Which statement about stocks is FALSE?

The statement that stocks provide a protective barrier to keep horses safe is misleading. While stocks do serve a purpose in restraining horses for veterinary procedures, they do not inherently provide a protective barrier in the sense of preventing injuries or ensuring safety from external threats. Instead, stocks are designed to confine the horse to minimize movement during examinations or treatments, which can sometimes lead to stress or discomfort.

In terms of the other statements, stocks can indeed make horses uncomfortable, particularly if they are not accustomed to such restraint. Close monitoring of the horse is facilitated by the confinement of stocks, allowing veterinary staff to observe the horse’s condition more effectively. Finally, stocks are widely recognized as an effective means of restraint for certain procedures, supporting the handling requirements of the practitioner while aiming to ensure the horse's safety to a degree.