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: ⁠ Instagram ⁠⁠@madbarnequine⁠ ⁠⁠ Facebook ⁠⁠@madbarnequine⁠⁠ TikTok ⁠⁠@madbarnequine⁠⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠⁠ @madbarn ⁠⁠ We would love to hear from you! Please send any questions or comments to ⁠[email protected]