HOW DO WILD HORSES COPE? The answer is simple. Horses in the wild graze 18 hours a day on natural grass/vegetation and in the process also chew all of the granular dirt, pebbles, and sand associated with wild vegetation. Some of their razor sharp aberrant points wear down with the constant grinding of the teeth. Think of sharp rocks on a jetty into the ocean. The rocks at first are sharp and jagged but with the constant pounding of waves, they become smoother.


Horses in captivity are normally fed twice per day. While grazing time may be offered during turnout, it in no way compares to the 18- hour regimen the horses in the wild experience on a daily basis. In addition, we keep our horses when they’re well into their 30s. The normal life expectancy in the wild is generally much shorter. A wild horse’s extensive granular chewing will keep some of the sharp points in check for a while; as the points continue to grow and hooks, ramps, and broken teeth appear, the horse’s ability to eat decreases.


Everything changes with time (hopefully for the better) as our society becomes more advanced and educated. It is up to horse owners to determine what is best for their horses, what state-of-the- art advancements have been made in equine dentistry, and if floating is sufficient to ensure the optimum health and welfare of the friends they enjoy riding so much.


Dennis S. Chapman, an Equine Dental Practitioner owns STABLE 2 STABLE Equine Dental Practice P.C. (a Fully Insured Medical Malpractice Professional Corporation). He is a graduate of the American School of Equine Dentistry and practitioner with Te Academy of Equine Science.


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Holistic Horse™ • August/September 2012 • Vol.19, Issue 80 www.holistichorse.com | 13


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