Mad Barn Academy

Thrush describes an infection that develops in the frog of one or more of the horse’s hooves, caused by a fungal or bacterial pathogen. Hooves with frogs that have deep sulci are prone to becoming infected with pathogens that cause thrush. Wet and dirty environments contribute to the development of this infection as thrush-causing pathogens flourish under these conditions. Typical signs of a thrush infection include hoof tenderness and a foul-smelling discharge from the hoof. Prompt treatment is necessary to stop the spread of the infection. Management strategies to prevent thrush and support recovery aim at keeping the horse’s living environment clean. This podcast reviews the causes, signs and treatment of thrush in horses. Read more: ⁠⁠https://madbarn.ca/thrush-in-horses/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠_______________________________ Mad Barn Academy is dedicated to supporting horse owners and equine practitioners through research, training and education. Visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://madbarn.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more resources, videos and articles.

Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Desmitis (DSLD) is a chronic condition in horses that affects connective tissue, including the suspensory ligament and other ligaments and tendons. This painful condition commonly leads to debilitating lameness. In horses with DSLD, the suspensory ligament progressively weakens causing hyperextension of the fetlock, hock, and stifle. The precise causes and mechanisms of DSLD are still an active area of research. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for DSLD and there are no reliable measures to slow disease progression. Supportive care including corrective shoeing, controlled exercise plans and pain relief can help lessen symptoms. This podcast reviews DSLD, its causes, signs and symptoms and best management practices. Read more: ⁠https://madbarn.ca/degenerative-suspensory-ligament-desmitis-in-horses/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠_______________________________ Mad Barn Academy is dedicated to supporting horse owners and equine practitioners through research, training and education. Visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://madbarn.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more resources, videos and articles.

Riding and working with horses poses some inherent risk of danger, but the risk is greater when working with an aggressive or moody horse. For this reason, horse owners often look to calming supplements to help make their horse more manageable and easier to train. Calming remedies are also used during stressful situations such as trailering, showing, farrier work, and veterinary visits. Despite their popularity, calming supplements may be one of the least studied supplement categories in horses. Behaviour can be hard to quantify which makes it a difficult topic for researchers to study. In this podcast, we evaluate the mechanisms, bioavailability, safety and efficacy of some of the most popular calming horse supplements available on the market today. We also rate the ingredients on the strength of the research evidence in horses. Read more: https://madbarn.ca/calming-supplements-for-horses/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠_______________________________ Mad Barn Academy is dedicated to supporting horse owners and equine practitioners through research, training and education. Visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://madbarn.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more resources, videos and articles.

Swayback, or equine lordosis, is characterized by a large dip in the spine of a horse, often resulting in a high wither and severe downwards curve to their topline. Swayback is more common in older horses and broodmares who have carried multiple large babies. Lordosis can also occur in younger horses with a genetic predisposition. Equine lordosis is caused by a failure of the ligament support structures along the length of the back. When the ligaments are weak, stretched, or compromised, the spine can sag toward the ground. Although shocking in appearance, equine lordosis does not usually mean a horse must be retired from all ridden work. With good management, these horses can remain sound and pain-free through their ridden career. Swayback horses require appropriate conditioning to strengthen their topline muscles. Special consideration must also be given to ensure proper saddle fit. This podcast reviews the causes and management considerations for swayback horses. Read more: https://madbarn.ca/swayback-horse/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠_______________________________ Mad Barn Academy is dedicated to supporting horse owners and equine practitioners through research, training and education. Visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://madbarn.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more resources, videos and articles.

A large, round belly doesn’t always mean your horse is overweight. Some horses have a hay belly that makes them appear pregnant, yet they may struggle to maintain enough body condition to cover their ribs. While multiple factors contribute to abdominal distention in horses, poor hindgut fermentation of high-fibre, low-quality forage is the primary culprit. These horses may not be getting enough energy and protein from their diet, leading to poor topline and body condition. Dietary changes or gut support are necessary to get rid of the hay belly. This podcast will review the causes of hay belly in horses and discuss how a balanced feeding program can prevent it. Read more: ⁠⁠⁠https://madbarn.ca/hay-belly-in-horses/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠_______________________________ Mad Barn Academy is dedicated to supporting horse owners and equine practitioners through research, training and education. Visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://madbarn.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more resources, videos and articles.

Soy is a common ingredient in many equine feeds. Different parts of the soybean can be used to provide protein, energy, and fiber in your horse’s diet. Soybeans are popular because of their versatility and affordability. Soy oil is a palatable fat source for horses who require additional calories. Soybean meal and roasted soybeans also have a superior amino acid profile compared to other commonly fed protein sources. This makes soy a desirable addition to the high-protein diets required by lactating and growing horses. However, there is a concern in the horse community about whether soy products are harmful. If you are concerned about your horse’s soy consumption, listen to this podcast. Read more: ⁠⁠https://madbarn.ca/soy-in-horse-feeds/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠_______________________________ Mad Barn Academy is dedicated to supporting horse owners and equine practitioners through research, training and education. Visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://madbarn.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more resources, videos and articles.

Your farrier and veterinarian will definitely agree that issues with your horse’s hooves can compromise the entire function of your horse. Hoof problems not only cause your horse pain and affect the weight-bearing ability of the foot but also lead to compensatory movements, which can cause issues and injuries in other parts of the body. Corrective shoeing is a common way to address or reduce the effects of many hoof issues. From navicular syndrome to laminitis to tendon and ligament injuries, appropriate corrective shoeing done by a qualified farrier can reduce pain and increase the likelihood of your horse continuing to move their best. Choosing the right type of corrective horseshoes when required is important for keeping your horse sound in their work, and in the pasture as well. This podcast reviews the types of corrective shoes and when to use them. Read more: ⁠https://madbarn.ca/corrective-shoeing-for-horses/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠_______________________________ Mad Barn Academy is dedicated to supporting horse owners and equine practitioners through research, training and education. Visit us at ⁠⁠⁠https://madbarn.com⁠⁠⁠ for more resources, videos and articles.

Chasteberry is an herbal supplement that is used to support mood balance and hormone health in female and male horses. The Chastetree berry (Vitex agnus-castus) plant is a shrub that grows in the Mediterranean and parts of Asia. The fruits and leaves contain active ingredients that influence hormonal balance in horses. This herb is purported to support hypothalamus and pituitary function in horses with Cushing’s disease/PPID. Anecdotally, chasteberry is said to help make moody mares easier to handle and may have a calming effect on aggressive stallions or geldings. Chasteberry is safe to use, with no reported side effects in horses. It is not recommended for pregnant mares because of potential effects on the reproductive system which have not been evaluated in pregnant animals. This podcast reviews the benefits of chasteberry for horses and highlights its mechanism of action. Read more: https://madbarn.ca/chasteberry-benefits-for-horses/ ⁠⁠⁠_______________________________ Mad Barn Academy is dedicated to supporting horse owners and equine practitioners through research, training and education. Visit us at ⁠⁠https://madbarn.com⁠⁠ for more resources, videos and articles.

Canola oil is a calorie-dense fat commonly used in the equine diet to promote weight gain and help maintain body condition. This oil provides cool energy for performance horses and can replace grain-based feeds in your horse’s ration to support metabolic health. Feeding fat also improves coat quality and can support gut health. Compared to other oils, canola oil is relatively affordable and widely available. However, some horse owners might not want to feed this oil due to its fatty acid profile. Canola oil is primarily comprised of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids and contains more than twice the amount of omega-6 fatty acids compared to omega-3 fatty acids. The balance of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids in the diet is important because omega-3s are converted into anti-inflammatory molecules, whereas omega-6s are converted primarily into pro-inflammatory compounds. This podcast reviews benefits of canola oil for horses with an emphasis on weight gain. Read more: https://madbarn.com/canola-oil-for-horses/ ⁠_______________________________ Mad Barn Academy is dedicated to supporting horse owners and equine practitioners through research, training and education. Visit us at ⁠https://madbarn.com⁠ for more resources, videos and articles.

Botflies (Gasterophilus spp) are parasitic flies that affect the horse’s digestive tract and can cause negative health consequences. Botflies lay eggs on the horse’s coat in the summer. Some of these eggs, known as horse bots, are ingested as the horse licks and grooms itself. The bot eggs hatch and the larvae develop in the horse’s mouth before migrating to the stomach where they attach to the gastric mucosa. Once mature, they detach and are passed through the manure. They pupate into flies, and the cycle repeats with new botflies seeking out horses to host their eggs. Prevention and treatment of bot invasion are essential to keeping your horse healthy. If you suspect that your horse is affected by botflies, consult with your veterinarian for a diagnosis and treatment options. Read more: https://madbarn.com/botflies-in-horses/ ⁠_______________________________ Mad Barn Academy is dedicated to supporting horse owners and equine practitioners through research, training and education. Visit us at ⁠https://madbarn.com⁠ for more resources, videos and articles.

Supplements targeting joint health are some of the most sought-after dietary supplements for horses, especially due to the high prevalence of joint injuries and deterioration later in life. But which equine joint supplements actually work and which are all hype? Many of the ingredients often touted for improving joint health have limited research in horses. And some of the most popular supplements believed to work have been demonstrated ineffective when actually studied in equine populations. (You may be surprised by which ingredients DON’T work.) That being said, there are some compounds that have been well-researched in horses and demonstrate efficacy for improving metrics of joint comfort, health and function. In this podcast, we will review the research behind 8 of the most popular joint supplements for horses and help you decide which are worth your money and which should be avoided. Read more: https://madbarn.com/best-joint-supplements-for-horses/ ⁠_______________________________ Mad Barn Academy is dedicated to supporting horse owners and equine practitioners through research, training and education. Visit us at ⁠https://madbarn.com⁠ for more resources, videos and articles.

The type and amount of bedding you use for horses affects more than just how long it takes you to clean his stall. Bedding adds cushion to the floor of your horse’s living space, absorbs moisture, and helps control odours that could harm your horse’s respiratory health. Bedding depth also influences resting behaviours. Good bedding materials provide enough cushion for horses to lie down and are easy for care staff to keep clean. Different materials have unique advantages and disadvantages. Selecting the best bedding for your horse will depend on budget, housing situation, health needs, and the available materials in your location. This podcast will discuss the benefits of bedding and review common types of bedding materials used for horses. Read more: https://madbarn.com/best-bedding-for-horses/ ⁠_______________________________ Mad Barn Academy is dedicated to supporting horse owners and equine practitioners through research, training and education. Visit us at ⁠https://madbarn.com⁠ for more resources, videos and articles.

Antibiotics or antimicrobial drugs are effective medications for the treatment of bacterial infections in horses. Common equine infections requiring antibiotics include infected skin wounds and abscesses, pneumonia, infectious diarrhea, cellulitis, peritonitis and more. Many antibiotics have broad-spectrum action meaning they act against many different bacteria. Others more specifically target certain bacterial strains. Your veterinarian can determine which antibiotic is appropriate for your horse given their medical situation. These drugs are not without risks, and they can have adverse effects on horse health when given without veterinary oversight. As a horse owner, it is important to understand how antibiotics work, when they should be used and how to properly administer them to your horse. This podcast will review antibiotic use in horses, types of equine antibiotics, and how to limit the associated risks for your horse. Read more: https://madbarn.com/antibiotics-for-horses/ ⁠_______________________________ Mad Barn Academy is dedicated to supporting horse owners and equine practitioners through research, training and education. Visit us at ⁠https://madbarn.com⁠ for more resources, videos and articles.

Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) is a medicinal plant that is frequently used to soothe skin irritations. The gel of the inner leaf is also commonly fed to reduce or prevent gastric irritations and ulcers in horses. Aloe vera gel contains several active ingredients with anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-microbial effects. This herbal remedy also stimulates mucous production and influences gastric acid production. Although commonly fed to horses as an anti-ulcer agent, there has only been one study to examine the effects of aloe vera effects on horses with gastric ulcers. High doses of aloe powder were shown to improve gastric ulcer severity but not to the same extent as the FDA-approved drug GastroGuard (omeprazole). This podcast reviews the current state of knowledge on the use of aloe vera for gastric ulcers in horses. Read more: https://madbarn.com/aloe-vera-for-horses-with-ulcers/ ⁠_______________________________ Mad Barn Academy is dedicated to supporting horse owners and equine practitioners through research, training and education. Visit us at ⁠https://madbarn.com⁠ for more resources, videos and articles.

Alfalfa is a popular forage choice for horses and an ingredient in many equine feeds. This legume forage can be processed and preserved in many different ways to make it easier to incorporate into the diet. Alfalfa is nutrient-dense and is an excellent source of energy, protein and minerals in the equine diet. It is also typically low in non-structural carbohydrate content. This makes it a valuable roughage to include in the diets of pregnant and lactating mares, mature performance horses, or other horses requiring protein supplementation. However, some horse owners hesitate to feed alfalfa due to concerns about its safety. If you are considering adding alfalfa to your horse’s diet, and want to know if it is a good choice, then this podcast is for you. Read more: https://madbarn.com/alfalfa-for-horses/ ⁠_______________________________ Mad Barn Academy is dedicated to supporting horse owners and equine practitioners through research, training and education. Visit us at ⁠https://madbarn.com⁠ for more resources, videos and articles.

A proper grooming routine involves more than just knocking the dirt off your horse’s coat before tacking up. A well-groomed horse is a well-cared-for horse. Learning to groom your horse correctly and following a thorough daily grooming routine can significantly benefit their health and well-being. Horse owners can also use this time to bond with their horses and check for signs of health problems that might need attention. But if you’re new to caring for a horse, you might not know where to start. Even if you’re an experienced equestrian, this guide from a former professional groom can help you up your grooming game. While there are plenty of grooming tips and tricks, there are no shortcuts to a well-groomed horse. This podcast will also discuss the the tools every horse owner needs in their grooming kit. Keep reading to learn how to keep your horse happy and healthy with a comprehensive, step-by-step grooming guide. Read more: https://madbarn.com/how-to-groom-a-horse/ ⁠_______________________________ Mad Barn Academy is dedicated to supporting horse owners and equine practitioners through research, training and education. Visit us at ⁠https://madbarn.com⁠ for more resources, videos and articles.

A strong hoof is the foundation of a sound horse. When it comes to proper hoof care, it’s all about balance. All horses need regular farrier care, and working with an experienced farrier is one of the best investments you can make in your horse’s soundness. Maintaining correct hoof balance with regular trimming and shoeing by a qualified farrier prevents overloading structures in the limb and allows the hoof to function optimally. A collaborative approach between your veterinarian, your equine nutritionist, and your farrier is the best way to optimize your horse’s hoof health. This podcast will review everything horse owners need to know about proper farrier care for horses. We will also discuss how hoof balance, trimming, and shoeing influence your horse’s health and performance, as well as discuss the recent trend toward barefoot trimming. Read more: https://madbarn.com/farrier-care-for-horses/ ⁠_______________________________ Mad Barn Academy is dedicated to supporting horse owners and equine practitioners through research, training and education. Visit us at ⁠https://madbarn.com⁠ for more resources, videos and articles.

Modern domestic horses have very different lifestyles than their wild ancestors. While keeping horses in stalls is convenient for humans, confinement can be detrimental for animals who evolved to graze and walk throughout the day. Turning horses out to pasture provides freedom of movement in a controlled outdoor environment. Regular turnout can improve your horse’s mental and physical health, even if your horse already gets frequent exercise under saddle. While turnout involves some risk of injury, greater turnout time generally provides more benefits for equine welfare. However, the best turnout schedule for your horse will vary depending on their unique needs and preferences. This podcast will review everything horse owners need to know about turning out their horses, including the benefits of turnout and how to keep horses safe in the field. Read more: https://madbarn.com/turnout-for-horses/ ⁠_______________________________ Mad Barn Academy is dedicated to supporting horse owners and equine practitioners through research, training and education. Visit us at ⁠https://madbarn.com⁠ for more resources, videos and articles.

Grazing muzzles are a staple in the tack room of many pony and horse owners. These muzzles fit over the mouth and nose of a horse and restrict grass intake while allowing access to pasture. Grazing muzzles have been shown to reduce dry matter intake by between 30 – 80%. These devices can help prevent laminitis and obesity in horses or ponies by decreasing calorie and sugar intake. If your horse is over-conditioned and needs to lose weight, using a muzzle while on pasture will help you manage your horse’s weight without needing to isolate them to a stall or dry lot. Grazing muzzles allow the horse to be turned out in a herd, enabling social interaction and providing more space to move around. These devices are safe when used properly and have not been shown to cause psychological or physiological stress in horses or ponies. This podcast reviews how and when to use a grazing muzzle. Read more: https://madbarn.com/grazing-muzzles-for-horses/ ⁠_______________________________ Mad Barn Academy is dedicated to supporting horse owners and equine practitioners through research, training and education. Visit us at ⁠https://madbarn.com⁠ for more resources, videos and articles.

How much water does your horse need to drink every day to stay healthy and how much do water requirements increase in hot conditions or when working? Ensuring adequate water intake is important for the optimal health and well-being of all horses. Some horses are more susceptible to becoming dehydrated and have a higher need for water. A typical, idle 500 kg horse requires at least 25 litres (6.6 US gallons) of water per day. In hot weather, horses may require 55 litres (15 US gallons) per day and they may need anywhere from 40 – 70 litres (10 – 18 gallons) per day when exercising. Even if you give your horse constant access to fresh, clean water, horses will not always drink enough water to avoid dehydration. In particular, water intake should be intentionally encouraged in exercising horses, lactating mares, and horses with gastrointestinal issues, and during both hot and cold weather. This podcast discusses why adequate water intake is important, the factors that can affect water intake, how to assess dehydration, and how to encourage water consumption in horses. Read more: https://madbarn.com/how-much-water-should-horses-drink/ ⁠_______________________________ Mad Barn Academy is dedicated to supporting horse owners and equine practitioners through research, training and education. Visit us at ⁠https://madbarn.com⁠ for more resources, videos and articles.