Why is the horse newjersey's state animal and what does it stand for?

Answer 1

The state animal is the horse, Equus caballus, so designated in Chapter 173 of the Laws of 1977. Governor Brendan T. Byrne signed the law August 14, 1977, while attending the farm and horse show at Augusta, Sussex County.

Press Release, Office of the Governor, August 15, 1977

The U.S. Equestrian Team is headquartered in New Jersey.





STATEMENT

The horse is a large stately herbivorous animal. Horses have
been useful to man since prehistoric times. The founding fathers of
this State thought so highly of the horse that they included it in
the State seal.

The horse industry makes a contribution to the preservation of
green acres at a time when great demands are being made for the use
of our land. There are 4,654 horse farms in New Jersey, of which
888 raise racing horses. There are now more than 38,000 horses in
the State, compared to 18,000 in 1961.

The horse is truly deserving of the title -- New Jersey State
Animal.

Answer 2

I didn't know that, but it makes me wonder why they only elect the rear halves of the state animal.