In this episode, Scott Cieslar describes the journey of founding Mad Barn and driving change in the equine industry to make the world better for horses. He recounts his early memories of raising horses through his father's love for racing and the various roles he took on, from grooming to studying animal science and nutrition.

From his early days in horse racing with his father to founding a company now recognized worldwide, Scott shares how his passion for horses evolved. Starting from humble beginnings—carrying supplement bags in his car — Mad Barn has grown into a global leader with a focus on research, education, and filling critical gaps in equine nutrition studies.

Scott discusses how Mad Barn’s team of nutritionists and veterinarians provides science-backed solutions and education to improve horse welfare. He reflects on the challenges, the milestones, and the honour of working with Olympic athletes, highlighting his vision for a lasting legacy in the equine industry.

 Podcast Timeline

00:00 Introducing Scott Cieslar

04:33 Early Memories with Horses

06:51 Journey into Equine Nutrition

08:43 Founding Mad Barn

11:04 Challenges and Growth

15:27 Research and Innovation

20:58 The Mad Barn Team

26:28 Education and Outreach

32:01 Working with Olympic Athletes

34:09 Reflections and Future Goals

Visit https://madbarn.com/mad-about-horses/ to learn more about the Mad About Horses podcast.

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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

In this episode, Dr. Chris Mortensen discusses the critical

Podcast Timeline

00:00 Introduction to the Somali Wild Ass

00:36 Behavioral Study in Florida

02:14 Observations on Equid Foraging

05:09 Importance of Pasture Management

05:46 Nutritional Needs of Horses

06:58 Benefits of Pastures for Horses

10:55 Determining Pasture Acreage

14:53 Types of Forages and Their Growth

21:20 Soil Health and Fertilization

25:39 Grazing Systems and Management

36:41 Weed Control and Pasture Maintenance

39:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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

Dr. Chris Mortensen shares his journey from aspiring veterinarian to equine educator and highlights the diverse career opportunities in the equine industry. He discusses traditional roles like veterinarians, farriers, and trainers as well as less commonly known careers such as equine photographers and insurance agents. Salary ranges and qualifications for various jobs are detailed, emphasizing the thriving nature of the equine industry. The episode encourages listeners, especially young people, to explore their passion for horses through the numerous career paths available.

Podcast Timeline

00:00 A Childhood Dream of Veterinary Medicine

01:01 Discovering a Passion for Equine Studies

02:35 Exploring Careers in the Equine Industry

03:14 The Vast Opportunities in the Equine Industry

07:40 Diving into Equine Health Careers

11:29 The Role of Equine Veterinary Technicians

14:13 Equine Dentistry: A Specialized Field

16:22 Equine Reproductive Specialists

21:39 Alternative Equine Health Careers

23:28 The Importance of Farriers in Equine Care

25:05 Consulting Your Veterinarian

25:13 The Role and Salary of Farriers

26:07 Exploring Unique Equine Careers

26:26 Equine Photography: Turning Passion into

28:15 Equine Event Coordinators: Behind the Scenes

29:46 Equine Journalism: A Changing Field

30:54 Equine Insurance Agents and Appraisers

32:42 Equine Product Sales Representatives

34:13 Equine Training and Riding Instructors

37:11 Therapeutic Riding and Behavior Specialists

39:01 Stable Managers and Barn Hands

42:27 Equine Nutritionists: A Specialized Field

45:55 Conclusion: Opportunities in the Equine Industry

Visit

 ---------------------------------

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

In this episode, Dr. Chris Mortensen shares a personal story to illustrate the importance of nutrients in hay for horses. He explains the critical need to test hay to ensure it meets the nutritional requirements of horses, emphasizing that visual appraisal alone is insufficient.

Dr. Mortensen discusses the methodology of hay sampling, the role of different nutrients, and the implications of soil nutrient content from various locations. He provides an overview of essential measurements in hay tests, such as dry matter, crude

Podcast Timeline 

00:00 Introduction and Personal Story

03:01 The Importance of Hay Quality

04:06 Nutrient Gaps in Forage

05:13 Regional Differences in Hay Nutrients

08:35 The Necessity of Hay Testing

21:15 How to Take a Hay Sample

25:52 Understanding Hay Test Results

45:11 Conclusion and Resources

 ---------------------------------

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]

In this episode, Dr. Chris Mortensen delves into the

Podcast Timeline

00:00 A Day in the Life of Horses 200 Years Ago

01:50 Modern Day Horse Life

02:41 The Relevance of Horses Today

04:03 The Global Equine Industry

05:52 Economic Impact of the Horse Industry

08:22 Horses Around the World

16:00 Roles and Jobs of Horses Today

21:57 Economic Impact Analysis

25:20 Economic Impact of the Horse Industry

26:19 Horse Industry in the United States

29:41 Horse Industry in Canada

32:08 Horse Industry in Europe

34:01 Horse Industry in Australia

35:19 Demographics of Horse Owners

40:50 Therapeutic Benefits of Horses

44:20 Global Relevance of the Horse Industry

46:07 Conclusion and Call to Action

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 ⁠⁠

Instagram ⁠⁠@madbarnequine⁠ ⁠⁠

Facebook ⁠⁠@madbarnequine⁠⁠

TikTok ⁠⁠@madbarnequine⁠⁠

⁠YouTube⁠⁠ @madbarn ⁠⁠

We would love to hear from you! Please send any questions or comments to ⁠[email protected]

Dr. Chris Mortensen presents a comprehensive overview of equine liability laws around the world.

The podcast begins with a scenario involving Eli, a riding

The episode also discusses new and controversial laws in Germany, which restrict training horses under 30 months old. Throughout, Dr. Mortensen emphasizes the need for horse owners to stay informed and take reasonable

Podcast Timeline

00:00 Introduction: A Riding Instructor's Dilemma

01:54 Meet Dr. Chris Mortensen: Equine Educator

02:16 Global Equine Liability Laws

04:19 Case Studies: Understanding Inherent Risks

05:51 Exploring Equine Liability Acts in the U.S.

16:25 International Perspectives on Equine Liability

32:12 The Controversial German Law on Young Horses

39:33 Protecting Yourself: Liability Insurance

42:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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]

In this episode, Dr. Chris Mortensen discusses the

Dr. Mortensen reflects on his personal experiences

Podcast Timeline

00:00 Introduction to Fly-Borne Diseases

00:31 Personal Experiences and COVID-19

02:07 African Horse Sickness and Modern Transport

04:37 Historical Pandemics and Modern Implications

05:23 Global Movement of Horses and Disease

06:51 Understanding Fly-Borne Diseases

07:34 Transmission and Symptoms of Fly-Borne

10:12 West Nile Virus: A Case Study

13:04 Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA)

25:29 Preventing EIA and Other Fly-Borne Diseases

26:42 African Horse Sickness: A Global Threat

28:29 Global Spread of African Horse Sickness

29:27 Transmission and Impact of Midges

31:17 Forms and Symptoms of African Horse Sickness

33:05 Treatment and Prevention Strategies

35:15 Vesicular Stomatitis: A Regional Concern

38:19 Encephalomyelitis and West Nile Virus

41:41 Effective Barn Management Practices

48:06 Conclusion and Further 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 ⁠[email protected]

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

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]

In this episode, we delves into the captivating journeys of some of the most celebrated female equestrian

Dr. Mortensen invites guest Dr. Emily Gilbert, a

The history of equestrian events in the Olympics is

00:00 Breaking Barriers: Women in Equestrian Olympics

04:21 Preparing for the 2024 Paris Olympics

06:10 The History of Equestrian Sports in the Olympics

09:09 Olympic Equestrian Events: Schedule and Highlights

11:15 Training and Selection of Olympic Horses and Riders

14:51 Breeds and Bloodlines of Olympic Champions

20:39 Logistics and Challenges of Competing Internationally

27:52 Mental Preparation for Olympic Athletes

38:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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

In this episode, Dr. Chris Mortensen, discusses the early stages of horse pregnancy and the effects of exercise and heat stress on equine fertility. He explains how critical the initial stages of embryo development are and how stressors can lead to the failure of pregnancy.

Dr. Mortenson recounts his dissertation work and subsequent studies on the topic, highlighting the physiological mechanisms behind these stressors and their impact on the reproductive cycle. He also

Podcast Timeline

00:00 The Beginning of a Horse's Life

01:27 Critical Early Stages of Pregnancy

04:02 Exercise and Stress Impact on Reproduction

05:41 Genesis of the Research

06:58 Heat Stress and Embryo Transfer

10:08 Research Methodology and Findings

24:34 Impact on Estrous Cycle and Embryo Quality

28:47 Follow-Up Studies and Broader Implications

34:03 Male Reproductive Health

36:13 Pregnancy and Nutritional Needs

42:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

 ---------------------------------

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]