It's time to bust some horse myths that have been floating around the industry for far too long! It's likely you've heard these statements made a time or two from a friend, stranger, or even trainer. These myths are easy to believe, so don't be tricked!

Horse Myths

  1. Horse hooves are solid. - Nope, they consists of many layers, including different bones and tissue.
  2. Riding is only for the rich. - Many barns allow riders to work off their lesson costs through stall cleaning. You can also find used and affordable tack at swaps and online.
  3. They're like big dogs. - Horses are herbivores and communicate much different than predators like dogs and humans.
  4. Riding is just sitting. - This is a common myth made by non-riders. Once they try it, their opinion usually changes. Your muscles really get a workout!
  5. Horses aren't smart. - They actually have clear communicators, though not everyone knows how to listen.
  6. They only sleep standing. - Horses often lay down to get REM sleep.
  7. Don't let a horse with colic lay down. - Vets agree that as long as the horse isn't thrashing, they can rest calmly and quietly.
  8. They're colorblind. - Not true! They see color, but not the same as people do.
  9. Horses should be stabled in bad weather. - Most are just fine with shelter like a run-in or trees.
  10. You only need to vaccinate horses that leave the farm. - There are many disease they can contract right at home like tetanus and West Nile.
  11. Horses should be wormed every 4-6 weeks. - The best approach is actually performing a fecal worm egg count and monitoring the levels. You should only worm when necessary.
  12. Mares in foal can't get laminitis. - Research shows that it may actually increase their chances, unlike previously thought.

Which one of these did you think was true? It's okay, some of them are pretty convincing!

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