A horizontal ellipse is a type of ellipse that is elongated along the horizontal axis, characterized by its standard equation of the form $$\frac{(x-h)^{2}}{a^{2}} + \frac{(y-k)^{2}}{b^{2}} = 1$$ where $$a > b$$. This shape reveals important properties such as the location of its foci and vertices, which are vital in understanding how ellipses behave in geometry and conic sections.