When Old Advice Doesn’t Hold Up: Myths in Equine Nutrition

Have you ever thought that feeding and managing horses in the past was less complicated than it is now? Well, you're not alone! For centuries, horse care has been built on tradition. Barn wisdom, passed from one rider to the next, often shaped how horses were fed and managed. While experience is valuable, nutrition science has advanced dramatically in the past few decades. We now know that some long-standing beliefs about feeding horses don’t always align with what research tells us today.

Let’s explore a few of the most common myths in equine nutrition, why they came about, and what modern science recommends instead.

Myth 1: “Oats make horses hot.”

For generations, horse owners have sworn that feeding oats makes horses excitable, fizzy, or “hot-blooded.” The reasoning was that oats are high in energy, so they must fuel hyperactive behavior.

What we know now:
Oats are indeed higher in starch than forages, but the link between feed type and behavior is far more nuanced. Studies show that behavior is not dictated by oats themselves, but by overall starch intake, how much is fed in one meal, and the individual horse’s metabolism. Horses prone to insulin resistance, ulcers, or tying-up may not do well on high-starch diets, but for many, oats remain one of the most digestible cereal grains available.

Modern takeaway: Oats aren’t automatically “bad.” If they fit into a horse’s calorie needs and are balanced with adequate forage and minerals, they can be a safe part of the diet. Behavior issues often have multiple roots—training, turnout, pain—not just feed.

Myth 2: “Protein makes horses hyper.”

Another old belief is that high-protein feeds overstimulate horses, making them difficult to handle. As a result, many owners once limited protein, fearing it would “rev up” their animals.

What we know now:
Protein does not provide “quick energy.” Horses use carbohydrates and fats for fuel, while protein is primarily needed for growth, tissue repair, and muscle development. Feeding more protein than necessary doesn’t lead to hot behavior—it usually just results in more nitrogen being excreted in urine, sometimes leading to stronger smells in the stable.

Modern takeaway: Protein is not the enemy. In fact, young, growing horses, broodmares, and performance horses often need more high-quality protein (especially key amino acids like lysine) than old feeding charts once recommended.

Myth 3: “Horses should be fed by the clock.”

Tradition says horses should be fed grain at set times, usually morning and evening, with strict adherence to the clock. Late meals, according to this wisdom, risk colic, ulcers, or stress.

What we know now:
Horses are grazing animals designed to eat almost constantly. Their stomachs produce acid 24/7, whether food is present or not. Instead of focusing on timed meals, what really matters is providing continuous forage access—hay or pasture—to keep the digestive system working smoothly. The danger isn’t a late meal; it’s long gaps without forage.

Modern takeaway: Think forage first. Grain or concentrates can still be offered at regular times, but it’s not about the clock—it’s about minimising fasting periods. Slow feeders, hay nets, or turnout on safe pasture can help mimic natural grazing.

Myth 4: “Horses need bran mashes to ‘clean them out.’”

For decades, a warm bran mash was a Sunday tradition in many barns. Owners believed it acted as a laxative, preventing colic by “flushing” the system.

What we know now:
Research shows that bran mash does not have a laxative effect. In fact, sudden changes to the diet—even just once a week—can disrupt the gut microbiome, increasing the risk of digestive upset. Wheat bran is also very high in phosphorus and low in calcium, which can unbalance mineral ratios if fed regularly.

Modern takeaway: A bran mash isn’t harmful as an occasional comfort food, provided the horse tolerates it. But it shouldn’t be relied on as a digestive aid. Instead, prevention of colic comes from consistent forage, hydration, exercise, and good management. Research has also shown that psyllium husk is better at clearing sand from the horse's digestive system. Products such as EAC In-Sandout and Sand Flush contain psyllium husk in a pellet form and can often be more palatable to horses than straight psyllium husk. 

Myth 5: “Fat horses are healthy horses.”

In the past, a plump horse was often seen as a sign of good care. A well-rounded barrel was considered healthy, especially in leisure or show horses.

What we know now:
We now recognise that equine obesity is a serious welfare issue. Overweight horses are at higher risk of laminitis, insulin resistance, joint strain, and metabolic syndrome. Studies show that even moderate fat accumulation along the crest or rump can indicate dangerous metabolic imbalances.

Modern takeaway: Body condition scoring is a better tool than the eye alone. A healthy horse should have visible ribs under light pressure and no large fat deposits. Nutrition plans should aim for a balance between energy intake and workload—not simply “more weight is better.”

Myth 6: “Supplements fix everything.”

The supplement industry has exploded in recent years, but the roots of this myth go back decades—owners believing that if a horse wasn’t thriving, a scoop of something extra in the feed would solve it.

What we know now:
Many supplements can be useful (electrolytes for performance horses, omega-3s for inflammatory conditions, biotin for hooves). But scientific evidence for others is mixed or limited. More importantly, supplements cannot fix an imbalanced base diet. If forage quality is poor or minerals are out of balance, no amount of powdered add-ons will correct the problem.

Modern takeaway: Start with the basics: forage analysis, a balanced ration balancer or mineral mix, and appropriate energy sources. Supplements should target specific needs, not serve as a band-aid for poor feeding practices.

Why Do These Myths Persist?

• Tradition and trust: Many of these practices were passed down from respected horsemen and women.

• Observation bias: If a horse seemed excitable after eating oats, it was easy to link the two, even if other factors were at play.

• Comfort in routine: Feeding by the clock or giving bran mashes became rituals that offered reassurance, even if they lacked scientific grounding.

Modern research hasn’t invalidated tradition—it has refined it. The key is combining practical experience with updated science for better outcomes.

Moving Forward: Balancing Tradition and Science

Horse owners don’t need to abandon everything their grandparents taught them. Instead, the goal is to question long-held beliefs with an open mind and apply new knowledge where it improves welfare and performance.

• Ask questions: Does this advice make sense biologically?

• Check research: Many equine universities and veterinary bodies publish accessible nutrition studies.

• Individualise diets: No two horses are the same—age, workload, health, and metabolism matter more than tradition alone.

Equine nutrition has come a long way from the days of bran mashes and feeding by the clock. While tradition gave us a foundation, science helps us move forward with healthier, more balanced diets tailored to each horse’s needs.

The next time you hear “oats make horses hot” or “fat horses are healthy,” remember: not all advice ages well. Your horse will thank you for questioning the myths and choosing a diet rooted in both care and evidence.