Moose and horses are popular creatures in the animal world who are frequently compared. Let’s find out more about them.
Moose are taller than horses but weigh less than them. However, they appear larger than horses and have antlers that add to their overall appearance. Although most have seen horses, moose prefer to live in the wild and are seldom spotted. They grow pretty tall and have a unique appearance.
It is essential to understand different aspects of these two creatures if we are to compare them. So, let’s take a look at some commonly asked questions.
Image Credit: “Moose Profile” by DenaliNPS is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
How big is a moose next to a horse?
Moose and horse are often compared since they’ve similar body structures and height. Let’s explore how big a moose is next to a horse.
Moose are much taller than horses and can grow over 7 feet tall, and their minimum height is around 5 feet 3 inches. However, a fully-developed horse can grow up to a mere height of 5 feet 9 inches. Therefore, moose always stand much taller next to a horse.
Moose have a very distinctive look and are taller than most humans, which makes them intimidating creatures.
How big is a full-size moose?
A full-sized moose is quite a majestic creature with antlers and a muscular build. Let’s find out how big a full-sized moose is.
On average, a full-sized male moose can be around 6 feet tall, but some can go up to 7 to 8 feet. They are taller than horses and are considered the largest member (in terms of height and weight) of the deer family. The males are taller than the females and weigh about 1400 pounds.
Their height and weight make moose very intimidating. Besides, their antlers give them a unique appearance.
Fully grown moose next to horse
Have you ever wondered how a fully-grown moose will look next to a horse? Allow us to sort this query out for you.
A fully-grown moose looks bulkier and taller next to a horse. Besides, their antlers add to their overall height and make them appear much bigger. Even the largest, fully-grown horse may look small next to a moose since these mammals are the heaviest and largest of the deer family.
Although horses are one of the tallest animals, no breed of horse can look bigger than a moose.
Clydesdale vs. Moose size
Clydesdale is a draught horse that has a distinct appearance and is heavier than most horses. Let’s learn more about Clydesdale vs. moose size.
Moose are slightly taller than Clydesdale, but these horses are much heavier. On average, a moose may grow up to 5 to 7 feet, whereas Clydesdales grow up to 5.3 to 5.7 feet. Clydesdales are way bulkier than moose, with an average weight of 2000 pounds, while Moose weighs around 1500 pounds.
Clydesdales are among the tallest horse breeds, and a fully mature horse may be as tall as an average Moose, but that’s generally not the case.
Moose vs. Horse weight
Moore and horses differ on several grounds. Let’s check out how they vary when it comes to their weight.
On average, moose weigh around 440 to 1400 pounds, whereas horses weigh approximately 800 to 2,000 pounds. That being said, some moose can weigh about 1550 to over 2,000 pounds. Similarly, horses can go slightly above the 2,000-pound weight mark. In general, horses tend to be heavier than moose.
From their looks, moose might appear to be heavier, but the truth is horses, although shorter, are bulkier.
Can a moose outrun a horse?
The common belief is that since moose are taller than horses, they can run faster. Let’s find out if this is true.
Moose cannot outrun a horse, but it manages to maintain a similar speed, running at 20 to 30 miles an hour. However, some horses are much faster and can easily cover 50 miles an hour. Technically, moose are slower than horses, and it is difficult for them to outrun horses.
That being said, both animals retain a similar speed while running and cover around 30 miles per hour.
Moose vs. Horse appearance
You could tell the difference between moose and horses at first glance. There are some key differences in their appearance. Let’s learn more about it.
Moose are quite tall and have enormous antlers that measure around 1.8 meters. On the other hand, horses are comparatively shorter and have a glorious mane but no antlers. Besides, moose have longer faces, short necks, and cloven hooves. Horses have thick yet tall necks, elongated heads, and oval-shaped hooves.
Horses and moose have distinctive appearances and differ in color as well. While moose have differing brown shades, horses come in varying colors.
Moose vs. Horse lifespan
One of the most commonly asked questions is about the lifespan of moose and horses. Let’s explore more about this together.
Horses tend to live longer than moose, especially domesticated horses. On average, domestic horses can live up to 30 years. On the other hand, moose can live up to 25 years. Since they live in the wild, they do not receive the same care that horses do and, therefore, have a shorter lifespan.
The living conditions of domesticated horses are more conducive to a longer life, and therefore, horses have a longer lifespan.
Moose vs. Horse temperament
By now, we know how moose and horses differ in terms of size and appearance. Now, let’s check out how different their temperaments are.
Horses are shy animals who get aggressive only when in danger, whereas moose are quite belligerent and dangerous. Besides, horses are easy to domesticate and train but moose, like most wild animals, cannot be tamed. In addition, they cannot be ridden around like horses and are extremely territorial.
In conclusion, horses are definitely more friendly and social than moose, and this can largely be credited to the domesticated environment most of them live in.
Moose vs. Horses habitat
Moose and horses differ not only in size and temperament but also have different habitat requirements. Allow us to tell you more about it.
Moose belong to colder climates, whereas horses can live in warmer temperatures too. There are some horse breeds that need to be in colder regions, but moose prefer living near lakes, streams, and ponds. They are commonly found in Canada, Alaska, and the northern regions of the United States.
Horses are more adaptable than Moose and can survive harsh summer months as well as chilly winters.
Can we use moose like horses?
Horses are used for riding and sporting events, but can moose be used in a similar way? Let’s find out.
Moose cannot be used like horses since they are wild animals. Although they can carry weights, they are not friendly like horses and cannot be domesticated. In the 18th century, moose were used in the cavalry but were viewed as an impractical option since they were difficult to train and feed.
Moose are pretty unpredictable and prone to aggressive behavior. As such, most riders refrain from training them and stick to horses.
Conclusion
Moose and horses are widely different from each other, be it in terms of size, appearance, or behavioral patterns.
There are some similarities between the two animals. For instance, both are herbivores and are excellent fighters. However, moose are pretty independent and do not travel in herds as horses do. They do come together during the breeding season, but otherwise, they are solitary creatures.
All in all, moose and horses are giant, mysterious creatures who add beauty and balance to the global ecosystem.
