Interesting fact about digestion (Horse's digestive system)

I always wondered how a horse can sprint for such long periods of time without getting tired. They were used as the main type of transportation for centuries. I wanted to research this particular topic because I was curious to how a horse can dash so efficiently. Today I found out that their digestive system plays a huge part in a horse's ability to run. Like humans they have a esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. The difference with their digestion system is that their large intestine contribute much more to their digestive tract. Their large intestine contains bacteria that break down the food very efficiently including plants. the large intestine is usually referred to as the hindgut where symbiotic bacteria break down plant fibres and undigested starches. Fatty acids can be absorbed through the gut wall. With all this energy as well as horses eating plants, horses become very fast as runners.

http://www.hygain.com.au/horses-digestive-system/