When you hear about horses and barns, some folks picture a classic western movie with cowboys, saloons, and lassoing cattle. Others might think of England, foxhunting, and the Olympics when horses come to mind. But then there are those who have some pretty wild misconceptions about horses, since they live in the heart of a bustling city. In this post, I’m diving into 5 common myths that just need to be debunked!
1. “Horses Are No Different Than Donkeys or Zebras!”
This is totally not true! Each of them has their own unique looks for different physiological functions, and they don’t even have the same number of chromosomes in their DNA! They’re totally separate equine species, kind of like how you’ve got different species of Big Cats. The catch with equine genetics is that horses, zebras, and donkeys are super distinct in their chromosome count because of how they evolved from their common ancestor, which is why they end up with infertile offspring when they mate.
When you come across wildlife centers breeding Zorses or Zonkeys, keep in mind that these hybrids aren’t something that just happen in nature, even if they can actually live and thrive in captivity. Mules fall into this category too, but they’ve got a bit of a history because they’re super handy for pulling carts and going the distance when people worked for survival without machinery. They’re generally more chill than donkeys, but they’re incredibly strong and up for the task!
2. “Wild Horses Don’t Need Farriers or Blankets, so Pet Horses Shouldn’t Either!”
Hold on a sec, let’s tackle that first part! So, all those “wild” horses and burros hanging out in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico? They’re basically feral and invasive, kind of like feral cats. They’ve got the same genes as the domesticated ones, but they totally avoid humans unless they’re caught, which with horses, is usually called being corralled.
Unfortunately, because of the more often than not inhumane way that these horses get corralled, it comes with some casualties. There are many non-profit organizations that exist that work toward corral reform and advocate for humane treatment of Mustangs in the transition from feral to captivity.
Mustangs, which is our cute way of referring to wild horses in the US, are kind of like the Domestic Short Hairs of the horse world. They mostly come from the Spanish Colonial Horse that was brought over from Spain, plus the Appaloosa Horse, which has its roots in Native American culture. Toss in a bunch of horses from various European countries that were trying to settle in the US and used them in their armies, and you’ve got a crazy mix of breeds, with every horse rocking a different combo of genetics.
These horses are a bit of a problem because, even though they’re prey animals, they’re not exactly on the menu for wolves, mountain lions, or bears. They roam around and often pop up near small towns, where it’s safer from predators. Because of this, many of these horses get relocated to reservations, which are huge plots of land that replicate their natural environment; but, they are completely enclosed and closely monitored.
Since they’re feral and not wild, a lot of them actually get adopted and trained up, kinda like how they do TNR for cats. There’s even a cool series of competitions just for adopted Mustangs that have been rounded up, desensitized, and trained for a sport—it’s called the Extreme Mustang Makeover.
Which means that yes, even “wild” horses need farriers or blankets when they’re responsibly kept, as they should’ve been from the start.
3. “Horses Are Just Big Puppy Dogs!”
Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
No.
You are getting veerrryyyy sleeepppyyyyy.
These are not the same.
Horses are pretty awesome with their big size and gentle vibes, making some folks think they’re just giant puppy dogs. But that’s a bit off; you gotta remember they’re not the same at all! Unlike our furry pups who were bred for cuddles and high energy jobs over the years, horses are prey animals with their own special survival instincts that we need to respect if we want them to be happy and healthy. Getting these differences in your brain is super important for anyone who spends time with or takes care of horses.
One big difference between horses and dogs is how they socialize and communicate. Horses are social creatures that depend a lot on non-verbal signals to chat with each other. Their body language is pretty intricate; things like how they stand, where their ears point, and how they swish their tails can show everything from curiosity to fear. If you treat horses like big dogs, you might totally misread what they’re feeling, which can cause stress or even some risky situations. A horse that’s not handled right might take off running or, in some cases, act aggressively when scared, showing why it’s super important to know what you’re doing around them.
These big buddies need special diets, regular hoof care, and a bit more attention to their health than you’d give to a dog. They do best in open, safe spaces where they can move around and be themselves. So, it’s super important to know what they need for shelter, exercise, and social enrichment. By really getting to know what makes them tick and showing them the respect they deserve as smart, sensitive animals, we can build awesome relationships based on trust and understanding.
Remember, they’re not just “big puppy dogs” — treating them right keeps them happy and strengthens the bond between us and our equine pals.
4. “Barn Cats Make AMAZING Companions!”
One big worry about barn cats is how much stress these little furballs can put on our horse friends. If a horse gets spooked and starts acting out, that could cause some accidents that aren’t good for either the horse or the cat. It’s really important to make sure horses feel safe where they are, and having a cat around might mess with that.
While barn cats are great for keeping the rodents in check, their hunting instincts can sometimes lead to trouble. They might go after other small critters that hang around the barn like lizards, frogs, or native birds, and that can be bad news for local wildlife. Cats can live an entirely enriched life indoors even on a property that has horses! See our other post here for cat enrichment ideas.
Another thing to think about is all the health stuff when it comes to your horses and your cats. Cats can bring in pests like fleas and ticks, which they might pass on to horses. Plus, some diseases can jump between species, making everyone in the barn a bit more at risk for getting sick. Toxoplasmosis is a big concern, because it has no preventatives or cure; it can cause severe psychological symptoms in human beings which makes it extremely difficult to diagnose. Keeping a healthy vibe for all the animals is super important, and adding a barn cat could mess with that balance.
5. “Only Rich People Even Ride.”
In recent years, horseback riding has become a lot easier and cheaper for more folks who love horses. There are tons of community programs and local riding schools popping up, offering beginner lessons at lower prices, so it’s way simpler for newbies to dive into the equestrian scene without the hefty cash outlay usually linked to owning a horse.
So, organizations like the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) and the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) are super cool because they provide awesome showing chances for students on registered teams. The best part? You don’t even need to own a horse to participate!
Wrapping Up
Understanding the truth about horses and debunking these common misconceptions is essential for fostering a positive relationship with these magnificent creatures, even if you’re not involved in the equine community. The next time you see a horse owner on social media, realize that horses need to be treated like horses!
Getting to know the unique quirks of horses and realizing how much they need care and social time helps us make sure they’re living their best lives. Whether you’re thinking about getting a horse, love watching them in action, or just admire them from a distance, learning about what makes them tick will help you appreciate them more. Every horse deserves love, attention, and a spot in our hearts — let’s be their biggest fans!
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