Mad About Horses

Latest Episodes:

What Impacts a Horse's Performance? Nov 27, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of the 'Mad About Horses' podcast, Dr. Chris Mortensen discusses the factors that influence equine athletic performance, including conformation, stride rates, confirmation, and gait.

He delves into stride length and frequency in thoroughbreds and quarter horses, explores how horses' basic anatomy enables their varied athletic abilities, and discusses how equine conformation relates to their athletic performance.

Dr. Mortensen also notes the need for defining traits based on specific disciplines and mentions upcoming topics that will highlight the importance of factors such as age, gender, behavior, diet, and breed in equine performance.

Podcast Timeline

00:00 Introduction to Horse Perception and Bonding

03:24 Understanding the Equine Athlete

04:00 Exploring Various Horse Competitions

05:47 The Impact of Confirmation on Horse Performance

06:00 The Influence of Horse Behavior on Performance

06:12 The Effect of Diet on Horse Performance

07:00 Understanding Horse Anatomy and Biomechanics

12:15 Gaits and Impacts on Horse Performance

12:35 Review of Gaits of Horses

25:15 Gait Evaluation for Sport Horses

28:12 Poor Confirmation in Sport Horses

30:13 Factors in Sport Horse Ability

32:45 The Importance of Stride Length and Frequency

41:00 Age and Gender Impacts on Horse Performance

43:13 Conclusion: The Fascination with Horses

You can learn more about Gaits by going ==>⁠HERE⁠<==

You can also watch the video ‘Horse in Motion’ ==>⁠HERE<==

Visit https://madbarn.com/mad-about-horses/ to learn more about the Mad About Horses podcast. --------------------------------- Mad Barn Academy is dedicated to supporting horse owners, handlers and practitioners through research, training and education. Visit us to learn more at https://madbarn.com You can also find Mad Barn at: ⁠Instagram @madbarnequine⁠

Facebook @madbarnequine

TikTok @madbarnequine

⁠YouTube @madbarn We would love to hear from you! Please send any questions or comments to ⁠podcast@madbarn.com

The Most Popular Horse Breeds Nov 15, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of 'Mad About Horses', Dr. Chris Mortensen, an equine science researcher and educator, discusses several popular horse breeds from around the world. A personal recount of his experience with horses opens the discussion, including famous racehorse Secretariat.

The show explores breeds like Arabian, American Quarter Horse, and Thoroughbred - some of the most populous breeds globally. Some of the unique pony and draft horses, such as Fallabella and Shire horse, are also highlighted.

Interesting facts about the genetics and origins of these breeds are shared, amidst discussions about select horse breeds potentially going extinct. Dr. Mortensen takes listeners through a deep dive into horse breed history, genetics, breed-specific health issues, and their impactful roles in human history and culture.

Podcast Timeline

00:00 Introduction and Personal Horse Stories

03:46 The Fascinating World of Horse Breeds

05:05 The Intriguing History of the Arabian Horse

05:28 The Importance of Understanding Horse Breeds

06:50 Exploring the Diversity of Horse Breeds

08:17 The Oldest Horse Breeds and Their Influence

19:00 The Popularity and Characteristics of the Arabian Horse

23:32 The American Quarter Horse: The Most Populous Breed

28:13 The Thoroughbred: A Breed Loved by Many

30:28 The Role of Genetics in Horse Breeds

35:06 The Unique Characteristics of Draft Horses

39:50 The Diversity and Charm of Pony Breeds

42:57 Conclusion and Appreciation for Horses

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How Do Horses See the World? Nov 14, 2023

Show notes

In this podcast, Dr. Chris Mortensen elaborates in-depth about how horses perceive the world through their senses of sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste. Human interactions with horses often rely on understanding these senses, which differ significantly from human sensory perceptions.

Horses have strong monocular vision, wide hearing ranges, and a keen sense of smell. They also possess a sophisticated sense of touch, central to training and bonding, and dichromatic taste perception.

Understanding these sensory capabilities, which evolved over millions of years, is key to forging stronger relationships with these remarkable creatures and promoting their well-being.

Podcast Timeline

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:05 Imagining a Wild Scenario: The Cougar and the Horses

04:10 The Importance of Understanding How Horses Navigate Their Environment

04:56 The Predators Horses Face in Different Regions

06:05 The Importance of Understanding Horse Senses

07:36 The Role of Imagination in Understanding Horses

06:58 The Importance of Sight in Horses

20:05 Understanding the Hearing Sense in Horses

26:53 The Role of Smell and Taste in Horses

32:01 Understanding the Sense of Touch in Horses

36:16 Conclusion and Housekeeping

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Horses & Donkeys Around the World Nov 14, 2023

Show notes

In this podcast episode, Dr. Chris Mortensen delves into the vast population of horses, donkeys, zebras - collectively known as equids - across the globe.

He provides a snapshot of where these creatures live, their respective numbers, and the key roles they play in various societies. The episode also tracks their impressive journey from the wild plains of Africa to becoming domesticated animals around the world.

Dr. Mortensen highlights that even in our technologically advanced era, equids are still instrumental to many global economies, supporting livelihoods and contributing towards cultural heritage. The podcast also details the equid population in different continents and countries, the density of horses per thousand people, and provides an overview of the wild equid species presently in the world.

Podcast Timeline

00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdotes

04:05 The Role of Horses and Donkeys in Global Economies

04:46 The Horse Industry in the United States

06:00 The Historical Significance of Horses

10:06 The Global Distribution of Horses

14:14 The Horse Population in Different Countries

29:55 The Global Donkey Population

33:39 The Global Mule Population

35:00 The Population of Wild Equids

38:45 Conclusion and Contact Information

Visit https://madbarn.com/mad-about-horses/ to learn more. --------------------------------- Mad Barn Academy is dedicated to supporting horse owners, handlers and practitioners through research, training and education. Visit us to learn more at https://madbarn.com You can also find Mad Barn at: ⁠Instagram @madbarnequine⁠

Facebook @madbarnequine

TikTok @madbarnequine

⁠YouTube @madbarn We would love to hear from you! Please send any questions or comments to ⁠podcast@madbarn.com

Domestication of the Horse: An Enduring Bond Nov 14, 2023

Show notes

In this compelling episode, Dr. Chris Mortensen delve into the rich history and intriguing theories behind the domestication of horses.

He discusses ancient DNA studies, their impact on our understanding of horse and donkey evolution and domestication, and how language played a crucial role in tracing human migration patterns. The primary focus is on the domestication of the Equus ferus into modern day Equus caballus or the common domestic horse.

Dr. Mortensen in his discussion extends to the unique shaping of shared histories between the horses, donkeys, and humans, the geographical expansion of domesticated horses, as well as the development of horse riding technology such as bridles, saddles and stirrups. The episode concludes by asserting the continued relevance and interest in the history of horse domestication.

05:25 Impact of 'Valley of Horses' and First Human-Horse Interaction

06:30 Significance of Horse Domestication in Human History

06:47 Understanding the Process of Horse Domestication

07:07 The Connection Between Humans and Horses

07:45 The Importance of Horse Domestication in Technological Innovations

08:45 The Influence of Horse Domestication on Human Culture and Language

09:35 Understanding the Terms: Wild, Feral, and Tame

12:35 The Process of Domestication Explained

14:02 The Silver Fox Study and Its Insights into Animal Domestication

23:55 The Bowtie Peoples and the Controversy of Horse Domestication

34:40 The Yamnaya Culture and the Spread of Domestic Horses

39:55 The Simultaneous Domestication of Donkeys

41:50 Advancements in Equids and Horses

46:05 Conclusion and Future Topics

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Rise of Equus Nov 14, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of "Mad About Horses," we dive into the fascinating world of equine evolution. We embark on a journey that takes us from the distant past, over two and a half million years ago, to the present day, exploring the origins of the modern horse and its various relatives.

Here's a summary of the key points covered in this episode:

Introduction

The episode begins by setting the stage, emphasizing the evolution of Equus and how it led to today's horse species inhabiting every continent except Antarctica.

The Pleistocene Era

The scene is set in the Pleistocene era, approximately two and a half million years ago, when the continents resembled their current shapes.

The Earth was going through multiple ice ages, particularly in the northern hemisphere, covering regions like Asia, Europe, and North America with large ice sheets.

This era was characterized by the presence of megafauna, including mammoths, mastodons, giant ground sloths, and saber-toothed cats.

Introducing Hagerman's horse (Equus simplicitans), a unique equid with a horse or zebra-like body and a donkey's head. Its appearance is inferred to be rustic, possibly with striping coat patterns and dense fur due to the cold climate.

Hagerman's horse inhabited the icy tundra of Alaska during this frigid time.

The Journey West

The podcast invites listeners to envision a small band of Hagerman's horses, comprising a stallion, mares, young foals, yearlings, and two-year-olds, struggling to survive in the cold and barren environment. They scrape away snow and forage for grass, lichen, and other available vegetation.

As the ice age continued, this small band decided to move westward, crossing the large ice sheet connecting North America to Asia.

The journey was challenging, marked by adverse weather conditions, scarcity of food, and a relentless drive to move west.

Despite the hardships and limited resources, they eventually reached Asia and found the sustenance they needed, possibly pushing further south into suitable grasslands to rebuild their reserves.

The Significance of Understanding Equine Evolution

We emphasizes the importance of tracing the history of modern horses, explaining that it provides valuable insights into their behavior, diet, and domestication.

The podcast touches on how humans have influenced the evolution of horses and how equids' history is interconnected with our own.

The Divergence of Equids

The episode mentions that horses were present in South America and North America but only had the opportunity to migrate to South America about three million years ago due to the formation of the Isthmus of Panama.

Horses lived in the Americas for millions of years until their extinction about 10,000 years ago, potentially due to early human influence.

Modern Equids and Their Diversity

The podcast provides an overview of the modern equids, categorizing them into two lines: cabaline (true horses) and non-cabaline (zebras, wild asses, and donkeys).

It highlights the distinction between Przewalski horses and domestic horses, underlining their genetic differences.

Various species, such as zebras and wild asses, are introduced, with insights into their populations, geographical distribution, and chromosome counts.

Donkeys, with 62 chromosomes, are also discussed, along with the unique genetic makeup of mules, which result from mating a female horse with a male donkey.

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The Horse is Human's Best Friend Nov 14, 2023

Show notes

Horses have been humankind's constant companions for thousands of years, and their hoofprints have left an indelible mark on our world. In this thought-provoking introductory episode, we delve into the profound influence horses have had on human evolution and history.

We start off by asking you to contemplate all the animals that have most significantly impacted human history. This thought experiment leads us on a journey through time, from the moment a brave human first mounted a wild equid, Equus ferus, to the countless ways in which horses have transformed our lives.

This episode highlights the importance of horses in changing geopolitics, boundaries, and how we travel and trade. We do recognize the role of donkeys and their significance in various parts of the world.

Throughout this episode, we explore the domestication of various animals, such as sheep, pigs, cattle, and chickens, and how they have influenced human history by altering food production and lifestyle. Horses, however, remain at the forefront of our conversation due to their unmatched athleticism and adaptability.

We also recognize the contributions of cats in controlling rodent populations and the deep bond between humans and dogs, which have been our loyal companions for millennia. This episode also touches upon research involving animals like horses and chickens, showing how these creatures have contributed to various aspects of human life and well-being.

At the end of the episode, we emphasize the irreplaceable role of horses in our history and encourage listeners to appreciate the profound impact these animals have had on human evolution. It is a reminder of the enduring connection we have with animals, with the horse standing out as a critical and influential partner throughout our shared history.

---------------------------------- "Mad About Horses" with Dr. Chris Mortensen PhD is the definitive podcast for all equine enthusiasts. Presented by Mad Barn, this podcast delves deep into the multifaceted universe of the horse and how we can make the world a better place for all equids. Dr. Mortensen is a renowned equine scientist and educator, who brings his passion for horses and his wealth of knowledge to diverse topics ranging from the ancient history of horse domestication to the latest advances in equine health, training and management. Whether you're a professional rider, a horse breeder, or someone who simply loves the sound of hooves on a morning trail, Mad About Horses is your weekly dose of all things equine.

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Why Are There So Many Horse Breeds? Nov 14, 2023

Show notes

Why are there so many horse breeds in the world? What are the different breeds of horses and what differentiates them? When did selective breeding for horses first begin? Dr. Chris Mortensen, an equine science researcher and educator with over 20 years of experience, tells us the fascinating story of why there are so many horse breeds. He starts off this episode by discussing the mysterious disappearance of wild horses from the Americas 10,000 years ago.

We jump into how horses made a comeback in the 1500s with the arrival of the Spanish and other Europeans to the Americas. We start with a story of a horse found in Haiti, dating back to the Spanish community of Castile in May 1572. It was four hundred years later that archaeologists uncovered parts of his remains, revealing his long-forgotten story. Exploring Horse Breeds

Dr. Mortensen then discusses the importance of horse breeds in understanding equine behavior, capabilities, and health. Then a brief discussion on breed-specific characteristics and how they influence what activities horses are suitable for. This is followed with a discussion on breed registries, their rules, and the impact on a horse's value. To include an overview of breed regulations, such as those of Thoroughbreds (Jockey Club) and the American Quarter Horse Association. Understanding Horse Breeds The definition of a horse breed is a group with a common origin and distinguishable characteristics passed on to their offspring. Breed registries are the governing body of most breeds by setting rules and maintaining stud books. There are a variety of horse breeds, and they have important breed-specific characteristics. We explain the categories of horse breeds: light breeds (riding types), heavy breeds (draft horses), and pony breeds. Then provide an explanation of the terms hot-blooded, warm-blooded, and cold-blooded in relation to horse temperaments. Genetic Insights into Horse Breeds We are now able to trace horse lineages through mitochondrial DNA, revealing historical insights. Maternal lineages show us the horse’s roots with the slow mutation rate of mitochondrial DNA. This is important as genetics helps us under the many genetic disorders we see in many horse breeds. Genetics also are important of breeding selection. Genetic diseases like hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HYPP) and severe combined immunodeficiency are a result of heavily selected breeding. The Evolution of Horse Breeding We briefly discuss the historical overview of horse breeding: from domestication to the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and beyond. Emergence of breed registries, standards, and specialization during the industrial revolution. Then the explosion of horse breeding in the 1800s and 1900s, leading to the diverse breeds we see today.

The Journey of the Colonial Caribbean Horse (Continued):

We pick back up the story of the discovery of a Colonial Caribbean horse in Haiti in the 1980s. Extraction of DNA and analysis linked it to the Chincoteague Pony, and the Caspian horse. The Caspian horse, thought to be the oldest domesticated breed, with a significant role in the development of modern horse breeds. Efforts to conserve the Caspian horse as a representation of ancient equine history.

Conclusion

Stay tuned for upcoming episodes where Dr. Chris Mortensen delves into specific breeds, their characteristics, and the fascinating stories behind these horses.

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Origins of the Horse Oct 23, 2023

Show notes

Dr. Chris Mortensen traces the evolutionary path of horses beginning about 65 million years ago during the age of dinosaurs, leading to the present day. He discusses how massive environmental and other changes influenced the physical development and nature of horses over the years.

Dr. Mortensen describes how early horses went from a forest-dwelling, four-toed creature called Eohippus, to a single-toed, grassland-residing equid through the process of evolution and adaptability. He also touches upon various species of early horses, interpreting their survival or extinction based on how they adapted to the changing world. In addition, the show explains how the nature of horses made them a classical representation of evolution.

The first part of this evolution series wraps up with a look at the proto-horse Marychippus, setting the stage for the emergence of the Equus genus, to be discussed in the next episode.

Podcast Timeline

00:00 Introduction to the Evolution of Horses

00:00 The World 65 Million Years Ago

00:51 The Impact of the Fifth Mass Extinction

01:26 Survival and Evolution Post-Extinction

02:18 The Emergence of Eohippus: The First Horse

04:46 Understanding Evolution and Fossil Formation

05:48 The Evolutionary Journey of Horses

25:19 The Transition from Forests to Grasslands

31:10 The Emergence of Single-Toed Horses

32:12 The Modern Day Genus of Equus

33:26 Conclusion and Future Discussions