Equus is a
genus of mammals in the
family Equidae, which includes
horses,
asses, and
zebras. Within Equidae,
Equus is the only recognized
extant genus, comprising seven living species. The term
equine refers to any member of this genus, including horses. Like Equidae more broadly,
Equus has numerous
extinct species known only from
fossils. The genus most likely originated in North America and spread quickly to the Old World. Equines are
odd-toed ungulates with slender legs, long heads, relatively long necks, manes (erect in most subspecies) and long tails. All species are
herbivorous, and mostly
grazers with simpler digestive systems than
ruminants but able to subsist on lower quality vegetation.