Debunking some common myths about horses
For centuries people have been drawn to horses. Our understanding of horse anatomy and training has come along way since horses were first domesticated in 3000BC! However, the equine world is also full of myths about horse care. We dissect some of these myths and look at the truths behind them.
- Horses will regulate their own diet
- Horses don’t sleep laying down
- Horses always need to be rugged
It is a common misconception that horses will self-regulate their nutritional needs. Many think that leaving a salt or mineral block in a horse’s stall will result in the horse monitoring its own intake. This is not true. Like humans, horses have different taste receptors and are therefore drawn to food that they find pleasant. This may lead to the horse over-indulging on food it is attracted to which can lead to detrimental health affects if the food is toxic in high doses, such as some fruits, or may lead to dehydration as is the case with salt blocks.
Regulating your horses’ diet with a complete feed as well as plenty of pasture and roughage is the best way to ensure your horse has a balanced diet. Monitoring your horses’ access to foods which can be toxic at high levels is recommended.
It is true that horses do most of their napping whilst standing. The structure of the hocks allows the horse to lock its knee into place to avoid falling over whilst napping on its feet. However, in order to achieve deep sleep, known as REM sleep, the horse must lie down. Unlike humans, horses require small amounts of REM sleep, usually around 2 hours a day is enough for a well-rested horse.
It is important for the horse’s wellbeing that they achieve enough sleep. Like in humans, lack of sleep can affect the horse’s mood and athletic abilities. As horses are prey animals, they will sleep best when comfortable and familiar with their surroundings. If the horse is grazed in a herd or with a paddock mate, they will often take turns sleeping so that their buddy can keep watch.
This is a very popular misconception! Horse owners tend to rug their horses up when they feel cold themselves.However, the ability to regulate temperature is very different for humans and horses. A horse which has access to shelter from the wind and rain may not need to be rugged at all! Over-rugging a horse may have detrimental affects as it disrupts the horses natural shedding cycle and may cause skin irritations. Over-rugging may also have a detrimental effect on the horse’s weight and metabolism. Horses use energy to keep their bodies warm, a horse that is over rugged will not utilise this temperature regulation which may lead to decreased movement and unhealthy weight gain around the organs.
Weather protection isn’t the only reason for rugging a horse, many riders rug their horses to avoid them getting excessively dirty between rides. It is recommended that whatever the reason for rugging your horse, is not necessary in temperatures above 15 degrees. If you feel the need to rug, only use a light sheet or unlined waterproof rug in temperatures above 15 degrees when the horse is paddocked. This may change for young, old and sick horses who have a harder time regulating their own temperature or for those kept inside with restricted movement.
Feel free to contact us if you have any other horse myths that you wish to be debunked.
