Your horse’s head, face, and mouth comprise sensitive nerves, bone, and soft tissue. While many of us focus on saddle fit, bridles and bits often get overlooked as a cause of discomfort. Bits can cause mouth pain and injury, and research shows many nosebands are adjusted too tight to the point of cruelty. Is your horse wearing the right bit and bridle? Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews Dr. Hilary Clayton, Professor and Mary Anne McPhail Dressage Chair Emerita at Michigan...

From learning theory and counterconditioning to supplements and pharmaceutical options, we’ll take a look at ways to safely help nervous, high-strung, and energetic horses relax.  Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews Camie Heleski, PhD, and Jenny Biehunko, PhD. You’ll learn about different health conditions that might contribute to a horse’s anxiety, how to handle a herd bound horse, different medications and supplements to help horses relax, and much more!  This event is...

Equine nutritionists and veterinarians agree: Forage should be the cornerstone of the equine diet. Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews Dr. Laurie Lawrence, of the University of Kentucky, and Dr. Stephen Duren of Performance Horse Nutrition. You'll learn about different forage options for horses, including beet pulp, alfalfa, and more.  This event is brought to you by Standlee Premium Western Forage.  Dr. Laurie Lawrence is an equine programs professor in the University of...

Few horses are lucky enough to have constant, year-round access to fresh, green grass, which provides the best natural source of vitamin E. This powerful antioxidant supports muscle and nerve health. Is your horse getting enough? Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews Dr. Carrie Finno. You'll learn about horses' vitamin E requirements, signs of a vitamin E deficiency, and how natural sources of vitamin E compare to synthetic vitamin E.  This event is brought to you by Kentucky...

Do you manage a pastures for your horses? Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews Krishona Martinson, PhD, MS, of the University of Minnesota Equine Extension Program. You’ll learn about grass health, maintenance, rotational grazing, weed control, dry lots, and much more. Dr. Krishona Martinson, is a professor of equine science and leads the University of Minnesota Extension Horse Program and is an equine extension specialist. Her applied research program focuses on improving...

Sometimes we as horse people get stuck in our traditions and habits or are influenced by mythology and marketing. But is there a better way? Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews Dr. Camie Heleski of the University of Kentucky. You’ll learn about how equine welfare plays an important part in training and managing horses, how  equine welfare is measured, improvements we can make to our horses’ housing and lifestyles in order to improve their wellbeing, and much more. Dr. Camie...

How cold is too cold to ride? Does your horse need a blanket? What should your horse eat during frigid weather? Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews Karen Waite, PhD of Michigan State Extension. You'll learn about blanketing, winter horse nutrition, preventing injuries in icy pastures, and how to encourage horses to drink water during the colder weather.  Dr. Karen Waite is part of Michigan State Extension, where she serves as an academic specialist and coordinator of the...

Do you have a young horse in your life? Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews Dr. Brian Nielsen, a professor and researcher at Michigan State University. You'll learn about the importance of nutrition and exercise for growing foals, common developmental disorders, and how training can impact a horse's bone growth and development. Dr. Brian Nielsen is an animal science professor at Michigan State University, where he teaches senior level courses in equine exercise physiology and...

Surviving natural disasters becomes even more complicated when you’re responsible for horses and other animals. Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews emergency planning expert Rebecca Gimenez-Husted, PhD. You'll learn about resources and information you need prior to a disaster, what supplies you'll need if you evacuate or shelter in place, and how you can keep both yourself and your horse safe during wildfires, tornadoes, and other disasters. Dr. Rebecca Gimenez-Husted is the...

Aging horses often require individualized care to keep them comfortable and happy. Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews Dr. Bryan Waldridge of Park Equine in Lexington, Kentucky. You'll learn about managing older horses with PPID (equine Cushings) and metabolic syndrome, how to help the arthritic older horse, the special nutritional needs of senior horses, colic risk, and more. Dr. Waldridge is a veterinarian at Park Equine Hospital, in Lexington, Kentucky. He also serves as a...

Your horse’s feet are his foundation. What does a healthy hoof look like? Does your horse need shoes, or is he fine barefoot? And what about hoof boots? Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews Dr. Scott Fleming, and equine podiatrist at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, in Lexington, Kentucky. You'll learn how to work with your farrier (or trimmer) and veterinarian to ensure your horse’s feet receive the right care. Dr. Fleming, originally from Northeast Texas, grew up riding...

Summer is a great time to get out and enjoy your horse, but the season also comes with management challenges. As ambient temperatures rise, so does your horse’s risk of overheating. Horse trailers can become sweltering, stalls stifling, and exercise dangerous. Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews Dr. Jeanette "Jay" Mero. You'll learn how to protect your horse from the heat during this information-packed hour.  Dr. Mero graduated from Cornell University’s College of Veterinary...

Bugs are beyond annoying for our horses. Insects spread diseases—some of them deadly—and can cause irritating and performance-limiting allergic reactions. Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews Erika Machtinger, PhD. You'll learn how to protect your horse during this information-packed hour, which covers stable flies, face flies, mosquitoes, gnats, ticks, and more. You'll also hear Dr. Machtinger's advice about selecting and applying the most effective fly sprays and using...

Laminitis is one of the most common diseases in horses, and it has many different causes. Is your horse an easy keeper? He might be at risk. Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews Teresa Burns, DVM, and Jane Manfredi, DVM. During this information-packed podcast, you'll learn about endocrine-related laminitis in horses with conditions such as PPID, equine metabolic syndrome, and insulin resistance. The veterinarians also discuss which horses are more at risk for developing...

Choosing the right diet for your horse can be a daunting task. Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews Clair Thunes, PhD, an independent equine nutritionist. You'll learn about horses' calorie requirements and how to safely change your horse's diet. Dr. Thunes also explains the differences between complete feeds, ration balancers, concentrates, and hay or forage pellets, as well as how to know your horse is getting the nutrients he or she needs.  Dr. Thunes owns Summit Equine...

Join our host, Michelle Anderson of TheHorse.com, as she interviews Dr. Kevin Haussler about equine back pain during April 2019's Ask The Horse Live, a live event that focuses on your horse health questions. Dr. Haussler is an associate professor at the Colorado State University (CSU) Orthopaedic Research Center, where his research focuses on the equine neck and back. During this hour, you'll learn about what causes horses to experience back pain, how it’s diagnosed, and how to make your...

Why are there so many equine infectious anemia cases in the news, and how can you protect your horse from this deadly disease? Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews Dr. Angela Pelzel-McCluskey, the equine epidemiologist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and Veterinary Services. You'll learn more about EIA, why it's important to test your horse annually, and how to protect your horse. Dr. Pelzel-McCluskey is based...

Dr. Ryan Ferris answers questions about breeding mares and stallions and producing top-quality, healthy foals during this archived Q&A. We cover everything from selecting the right parents to gestational care to ensuring your foal’s safe delivery.

From initial diagnosis to hoof care and bisphosphonate use, find out the newest information about this debilitating condition.

Learn about the core vaccines recommended by the American Association of Equine Practitioners and the five deadly diseases they prevent.

How can you keep your horse healthy when going to horse shows, trail rides, or events? And what about bringing new horses into a boarding stable? Learn about practical biosecurity measures to protect your horses.

Lyme disease is notoriously difficult to diagnose and has (or might not have) a myriad of vague (or not-so-vague) clinical signs in horses. Learn about this tick-borne disease and get your questions answered during our live Q&A.

Horses are one of the most susceptible species to botulism. Find out how to protect your horse from this deadly neurologic disease.

Wildfires and barn fires present a real threat to horse and human safety. Learn how to make your property fire-free during this Q&A.

Did you know your horse could be suffering from equine Cushing’s disease long before his coat gets shaggy and curly? Here’s how veterinarians recognize subtle signs so they can intervene early.