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.
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Gesamtlänge aller Episoden: 1 day 4 hours 30 minutes
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...
Why Do So Many Horses Still Die From Colic?
This episode of the equine podcast provides an in-depth discussion on colic in horses.
The host, Dr. Chris Mortensen, draws from his personal experience and academic expertise to provide insights on identifying signs of colic, understanding its causes, prevention strategies, and possible treatments...
Why Horse Welfare is Critical to Your Horses
In this podcast, Dr. Chris Mortensen, an equine educator and scientist, discusses the five domains model of animal welfare, emphasizing their importance in the management and care of horses.
The discussion unfolds with gratitude towards the listeners, a personal account of meeting renowned autistic animal welfare expert Temple Grandin, and an introduction to the five domains - nutrition, physical environment, health, behavioral interactions, and mental state...
The Amazing Journey Every Newborn Foal Takes Into the World
In this episode of 'Mad About Horses', equine reproductive physiologist Dr. Chris Mortensen talks about the exciting and incredible process of horse reproduction and birth.
Using the example of a mare named Tari and her foal, Prairie Rose, he explains various stages of labor, the differences in horse pregnancy compared to other animals, and the importance of early bonding and colostrum for the newborn foal.
Dr...
What Makes Mares Tick?
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...
How Have Feeds for Horses Changed Since Ancient Greece?
In this podcast, Dr. Chris Mortensen discusses the fascinating evolution of horse feeding practices and equine nutrition over the years, from ancient civilizations to modern times. He remarks on his personal experiences feeding horses and the remarkable changes in the field within the past few decades...
How Much Do Equestrians Spend On Their Horses
In this episode of 'Mad About Horses', Dr. Chris Mortensen reflects on the emotional investment in horse ownership, and then delves into the financial side of owning and caring for horses. He talks about his personal experiences, the benefits of horse riding for health and mental wellbeing, and the various costs involved...
The Many Benefits of Horse Riding
Dr. Chris Mortensen, an equine researcher and educator, discusses the profound benefits of horse riding and ownership in this episode of Mad About Horses.
Beyond physical benefits such as improved posture, muscular strength, flexibility, and heart rate, Mortensen highlights psychological advantages like stress reduction, mood enhancement, increased self-esteem, and a heightened sense of control...
What We Owe Our Gentle Giants
Dr. Chris Mortensen tells the history of draft horses and their considerable influence on many aspects of society like farming, transportation and industrialization. He talks about their manifestation following the prohibition era in the United States and their subsequent popularization through the Anheuser-Busch Clydesdales.
Dr. Mortensen introduces the term 'horsepower' and discusses its origin in relation to the strength of a draft horse...