This week’s podcast emphasizes the significance of recognizing and managing toxic plants to prevent equine fatalities. Dr. Chris Mortensen shares a heartbreaking story of a seven-year-old Arabian gelding that died from ingesting oleander, highlighting the vital need for horse owners to identify toxic plants in their horses' environments. Dr. Mortensen discusses resources and strategies for detecting, removing, and preventing toxic plant exposure, including utilizing the iNaturalist app for plant identification, engaging local officials or extension services for property inspections, and the importance of pasture management and proper feeding to discourage horses from ingesting harmful plants. The podcast aims to equip horse owners with the knowledge to protect their horses from plant toxicity, which is cited as a significant cause of death in horses worldwide. Dr. Mortensen underscores the podcast's mission of offering valuable educational content to improve equine health and welfare globally. Resources ASPCA Toxic & Non-Toxic Plants List HERE Website on iNaturalist app for identification HERE Podcast Timeline 00:00 Welcome and Gratitude: Engaging the Horse Enthusiast Community 00:38 The Dangers of Oleander: A Cautionary Tale for Horse Owners 05:01 Meet Dr. Chris Mortensen: An Introduction to Our Equine Expert 05:18 Understanding Plant Toxicity: The Serious Risks to Horses 06:06 Identifying Toxic Plants: Tools and Resources for Horse Owners 06:51 The Global Impact of Plant Toxicity on Horses 15:02 Why Horses Eat Toxic Plants: Exploring the Reasons Behind the Risk 21:21 Identifying and Managing Toxic Plants: Practical Advice for Horse Owners 27:21 Unlocking Plant Identification with Technology 27:39 Harnessing iNaturalist for Plant and Animal Identification 28:23 Practical Demonstration: Identifying a Toxic Plant 30:43 Understanding Plant Toxicity and Its Impact on Horses 32:32 Symptoms of Toxicity in Horses: What to Watch For 36:27 Strategies for Managing Toxic Plant Risks 40:38 Pasture Management and Preventive Measures 45:44 Concluding Thoughts and 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: ⁠ Instagram ⁠⁠@madbarnequine⁠ ⁠⁠ Facebook ⁠⁠@madbarnequine⁠⁠ TikTok ⁠⁠@madbarnequine⁠⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠⁠ @madbarn ⁠⁠ We would love to hear from you! Please send any questions or comments to ⁠[email protected]