Equine means relating to horses. When veterinarians talk about equine medicine, they mean the medical care of horses. An equine facility is a place designed for keeping and training horses, with stables, riding arenas, and pastures.

Scientists use it when discussing horse biology: equine anatomy, equine behavior, or equine nutrition. You might read about equine therapy, where people work with horses to build confidence and learn responsibility.

Equine can also describe something that looks or acts like a horse. A statue might have equine features, with a long face and powerful legs characteristic of horses. Zebras, donkeys, and mules belong to the equine family, sharing the same basic body structure and many behaviors with horses.

When someone has an “equine face,” it means their facial features resemble a horse's, with a long profile. This phrase is usually meant as an insult, so it's unkind and best avoided.