Mad About Horses

Why Pasture Management Matters for Horses Jul 29, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Dr. Chris Mortensen discusses the critical aspects of pasture management for horses and other equids. Highlighting his experience with the endangered Somali wild ass, Dr. Mortensen explains the importance of continuous grazing behaviors in wild and domestic equids. He covers a wide range of topics including the benefits of productive pastures, appropriate forages, soil testing, rotational grazing, mowing, harrowing, and weed control. This detailed guide is essential for horse owners and enthusiasts looking to optimize their pasture land use, reduce costs, and ensure the health and happiness of their animals.

Podcast Timeline

00:00 Introduction to the Somali Wild Ass

00:36 Behavioral Study in Florida

02:14 Observations on Equid Foraging

05:09 Importance of Pasture Management

05:46 Nutritional Needs of Horses

06:58 Benefits of Pastures for Horses

10:55 Determining Pasture Acreage

14:53 Types of Forages and Their Growth

21:20 Soil Health and Fertilization

25:39 Grazing Systems and Management

36:41 Weed Control and Pasture Maintenance

39:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Visit https://madbarn.com/mad-about-horses/ to learn more about the Mad About Horses podcast.

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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: ⁠

What Careers Are Available in the Equine Industry? Jul 22, 2024

Show notes

Dr. Chris Mortensen shares his journey from aspiring veterinarian to equine educator and highlights the diverse career opportunities in the equine industry. He discusses traditional roles like veterinarians, farriers, and trainers as well as less commonly known careers such as equine photographers and insurance agents. Salary ranges and qualifications for various jobs are detailed, emphasizing the thriving nature of the equine industry. The episode encourages listeners, especially young people, to explore their passion for horses through the numerous career paths available.

Podcast Timeline

00:00 A Childhood Dream of Veterinary Medicine

01:01 Discovering a Passion for Equine Studies

02:35 Exploring Careers in the Equine Industry

03:14 The Vast Opportunities in the Equine Industry

07:40 Diving into Equine Health Careers

11:29 The Role of Equine Veterinary Technicians

14:13 Equine Dentistry: A Specialized Field

16:22 Equine Reproductive Specialists

21:39 Alternative Equine Health Careers

23:28 The Importance of Farriers in Equine Care

25:05 Consulting Your Veterinarian

25:13 The Role and Salary of Farriers

26:07 Exploring Unique Equine Careers

26:26 Equine Photography: Turning Passion into Profession

28:15 Equine Event Coordinators: Behind the Scenes

29:46 Equine Journalism: A Changing Field

30:54 Equine Insurance Agents and Appraisers

32:42 Equine Product Sales Representatives

34:13 Equine Training and Riding Instructors

37:11 Therapeutic Riding and Behavior Specialists

39:01 Stable Managers and Barn Hands

42:27 Equine Nutritionists: A Specialized Field

45:55 Conclusion: Opportunities in the Equine Industry

Visit https://madbarn.com/mad-about-horses/ to learn more about the Mad About Horses podcast.

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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: ⁠

What a Hay Analysis Can Tell You About Your Horse's Needs Jul 15, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Dr. Chris Mortensen shares a personal story to illustrate the importance of nutrients in hay for horses. He explains the critical need to test hay to ensure it meets the nutritional requirements of horses, emphasizing that visual appraisal alone is insufficient.

Dr. Mortensen discusses the methodology of hay sampling, the role of different nutrients, and the implications of soil nutrient content from various locations. He provides an overview of essential measurements in hay tests, such as dry matter, crude protein, fiber content, non-structural carbohydrates, and minerals. Lastly, he stresses the role of equine nutritionists and the necessity of supplementation to fill nutrient gaps in a horse's diet, advocating for regular hay testing and balanced nutrition for optimal horse health.

Podcast Timeline

00:00 Introduction and Personal Story

03:01 The Importance of Hay Quality

04:06 Nutrient Gaps in Forage

05:13 Regional Differences in Hay Nutrients

08:35 The Necessity of Hay Testing

21:15 How to Take a Hay Sample

25:52 Understanding Hay Test Results

45:11 Conclusion and Resources

Visit https://madbarn.com/mad-about-horses/ to learn more about the Mad About Horses podcast.

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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: ⁠

⁠YouTube⁠⁠ @madbarn ⁠⁠

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

How Important is the Equine Industry Today? Jul 08, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Dr. Chris Mortensen delves into the historical and present-day significance of horses, exploring how they have evolved from essential work animals to companions in the modern era. He discusses the global economic impact of the equine industry, highlighting its value of $300 to $400 billion and its support of millions of jobs worldwide.

Dr. Mortensen also addresses the diverse roles horses continue to play, from police and ranch work to therapeutic programs, while emphasizing their indelible bond with humans across various cultures and regions.

Podcast Timeline

00:00 A Day in the Life of Horses 200 Years Ago

01:50 Modern Day Horse Life

02:41 The Relevance of Horses Today

04:03 The Global Equine Industry

05:52 Economic Impact of the Horse Industry

08:22 Horses Around the World

16:00 Roles and Jobs of Horses Today

21:57 Economic Impact Analysis

25:20 Economic Impact of the Horse Industry

26:19 Horse Industry in the United States

29:41 Horse Industry in Canada

32:08 Horse Industry in Europe

34:01 Horse Industry in Australia

35:19 Demographics of Horse Owners

40:50 Therapeutic Benefits of Horses

44:20 Global Relevance of the Horse Industry

46:07 Conclusion and Call to Action

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: ⁠

⁠YouTube⁠⁠ @madbarn ⁠⁠

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

What Are Your Legal Responsibilities as a Horse Owner? Jul 01, 2024

Show notes

Dr. Chris Mortensen presents a comprehensive overview of equine liability laws around the world.

The podcast begins with a scenario involving Eli, a riding instructor, to highlight the importance of understanding and adhering to liability laws. Dr. Mortensen delves into various cases and legislations, including the Equine Activity Liability Act (EALA) prevalent in the United States, and similar laws in countries like Canada, Australia, and members of the European Union. He stresses the importance of liability insurance and waivers to protect equine professionals and horse owners from financial and legal risks.

The episode also discusses new and controversial laws in Germany, which restrict training horses under 30 months old. Throughout, Dr. Mortensen emphasizes the need for horse owners to stay informed and take reasonable precautions to prevent negligence and safeguard their equine activities.

Podcast Timeline

00:00 Introduction: A Riding Instructor's Dilemma

01:54 Meet Dr. Chris Mortensen: Equine Educator

02:16 Global Equine Liability Laws

04:19 Case Studies: Understanding Inherent Risks

05:51 Exploring Equine Liability Acts in the U.S.

16:25 International Perspectives on Equine Liability

32:12 The Controversial German Law on Young Horses

39:33 Protecting Yourself: Liability Insurance

42:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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: ⁠

⁠YouTube⁠⁠ @madbarn ⁠⁠

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

How to Protect Your Horses From Fly Borne Diseases Jun 24, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Dr. Chris Mortensen discusses the spread of fly-borne diseases in horses, including the examples of West Nile virus and African horse sickness.

Dr. Mortensen reflects on his personal experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and draws parallels with the rapid spread of diseases among horses. The podcast covers the transmission methods, signs, symptoms, and preventative measures for various diseases. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of good barn management, vaccination, and consulting with veterinarians to protect horses from these potentially deadly illnesses. Key diseases highlighted include Equine Infectious Anemia, Vesicular Stomatitis, and different types of Encephalomyelitis.

Podcast Timeline

00:00 Introduction to Fly-Borne Diseases

00:31 Personal Experiences and COVID-19

02:07 African Horse Sickness and Modern Transport

04:37 Historical Pandemics and Modern Implications

05:23 Global Movement of Horses and Disease Prevention

06:51 Understanding Fly-Borne Diseases

07:34 Transmission and Symptoms of Fly-Borne Diseases

10:12 West Nile Virus: A Case Study

13:04 Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA)

25:29 Preventing EIA and Other Fly-Borne Diseases

26:42 African Horse Sickness: A Global Threat

28:29 Global Spread of African Horse Sickness

29:27 Transmission and Impact of Midges

31:17 Forms and Symptoms of African Horse Sickness

33:05 Treatment and Prevention Strategies

35:15 Vesicular Stomatitis: A Regional Concern

38:19 Encephalomyelitis and West Nile Virus

41:41 Effective Barn Management Practices

48:06 Conclusion and Further Resources

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: ⁠

⁠YouTube⁠⁠ @madbarn ⁠⁠

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

How Best to Keep Horses Calm Jun 17, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Dr. Chris Mortensen explores the topic of keeping horses calm, sharing personal stories from his early years at the Del Mar racetrack, and delving into various aspects of horse behavior and safety.

He highlights the importance of understanding horse psychology, the genetic and environmental factors affecting horse temperament, and statistical data on equestrian-related injuries. The discussion covers effective training techniques, welfare considerations, and the potential benefits and limitations of calming supplements like tryptophan, magnesium, and alpha-casozepine.

Dr. Mortensen emphasizes the significance of positive reinforcement, consistent handling, and safety precautions to build a strong, calm relationship with horses.

Podcast Timeline

00:00 Introduction and Gratitude

00:45 Personal Experiences with Horses

03:21 Understanding Horse Behavior

03:57 The Importance of Keeping Horses Calm

12:04 Equestrian Injury Statistics

21:24 Factors Influencing Horse Calmness

31:17 Approaching Horses: The Left Side Tradition

33:39 The Importance of Horse Welfare

34:47 Exploring Calming Supplements

36:26 Tryptophan: A Closer Look

40:50 Magnesium's Effects on Horses

48:20 Alpha Casozepine: Promising Results

53:06 Final Thoughts on Calming Horses

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: ⁠

⁠YouTube⁠⁠ @madbarn ⁠⁠

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

Paris 2024: How the Top Equestrians Prepare Their Horses for the Olympics Jun 10, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, we delves into the captivating journeys of some of the most celebrated female equestrian champions, highlighting their extraordinary achievements and overcoming of barriers.

Dr. Mortensen invites guest Dr. Emily Gilbert, a regenerative neurobiologist and equestrian enthusiast, who shares insights on Team Canada's preparations and the logistical challenges faced by equestrian teams from around the world. Dr. Mortensen also discusses the preparation and training involved for equestrian athletes and their horses as they gear up for the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics.

The history of equestrian events in the Olympics is reviewed, along with the role of various horse breeds in these competitions. The episode wraps up by looking at the mental and physical preparations necessary for becoming an Olympic champion.

00:00 Breaking Barriers: Women in Equestrian Olympics

04:21 Preparing for the 2024 Paris Olympics

06:10 The History of Equestrian Sports in the Olympics

09:09 Olympic Equestrian Events: Schedule and Highlights

11:15 Training and Selection of Olympic Horses and Riders

14:51 Breeds and Bloodlines of Olympic Champions

20:39 Logistics and Challenges of Competing Internationally

27:52 Mental Preparation for Olympic Athletes

38:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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: ⁠