How long do horses live, and how much dung does an elephant produce?

We explore the curious questions that science can answer

It’s very rare for horses to live more than 60 years (Getty/iStock)

What is the average lifespan of a horse?

According to the Science and Technology Desk Reference book, the maximum lifespan of a horse is 62 years. Obviously not all horses will live this long and an average value will be somewhat less than 62 years. The lifespan of a horse will depend on, amongst other things, the conditions in which it lives and the pressures that are put on it during its life.

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