The internet is a remarkable resource readily available at our fingertips, anytime any day. How do you know what you are reading is accurate? How do you know if that source can be trusted? Below are some helpful tips to help interpret the abundance of equine-related articles out there on the internet.
Well known sites:
Start with sites you know and check the date. Anything older than five years of age justifies an additional search for newer material.
Publisher:
Who wrote the article? What are their credentials? Is the information published by a research institute like a university or college of veterinary medicine? If not, do more research.
Assessment:
You have now found several articles on your topic. Now assess the information you have accumulated. Was a study done on 15 or fewer horses? Conclusions drawn from larger study groups are more statistically reliable.
RED FLAGS:
When searching for information, stay away from absolute verbiage. For example, “Horses with Cushing’s Disease always have long, shaggy coats” or “Laminitic horses invariably stand with a camped-out stance.” Most educators give you several scenarios because no two horses are the same. Also, be cautious of products promoting “The Ultimate Supplement” to cure conditions. No such magic exists.
Pursue looking at research studies on equine-related data. And if that is not something you want to do, then turn to trusted publications like The Horse, which often cites and digests scientific articles into reader-friendly versions. Or ask your veterinarian!
