Zebras and horses look far too similar to not be related, right? While horses and zebras are related, it’s hard to tell just how close they are to each other on the family tree. Both animals belong to the Equidae family, which also includes donkeys. There was also once a half zebra and half horse species called a Quagga that is now extinct. Even though the two are related, there are quite a few similarities and differences we think you should know about.

Why are Horses and Zebras Considered Different Species?

Zebras are a species of wild horses, and all of them are currently living in Africa. That is, of course, other than the ones that you see at the zoo. In other words, zebras are horses, but they are still an entirely different species than those we ride around on. All zebras today have stripes all over their bodies. However, there used to be some special breeds that didn’t have stripes and looked more like a horse.

Can Zebras Be Trained to Get Ridden Like a Horse?

There is a good reason you don’t ever see someone riding a zebra. Even though they look similar to one another, zebras and horses have two completely different temperaments. You cannot train a zebra to be ridden the way that we ride horses. Zebras are much more aggressive and do not like to be controlled. These are not tame animals and will never be safe to ride.

Zebras and horses don’t have the same kind of herd mentality. Herds of horses will always have an alpha male who is the leader of his flock. On the other hand, zebras are more individualistic despite moving around in groups. The only reason they stay in groups is that there are benefits to their survival this way. What does this herd mentality have to do with training them? Horses respect a leader, which means that you can become the alpha to them. They can learn to listen and obey our commands. Zebras don’t have this same type of mindset and won’t do anything they don’t’ want to do.