10 Common Myths About Horses, Debunked

From Hollywood movies to childhood storybooks, horses have been portrayed in many ways, leading to a host of widely held beliefs about them that are untrue. While some of these are harmless, others can be dangerous both for riders and the horses because they affect how we care for horses. Understanding the truth behind these common horse myths is essential for any rider, owner, or enthusiast.

Gladiator Equine will separate fact from fiction, exploring ten of the most persistent myths about horses. By debunking these misconceptions, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for their complex nature and be better equipped to provide the care and understanding they deserve.

Myth #1: Horses Only Sleep Standing Up

One of the most famous myths about horses is that they spend their entire lives on their feet, even when sleeping. While it’s true that horses can doze while standing — a handy evolutionary trick to escape predators quickly — they cannot achieve the deep, restorative REM sleep they need in this position.

For true REM sleep, a horse must lie down completely. This allows their muscles to fully relax. You’ll often see horses in a safe, comfortable herd environment, taking turns lying down for a deep sleep while others stand guard.

Myth #2: Horses Are Colorblind

Another common misconception is that horses see the world in shades of gray. The truth is more nuanced. Horses are not completely colorblind, but their vision is different from ours. They have dichromatic vision, which means they primarily see the world in hues of blue and yellow.

They have difficulty distinguishing between reds and greens, which might appear as brownish or grayish tones. Understanding this helps explain why a horse might spook at an object that seems unremarkable to us — it might look very different through their eyes.

Myth #3: Horses Cannot Vomit

This one is actually true, but the myth lies in the understanding of its implications. Unlike humans, horses have a one-way digestive system. A powerful band of muscle at the entrance to their stomach prevents food from coming back up.

This anatomical feature is why conditions like colic are so dangerous. Since a horse cannot relieve pressure by vomiting, gas and blockages can quickly become life-threatening. This fact underscores the importance of careful feeding and management to prevent digestive issues.

Myth #4: Horses Only Kick When They’re Angry

While a kick can certainly be a sign of aggression, it’s not the only reason a horse might use its powerful hind legs. Kicking is a natural defensive behavior used to ward off threats, whether from a predator or another horse trying to assert dominance.

A horse might also kick out due to pain, discomfort, or even fear. A sudden kick could be a reaction to a fly bite or a response to a rider’s confusing cue. Learning to read a horse’s body language is key to understanding the motivation behind a kick.

Myth #5: A Horse’s Hooves Are Solid

Looking at a horse’s hoof from the outside, it’s easy to assume it’s just a solid block of hard material, similar to a rock. However, the hoof is an incredibly complex and sensitive structure.

The outer wall is indeed hard and protective, but inside, there are bones, ligaments, tendons, and a network of blood vessels known as the lamina. This intricate internal structure acts as a shock absorber and is vital for the horse’s circulation and overall health.

Myth #6: Riding Is Not Exercise

To the uninitiated, it might look like the horse does all the work. But anyone who has spent time in the saddle knows that riding is a physically demanding activity for the rider, too.

Effective riding requires core strength, balance, coordination, and endurance. It engages muscles throughout the body, from the legs and abdomen to the back and arms. It’s a full-body workout that builds strength and improves cardiovascular fitness.

Myth #7: Horseshoes Hurt Horses

The idea of nailing a metal shoe to a living creature’s foot can seem cruel. However, when done correctly by a skilled farrier, shoeing is a painless process that can be beneficial for the horse.

The outer wall of a horse’s hoof, where the nails are placed, has no nerve endings, much like our own fingernails. For domesticated horses that regularly travel on hard or abrasive surfaces, horseshoes provide essential protection against excessive wear and tear, preventing pain and lameness.

Myth #8: Horses Are Difficult to Train

Horses can sometimes be labeled as stubborn or difficult, but this often stems from a misunderstanding of their nature. As prey animals, their instincts are geared toward safety and survival.

With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, horses are highly trainable and eager to please. They respond well to clear communication and fair leadership. Building a relationship based on trust is the foundation for successful training, proving they are intelligent partners, not obstinate animals.

Myth #9: Horses Don’t Need Friends

Because they are large and powerful animals, some people assume horses are solitary creatures. The opposite is true. Horses are deeply social herd animals who thrive on companionship.

Living with other horses allows them to engage in natural behaviors like mutual grooming, playing, and establishing a social hierarchy. Isolation can cause significant stress and lead to behavioral problems. A horse needs friends to feel secure and content.

Myth #10: All Horses Are the Same

This is like saying all dogs are the same. From the tiny Falabella to the towering Shire, there are hundreds of distinct horse breeds, each developed for a specific purpose.

Breeds vary immensely in size, build, and temperament. A Thoroughbred is bred for speed, a Quarter Horse for quick sprints and agility, and a Belgian for heavy pulling. Even within a single breed, each horse has a unique personality. Recognizing this diversity is crucial for matching the right horse to the right job and rider.

Elevate Your Equine Care with Gladiator Equine

Understanding the truth behind these common horse myths is the first step toward providing better care for your equine partner. The next step is equipping yourself with the best tools to support their health and well-being.

Gladiator Equine offers cutting-edge, patented technology rooted in quantum physics. Backed by leading research, our products provide therapeutic Far Infrared (FIR) solutions for equine inflammation, injuries, recovery, and wound healing. 

Our non-powered devices also help reduce stress and increase relaxation, maximizing your training efforts and strengthening the bond you share with your horse. We provide top-tier equine care that delivers championship results. Contact us today to learn more.