This episode focuses on the reproduction process in horses, telling the story of a mare named Tari. From the first signs of estrus, to the miraculous journey of the sperm cell, to the pregnancy paradox, where the mother's immune system tolerates the half-foreign DNA of the embryo, Dr. Chris Mortensen walks through the intricate process of equine pregnancy and childbirth. As part of the reproductive journey, we also understand the behavior changes in mares due to hormones. The episode also touches on safety concerns regarding the use of hormone supplements in mares like Regumate. Dr. Mortensen emphasizes the information in this episode is crucial for anyone working with mares, particularly during the breeding season, and fosters an appreciation for the intricate biological processes involved in equine reproduction.  Podcast Timeline 00:00 Introduction and Request for Sharing 00:28 The Story of Tari 00:49 Understanding the Reproductive Cycle of Mares 02:03 The Role of Hormones in Mare Reproduction 03:45 Introduction to the Host and the Podcast's Focus 04:51 The Importance of Mares in Horse Breeding 05:43 Understanding the Differences in Male and Female Horses 06:13 The Challenges of Managing Mares 07:25 The Host's Personal Journey in Equine Reproduction 08:10 The Miracle of Life in Horses 10:40 The Breeding Season of Horses 12:44 The Role of Hormones in Horse Breeding 21:50 The Impact of Hormones on Mare Behavior 26:08 The Risks of Using Hormone Supplements in Horse Breeding 30:23 The Journey of Pregnancy in Mares 36:19 The Miracle of Birth in Horses 44:15 Conclusion and Request for Sharing   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 X (Twitter) @madbarnequine We would love to hear from you! Please send any questions or comments to ⁠[email protected]