What is the legal definition of a horse?

In Michigan, the legal definition of a horse is outlined in the Michigan Equine Industry Act of 1988. According to this law, a horse is defined as any member of the species Equus caballus or "horse family". This includes any breed of horse, mule, donkey, sow, jack, or jenny. The law specifically excludes from the definition any animal crossbred with other species, such as zebra hybrids, as well as any member of the horse family that is used primarily for industrial or commercial purposes. In addition, the Michigan Equine Industry Act specifies that a horse must also be considered to be in good health and suitable for activities in which horses are commonly used, such as riding, competition, packing, and farming. The horse must have a valid identification number and must meet all applicable State and Federal regulations. If a horse does not meet these criteria, it cannot legally be considered to be a horse under the Michigan Equine Industry Act. For this reason, horse owners must be sure to follow all safety and health guidelines pertaining to horse ownership and care in the state of Michigan.

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