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.
https://madbarn.com
Gesamtlänge aller Episoden: 1 day 2 hours 45 minutes
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...
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...
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...
Can You Help Your Horse Live Longer?
Dr. Chris Mortensen discusses the factors contributing to the longevity of horses and shares strategies for extending their lives. The episode begins with a tribute to Rosie, an American quarter horse who lived to 36, showcasing the potential for horses to live well past their expected lifespan with proper care.
Dr. Mortensen addresses the advancements in equine healthcare, nutrition, and management that have increased horses' lifespan from historical norms...
Are Equestrian Sports Under Threat?
In this week’s podcast, Dr. Mortensen highlights broader concerns about the welfare and ethical treatment of horses in competitive sports. He mentions how the equine industry is under greater scrutiny. Dr. Mortensen also reflects on his experience at the International Society for Equitation Science (ISES) meeting in 2024, he discusses public perception, the scrutiny of horse sports, and the changing landscape of equine welfare...
Why Are We Running Out of Equine Veterinarians?
Dr. Chris Mortensen shares his journey from aspiring equine veterinarian to equine educator and scientist, addressing the challenges equine vets face including low compensation, high student debt, intense work hours, and the critical global shortage of equine veterinarians.
Despite these hurdles, Dr. Mortensen advocates for the profession, highlighting the rewards of equine veterinary medicine and providing insights on how individuals can support and appreciate their vets...
How Do Vaccines Affect Your Horse?
In this podcast episode, Dr. Chris Mortensen, an equine educator and scientist, emphasizes the vital role of vaccines in preventing deadly diseases in horses. He discusses the listener's impact on horse health, the dangerous spread of the West Nile virus in the early 2000s, and the critical importance of vaccinating against it and other diseases like tetanus and rabies.
Dr...
How Can We Protect Our Wild Horses?
The podcast discusses the issue of wild horses, primarily in the Americas, and the management practices observed. It throws light on the nuances of wild horse life, their evolution history, and significance to human culture.
Dr. Mortensen shares insights from interviews with wild horse advocates, discussing the management, adoption, and training of these animals. The narrative revolves around a famous wild stallion, Picasso, and the legacy he left behind...
Is There an Equine Obesity Epidemic?
The podcast discusses the issue of equine obesity, its detrimental effects on horse health, and ways to manage it. It highlights how overweight horses often face shorter lifespans and lower quality of life, emphasizing the need for responsible feeding practices.
Dr. Mortensen gives a retrospective on the life and work of Dr. Don Henneke, a pioneer in equine nutrition who introduced the Henneke body condition scoring system...
How Do Stereotypic Behaviors Impact Your Horses?
Dr. Chris Mortensen discusses abnormal horse behaviors, also known as 'stereotypic behaviors.’
Many of these behaviors, from cribbing, pacing, and weaving, can be linked to mental stress from confinement and dietary issues. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the causes of these behaviors, pointing out there's increased research and understanding which helps devise new strategies to alleviate these stresses.
Dr...