materials being horsed into place by muscle power" (Henry Allen).
Horse
To be in heat. Used of a mare.
Horse
Of or relating to a horse
A horse blanket.
Horse
Mounted on horses
Horse guards.
Horse
Drawn or operated by a horse.
Horse
Larger or cruder than others in the same category
Horse pills.
Horse
A hoofed mammal, Equus ferus caballus, often used throughout history for riding and draft work.
A cowboy's greatest friend is his horse.
Horse
Any member of the species Equus ferus, including the Przewalski's horse and the extinct Equus ferus ferus.
Horse
(zoology) Any current or extinct animal of the family Equidae, including zebras and asses.
These bone features, distinctive in the zebra, are actually present in all horses.
Horse
Cavalry soldiers (sometimes capitalized when referring to an official category).
We should place two units of horse and one of foot on this side of the field.
All the King's horses and all the King's men, couldn't put Humpty together again.
Horse
A component of certain games.
Horse
(slang) A large and sturdy person.
Every linebacker they have is a real horse.
Horse
(historical) A timber frame shaped like a horse, which soldiers were made to ride for punishment.
Horse
Equipment with legs.
Horse
In gymnastics, a piece of equipment with a body on two or four legs, approximately four feet high, sometimes (pommel horse) with two handles on top.
She's scored very highly with the parallel bars; let's see how she does with the horse.
Horse
A frame with legs, used to support something.
A clothes horse; a sawhorse
Horse
(nautical) Type of equipment.
Horse
A rope stretching along a yard, upon which men stand when reefing or furling the sails; footrope.
Horse
A breastband for a leadsman.
Horse
An iron bar for a sheet traveller to slide upon.
Horse
A jackstay.
Horse
(mining) A mass of earthy matter, or rock of the same character as the wall rock, occurring in the course of a vein, as of coal or ore; hence, to take horse (said of a vein) is to divide into branches for a distance.
Horse
(US) An informal variant of basketball in which players match shots made by their opponent(s), each miss adding a letter to the word "horse", with 5 misses spelling the whole word and eliminating a player, until only the winner is left. Also HORSE, H-O-R-S-E or H.O.R.S.E. (see H-O-R-S-E).
Horse
(uncountable) The flesh of a horse as an item of cuisine.
Horse
(prison slang) A prison guard who smuggles contraband in or out for prisoners.
Horse
A translation or other illegitimate aid in study or examination.
Horse
Horseplay; tomfoolery.
Horse
(slang) Heroin drug.
Horse
(intransitive) To frolic, to act mischievously. (Usually followed by "around".)
Horse
(transitive) To play mischievous pranks on.
Horse
(transitive) To provide with a horse; supply horses for.
Horse
(obsolete) To get on horseback.
Horse
To sit astride of; to bestride.
Horse
(of a male horse) To copulate with (a mare).
Horse
To take or carry on the back.
Horse
To place (someone) on the back of another person, or on a wooden horse, chair, etc., to be flogged or punished.
Horse
(by extension) To flog.
Horse
(transitive) To pull, haul, or move (something) with great effort, like a horse would.
Horse
(informal) To cram (food) quickly, indiscriminately or in great volume.
Horse
To urge at work tyrannically.
Horse
To charge for work before it is finished.
Horse
A hoofed quadruped of the genus Equus; especially, the domestic horse (Equus caballus), which was domesticated in Egypt and Asia at a very early period. It has six broad molars, on each side of each jaw, with six incisors, and two canine teeth, both above and below. The mares usually have the canine teeth rudimentary or wanting. The horse differs from the true asses, in having a long, flowing mane, and the tail bushy to the base. Unlike the asses it has callosities, or chestnuts, on all its legs. The horse excels in strength, speed, docility, courage, and nobleness of character, and is used for drawing, carrying, bearing a rider, and like purposes.
Horse
The male of the genus Equus, in distinction from the female or male; usually, a castrated male.
Horse
Mounted soldiery; cavalry; - used without the plural termination; as, a regiment of horse; - distinguished from foot.
The armies were appointed, consisting of twenty-five thousand horse and foot.
Horse
A frame with legs, used to support something; as, a clotheshorse, a sawhorse, etc.
Horse
A frame of timber, shaped like a horse, on which soldiers were made to ride for punishment.
Horse
Anything, actual or figurative, on which one rides as on a horse; a hobby.
Horse
A mass of earthy matter, or rock of the same character as the wall rock, occurring in the course of a vein, as of coal or ore; hence, to take horse - said of a vein - is to divide into branches for a distance.
Horse
A translation or other illegitimate aid in study or examination; - called also trot, pony, Dobbin.
Horse
Heroin.
Horse
Horsepower.
Horse
To provide with a horse, or with horses; to mount on, or as on, a horse.
Horse
To sit astride of; to bestride.
Horse
To mate with (a mare); - said of the male.
Horse
To take or carry on the back; as, the keeper, horsing a deer.
Horse
To place on the back of another, or on a wooden horse, etc., to be flogged; to subject to such punishment.
Horse
To get on horseback.
Horse
Solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times
Horse
A padded gymnastic apparatus on legs
Horse
Troops trained to fight on horseback;
500 horse led the attack
Horse
A framework for holding wood that is being sawed
Horse
A chessman in the shape of a horse's head; can move two squares horizontally and one vertically (or vice versa)
Horse
Provide with a horse or horses
Common Curiosities
Can horses and elephants be kept as pets?
Horses can be kept as pets or for professional purposes; elephants, due to their size and needs, are not typically suitable as pets.
How do horses and elephants contribute to their ecosystems?
Horses help maintain vegetation levels and seed dispersal through grazing. Elephants shape their environment by uprooting trees and creating water holes used by other wildlife.
What are the lifespans of horses and elephants?
A horse typically lives for about 25 to 30 years, while elephants can live up to 60-70 years in the wild.
What cultural significance do horses and elephants hold?
Horses have significant roles in many cultures' histories and myths, symbolizing freedom and power. Elephants are revered in many Asian cultures, symbolizing wisdom and royal power.
How are horses and elephants trained differently?
Training horses often involves conditioning for riding, pulling, and obedience, using techniques that build trust and responsiveness. Elephant training, particularly in places where they are used for labor or entertainment, can sometimes involve more controversial methods due to the animal's size and strength.
What role do horses and elephants play in tourism?
Horses are integral to many forms of tourism, including trail rides, shows, and races. Elephants attract tourists in wildlife safaris and in regions where elephant rides or shows are offered, though these practices are becoming less popular due to animal welfare concerns.
hat are the primary uses of horses and elephants?
Horses are primarily used for riding, racing, and as work animals. Elephants are used for labor, especially in logging and historically in warfare.
What are the differences in social behavior between horses and elephants?
Horses are highly social animals that often form herds and have a clear hierarchy. Elephants are also extremely social, known for their complex family groups led by a matriarch, and they exhibit sophisticated communication behaviors.
How do horses and elephants communicate?
Horses communicate through vocal sounds like neighing and whinnying, body language, and facial expressions. Elephants are known for their deep rumbling vocalizations which can travel over long distances, and they also use body language and touch.
What are the main threats to horses and elephants in the wild?
Horses face threats primarily from habitat loss and human exploitation. Wild elephants are critically endangered by poaching for ivory and tusks, habitat destruction, and human-elephant conflicts.
What dietary needs differentiate horses from elephants?
Horses are primarily grazers that feed on grasses and require a balanced intake of hay, grains, and sometimes supplements. Elephants are browsers as well as grazers, consuming a wide variety of vegetation, which they need in large quantities due to their size.
What are some notable differences in the physical features of horses and elephants?
Horses are known for their slender, muscular build and are much smaller than elephants, which have bulky frames and distinctive features such as tusks and a trunk.
What conservation efforts are in place for horses and elephants?
Conservation efforts for horses generally focus on preserving wild breeds and preventing cruelty in sports and work. Elephant conservation is critical and focuses on anti-poaching measures, habitat preservation, and reducing human-elephant conflicts.
How have horses and elephants been depicted in art and literature?
Horses are often depicted as noble, graceful animals in art and literature, symbolizing speed, beauty, and strength. Elephants are typically portrayed as wise, powerful creatures, often with a spiritual or royal significance, especially in Asian and African cultures.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat