US #5123
2016 Horse – Pets
- Pictures a horse
- Part of the 20-stamp Pets set honoring the wide range of animals we keep as companions
Stamp Category: Commemorative
Set: Pets
Value: 47¢ First Class Mail Rate (Forever)
First Day of Issue: August 2, 2016
First Day City: Las Vegas, Nevada
Qua... more
US #5123
2016 Horse – Pets
- Pictures a horse
- Part of the 20-stamp Pets set honoring the wide range of animals we keep as companions
Stamp Category: Commemorative
Set: Pets
Value: 47¢ First Class Mail Rate (Forever)
First Day of Issue: August 2, 2016
First Day City: Las Vegas, Nevada
Quantity Issued: 400,000,000
Printed by: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd.
Printing Method: Offset
Format: Double-sided Booklet of 20
Tagging: Nonphosphored type III, block tag
Why the stamp was issued: To celebrate the role horses play in making our lives more enjoyable.
About the stamp design: Pictures a photograph by Eric Isselée of a horse.
First Day City: The First Day of Issue Ceremony was held at the SuperZoo National Show for Pet Retailers at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada.
About the Pets set: The USPS created 20 stamps to celebrate the many different animals we humans keep as companions. Each stamp pictures one species: puppies, betta fish, iguanas, hamsters, goldfish, kittens, rabbits, tortoises, guinea pigs, parrots, corn snakes, mice, hermit crabs, chinchillas, gerbils, geckos, cats, horses, parakeets, and dogs.
History the stamp represents: Horses are often said to have impacted human progress more than any other animal in history. For centuries, horses have been used by mankind for work, war, and travel. Once thought to be “soulless” creatures without the capacity for emotion, many horses are now loyal and loving pets.
There are approximately 750 million horses in the world today. Bred for numerous specialties, there are around 300 different breeds. Though they once evolved in North America, horses became extinct on the continent about 16,000 years ago. Today’s American horses descended from those brought over by Europeans a few centuries ago.
Horse breeds in the US range from miniatures, standing only 32 inches tall, to large draft horses reaching heights of almost six feet. But the most popular pet horses are the so-called “light horses,” such as quarter horses, arabians, and thoroughbreds. They are quick, agile breeds well-suited for recreational activities like riding and racing. They also tend to be friendly.
Owning a pet horse is a big undertaking – they require lots of care at a steep cost. But if the owner is educated and dedicated, he or she will have a loyal equine friend for life.
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