37 episodes
Mad About Horses Mad Barn
-
- Kids & Family
-
-
5.0 • 38 Ratings
-
Mad About Horses is the definitive podcast from Mad Barn for all equine enthusiasts. Presented by Dr. Chris Mortensen, a renowned equine scientist and educator, this podcast delves deep into the multifaceted universe of horses.
Dr. Mortensen brings his wealth of knowledge to diverse topics ranging from the ancient history of horse domestication to the latest advances in equine health, training and management.
Whether you're a professional rider, a horse breeder, or someone who simply loves the sound of hooves on a morning trail, Mad About Horses is your weekly dose of all things equine.
-
Which Plants Are Toxic to Your Horse [+ How to Spot Them]?
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 podcast@madbarn.com -
When Should You Call Your Veterinarian?
In this episode, Dr. Chris Mortensen shares his experiences and insights on recognizing equine emergencies, the life of an equine veterinarian, and the importance of telemedicine in equine care.
Dr. Mortensen recounts a personal story about his horse, Buck, who came up lame one evening, prompting him to reflect on whether to call his veterinarian after hours. Through his narrative, he discusses a typical busy day in an equine vet's life, the challenges they face, and the reasons behind the declining number of equine veterinarians. He emphasizes the critical role of forming a
relationship with your vet and knowing when and how to contact them in case of an emergency.
In the podcast, Dr. Mortensen also provides guidance on assessing a horse's condition, what's considered an emergency, and the evolving field of telemedicine. The episode highlights the importance of understanding your horse's normal behavior and vital signs, being prepared for emergencies, and always expressing gratitude towards veterinarians.
Podcast Timeline
00:00 A Veterinarian's Long Day: Insights and Experiences
04:24 The Challenges of Being an Equine Veterinarian
05:35 Understanding Equine Emergencies: When to Call Your Vet
06:33 Building a Relationship with Your Veterinarian
08:53 Evaluating Your Horse's Health: Behavior and Vital Signs
21:19 Identifying and Responding to Equine Emergencies
28:00 A Personal Story of Equine Care: The Case of Buck
29:05 Understanding Equine Emergencies: When to Call the Vet
30:40 Practical Tips for Handling Injured or Distressed Horses
32:59 Identifying and Responding to Equine Health Emergencies
34:33 Navigating Non-Emergency Equine Health Concerns
37:46 The Outcome for Buck and Lessons Learned
39:20 Exploring Telemedicine in Equine Care
46:05 Global Perspectives and Legalities of Equine Telemedicine
47:30 Emergency Preparedness: What to Have in Your Barn
51:05 Concluding Thoughts and Encouragement
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 podcast@madbarn.com
-
Do You Know Your Equine Emergency Management Plan?
This podcast focuses on the importance of emergency management planning for horse owners, delving into personal experiences and expert advice to prepare for natural disasters such as hurricanes, wildfires, and floods.
Dr. Chris Mortensen, an equine educator and scientist, shares insights from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and Rita, emphasizing the need for preparedness. He offers practical steps for developing an emergency management plan, including risk assessment, deciding whether to evacuate or not, preparing your horse for evacuation, and protecting your property.
Dr. Mortensen highlights the significance of having a plan for both before and after a disaster strikes, ensuring the safety of horses and horse owners alike. The podcast aims to equip listeners with the knowledge and tools to mitigate risks and enhance resilience against natural disasters, urging them to share the information and foster a community of prepared and informed horse owners.
Podcast Timeline
00:00 Introduction to Emergency Management for Horse Owners
00:52 Personal Experiences with Natural Disasters
03:33 The Importance of Emergency Management Planning
05:41 Comprehensive Guide to Preparing for Natural Disasters
13:10 Identifying Risks and Developing an Emergency Plan
19:06 Evacuation Strategies and Practical Tips
24:21 The Criticality of Planning Ahead
28:00 The Importance of Evacuation and Horse Preparedness
28:30 Critical Horse Evacuation Tips: Trailer Loading and Vaccinations
31:51 Non-Evacuation Strategies and Property Protection
33:03 Deciding Between Barn or Pasture During Disasters
44:20 Post-Disaster Safety and Recovery
48:14 Building a Comprehensive Disaster Plan
50:52 Sharing and Reflecting on Emergency Management Plans
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 podcast@madbarn.com -
From Ships to the Sky, How Horses Travel the World
This episode delves into the fascinating history and science behind horse transportation, exploring how equine transport has evolved from ancient times to the present day. It begins with a captivating story to draw listeners into the topic before transitioning to a comprehensive exploration of horse transportation methods, including trailering and air travel.
Dr. Mortensen covers various aspects such as the stress horses experience during travel, international transport regulations, and the costs associated with flying horses for competitions like the Olympics. Practical advice on trailering horses safely and ensuring their well-being
during transport is also provided. Enriched with scientific studies and personal anecdotes, this podcast offers a deep dive into the logistics, welfare considerations, and historical context of moving horses across the globe.
Podcast Timeline
00:00 Introduction: How to Help Horses
00:47 A Tale of Adventure
07:46 From Fiction to Reality: The Journey of Horse Transportation
14:51 Historical Perspectives on Horse Transportation
20:46 Modern Horse Transport: Trailers, Airplanes, and Beyond
25:14 The Importance of Trailer Training for Horse Safety
29:57 The Logistics of Transporting Horses to Tokyo
30:40 Understanding Transportation Laws for Horses
32:10 The Process of Flying Horses Internationally
33:20 Pre-Flight Preparations and Quarantine Protocols
35:35 During the Flight: Managing Horse Stress and Care
36:26 Post-Flight Care and Quarantine for Horses
37:06 Costs and Considerations for Horse Transportation
38:19 Impact of Transport on Horses: Studies and Observations
38:53 Road Transport Stress on Horses
43:26 Transport's Effect on Sport Horses' Performance
45:07 Air Transport: Stress Levels and Adaptation
46:40 Trailering Stress and Diagnostic Testing for Horses
48:29 Essential Horse Trailering Tips
53:16 Concluding Thoughts on Horse Transportation
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 podcast@madbarn.com
-
What Does An Analysis of 6,515 Horse Diets Tell US?
This podcast, hosted by Dr. Chris Mortensen, takes an
in-depth look at horse nutrition and its pivotal role in maintaining the health and happiness of both horses and their owners.
This episode extensively covers the complexities of feeding horses, ways to analyze and optimize diets for better health outcomes, and strategies to reduce feed-related expenses. The dialogue emphasizes the
significance of consulting with equine nutritionists to tailor diets specific to individual horse needs, addressing common dietary deficiencies and the rising concerns around horse obesity.
Additionally, this week’s podcast explores the economic aspects of horsekeeping, offering advice on making cost-effective nutrition choices amidst inflation and rising feed
costs. The podcast wraps up with an announcement about a forthcoming free online introduction course on nutrition and calls for listener engagement through reviews and social media shares.
Podcast Timeline
00:00 Welcome to Our Equine Nutrition Journey
01:34 A Personal Story: The Impact of Proper Nutrition
04:19 Introducing Dr. Chris Mortenson: Equine Nutrition
Expert
04:32 The Basics of Horse Diets and Nutritional Needs
05:18 Understanding Costs and Dietary Advice
07:15 The Science Behind Horse Nutrition
12:37 Addressing Common Nutritional Deficiencies
22:22 Practical Tips and Tools for Horse Owners
43:25 Looking Ahead: Free Nutrition Courses and Community Engagement
46:39 Gratitude and Encouragement for Engagement
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 podcast@madbarn.com -
What is Your Horse's Personality Type?
In this episode, Dr. Chris Mortensen explores the concept of horse personalities, sparked by a listener's request and recent debates over anthropomorphism. Dr. Mortensen shares personal anecdotes, particularly about a horse named Brasco, to illustrate the intelligence and personality traits of horses.
Dr. Mortensen delves into the anthropomorphic critique, clarifying the importance of acknowledging animal cognition and emotions. The podcast further examines scientific studies and personality questionnaires that categorize horse personalities into different types, such as dominance, anxiousness, and sociability, highlighting breed differences and implications on welfare and management.
Dr. Mortensen emphasizes the complexity of horse personalities and their impact on veterinary care, advocating for respectful and informed horse management while providing resources for listeners to evaluate their horses' personalities.
00:00 Opening Gratitude and Introduction to Today's Theme
00:27 Exploring Horse Personalities: A Response to Criticism
04:58 Meet Dr. Chris Mortensen: An Equine Scientist's Perspective
05:02 The Science of Horse Personalities and Anthropomorphism
08:05 Understanding Animal Cognition and Sentience
14:40 Nature vs. Nurture: The Genetics and Environment of Horse Personalities
16:38 Breed Differences in Horses: Hot, Cold, and Warm Bloods
23:28 Diving into Horse Personality Types
26:58 Exploring Horse Personality Traits and Breed Characteristics
27:57 The Role of Genetics in Horse Behavior
28:28 Understanding Horse Anxiety and Excitability Across Breeds
29:22 Protection, Sociability, and Inquisitiveness in Horses
30:46 Addressing Anthropomorphism in Animal Behavior Studies
32:46 Diving Into the Equine Personality Questionnaire
42:58 Linking Horse Personalities to Pain Management and Veterinary Care
49:07 The Importance of Recognizing Individuality in Horses
50:35 Closing Remarks and Encouragement for Horse Lovers
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 podcast@madbarn.com
Customer Reviews
Mortensen is magic!
Followed Dr. Mortensen here from another podcast because I enjoyed listening to him and his stories so much. Every episode is informative and gets you really thinking, but Chris makes everything so relatable and easy to understand. Love it!
A Must Listen for Horse Owners, Riders, and Lovers
Thank you for this inspiring and informative podcast. As a lifelong horse lover and owner of a rescued Thoroughbred and a hardy QH, this podcast covers topics that I have still had questions about despite being around horses for almost 40 years. I love learning more about these wonderful creatures we have the honor of sharing our lives with. Dr. Mortensen clearly loves horses and his job, and that care for the horse and the person comes through in his tone, compassion, and knowledge. I especially appreciated the recent show about the issues surrounding America’s threatened wild horses. I hope that Dr. Mortensen will consider covering this topic again, especially with the recent separation of five-month old nursing foals from their mothers during helicopter roundups. Education from a veterinarian about the dangers of separating foals too early from their dams and the physical and mental trauma that causes some of these foals to be fatally injured is information the horse-loving public needs to be aware of. Thank you again for this enjoyable podcast!
Listen on way to barn :)
I get so excited when the intro comes on with all of the historic media mixed together to introduce the podcast each week. There’s secretariat racing weaved in with who I think is Queen Elizabeth, Judy Garland, and maybe even Mr Ed?! Then, an incredible podcast follows with Dr Chris Mortensen speaking on such amazing topics. Worth the listen!
Top Podcasts In Kids & Family
You Might Also Like