Earlier someone mentioned undigested seeds and thus weed problems. I personally used a bunch of old manure in my gardens this year, and even though the crap was collected from piles at least a year old I got weeds - lots of em. Composting is the way to go, but it requires more forethought than I put into it.
Horses ferment their feed in part of their small intestine. Cattle use their stomach (the rumen is one of four compartments of the stomach. Either way the animal is using bacteria, protazoa and yeast to break down the fiber in the feed into a usable substance (kind of like brewing). Both manures will have seeds in them, it just depends on the plant if they are viable. Manure should be composted prior to use so that the bacteria decomposition taking place in the manure (this is why you add water and oxygen to compost) will finish. Stay away from feedlot manure especially fresh. Very acidic and high in phosphorus. This will change your soil chemistry if you put in too much.
i would use chicken manure if you have it because it consistently has higher levels of Nitrogen and potassium, which are hops two best friends. i personally think cow and horse manure is only good for loosening up soil.
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