Dispelling
MYTHS
Myth #1
Overflowing the water tank creates a wet environment that enhances hoof health.
The truth is that mud and excess moisture can actually cause more cracks and hoof damage (lost shoes, white line disease, thrush etc….). The tank overflow area also provides an excellent breeding ground for mosquitoes.. mosquitoes that can carry West Nile Virus. Good nutrition and hoof care lead to healthy hooves, not mud.
Black hooves are better than white hooves.
Research has shown no difference in the strength of hooves solely based on hoof color.
Horses need a clean, non-frozen source of water year ‘round. Studies have shown that horses with heated water tanks drink more water than those having access only to ice laden sources. Drinking more water in the winter is an easy way to help prevent impaction colic. Snow cannot provide enough water for a horse!
Navicular disease is genetic (pre determined by bloodlines).
The latest studies have shown that Navicular disease is caused by improper management which can include stall confinement, footing and improper shoeing and/or trimming.
Some breeds and bloodlines are more sensitive to these management conditions (or more apt to be treated this way) and that may result in higher group numbers of clinically diagnosed horses.
Delaying castration in male horses until the horse is older results in a stronger animal.
Delaying castration until the horse is older just allows the animal to display more sex related traits such as developed sex organs, large jowls, thicker neck etc… Some studies have shown that early castration actually allows more energy to be targeted toward overall growth when it is not being spent on maturation of sex related organs/traits. Furthermore, castration is usually less difficult in a younger, less sexually mature male.
Most horses don’t need shoes! The majority of horses spend most of their time just standing around and eating. Many working horses with regular trimmings never need shoes . Each horse is different, but even the Farrier’s organization agrees that most horses are better off barefoot. Talk to your Farrier to see what is best for your horse.
Some types of grass hay cause colic.
No concrete information exists to prove that certain types of grass hay consistently cause colic. Moreover, the owner is usually at fault rather than the hay type for changing the horses diet (hay source) too quickly. Grass hay is best for most horses. Alfalfa is not a “normal” free choice forage for horses. Consult with your Veterinarian if you are unsure about what is best for your horse but always remember to implement any feed changes gradually (preferably over a ten-day or more period).
I don’t need to worry about my horse’s teeth because he doesn’t use a bit.
My horse is on daily wormer so I don’t have to worry about parasite control.
Recent studies have shown that daily wormers are very effective in specific environments and not so effective in others. You are better off bringing a fecal sample to your Veterinarian quarterly (at a minimum) to have it checked, regardless of the daily program. Ask your Veterinarian about what you can do to best manage parasites in your herd.
Horses are healthier blanketed and in heated, closed-in buildings during cold weather.
Horses are nearly always better off outside, without blankets, with free access to a good wind/weather break, ice-free water and free-choice grass hay. Blankets may be necessary for some horses but actually cause the hair to lie down flat, removing any insulation value standing hair has. Furthermore, a closed in or heated barn typically has poor air quality and may create respiratory conditions in horses that would otherwise not exist when left outdoors.