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Mad About Horses
Mad About Horses episodes
- 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. He emphasizes the urgent need for more equine vets and better retention strategies, alongside personal anecdotes, and data on the profession's state.
Podcast Timeline
00:00 Welcome and Podcast Introduction
00:32 A Personal Journey: From Aspiring Veterinarian to Equine Educator
03:34 Addressing the Global Shortage of Equine Veterinarians
05:20 The Stark Reality: Compensation and Challenges in Equine Veterinary Medicine
17:24 The Rigorous Path to Becoming a Veterinarian
25:07 Financial Burdens and Gender Disparities in Veterinary Salaries
32:54 Global Perspectives and the Future of Equine Veterinary Medicine
33:33 Exploring Veterinary Specialties and Salaries
35:10 The Realities of Equine Veterinary Practice
37:02 Navigating the Challenges of Starting an Equine Veterinary Practice
38:10 Supporting Our Veterinarians: A Call to Action
43:51 Innovative Solutions to Veterinary Challenges
48:10 The Importance of Supporting Young and Aspiring Veterinarians
52:40 How You Can Help Your Equine Vet
57:26 A Heartfelt Thank You to Equine Vets
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]
1 hr - 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 tetanusand rabies.Dr. Mortensen highlights the controversy surrounding
vaccination hesitancy, rooted in a lack of trust and misinformation, and stresses the value of trusting veterinarians’ recommendations. He also addresses common misconceptions about vaccine efficacy and the financial motivations behind vaccination protocols, advocating for the wellbeing of horses above all.Podcast Timeline
00:00 Introduction: The Impact of Sharing Knowledge
01:14 The Importance of Vaccines: A Personal Story
02:32 The Spread and Impact of West Nile Virus
05:59 Meet the Host: Dr. Chris Mortenson
06:08 The Controversy Surrounding Vaccines
08:11 The Importance of Vaccination: Tetanus Case Study
08:48 The Hendra Virus Vaccine Controversy in Australia
09:06 The Decision to Vaccinate: A Personal Experience
15:32 Vaccine Hesitancy: A Study on Horse Owners
25:51 The History of Vaccines and Current Controversies
30:41 The Struggles of Veterinarians
32:05 Addressing Misconceptions about Veterinarians
32:27 Debunking the Equine Vaccine Regime Article
35:41 Understanding Vaccines and Their Importance
36:34 The Science Behind Vaccines
41:26 The Importance of Vaccination Schedules
43:43 Types of Vaccines and Their Proper Handling
50:42 The Impact of Vaccine Failure
52:13 Final Thoughts on Vaccination and Veterinarians
52:59 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
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]
56 min - 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.He highlights how wild horses are integral to the ecosystem
and the problems associated with their displacement, touching upon the controversies surrounding helicopter roundups. The hosts strongly urge for more ethical management practices based on solid scientific evidence and advocating for these voiceless creatures.Podcast Timeline
00:00 Introduction to Wild Horses
01:15 The Story of Picasso: A Wild Horse Legend
05:40 The Role of Wild Horses in the Americas
06:10 The Controversy Surrounding Wild Horse Management
07:08 Understanding the History and Behavior of Wild Horses
08:02 The Global Population of Wild Horses
08:52 The Evolution and Extinction of Horses in North
America09:49 The Reintroduction of Horses to the Americas
11:22 The Debate: Are Wild Horses Native or Invasive?
11:56 The Impact of Wild Horses on Ecosystems
12:41 Manda Kalimian on Status of American Wild Horses
23:05 The Status of Wild Horses Around the World
29:50 The Debate Over the Management of Wild Horses in
America36:55 Shelby Dennis and The Impact of Trauma on Wild Horses
47:00 The Concept of Rewilding and Its Impact on Wild Horses
54:44 The Future of Wild Horses: Rewilding
57:00 Conclusion: The Importance of Advocacy for Wild Horses
Visit
https://madbarn.com/mad-about-horses/ to learn more about the Mad About Horsespodcast.---------------------------------
Mad
Barn Academy is dedicated to supporting horse owners, handlers andpractitioners through research, training and education.Visit
us to learn more at https://madbarn.com You
can also find Mad Barn at: Instagram
@madbarnequine Facebook
@madbarnequineTikTok
@madbarnequineYouTube @madbarn
We
would love to hear from you! Please send any questions or comments to1 hr 1 min - 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. It encourages listeners to rely on this system to help maintain their horses' health.
The podcast further explores psychological aspects of horse overfeeding, explains the significance of diet evaluation, and provides strategies for managing overweight horses such as cutting down commercial feeds, increasing forage-based diets, and limiting pasture access. The speaker asks listeners toanalyze their horses' diet and apply the knowledge shared in the podcast.Link to Body Condition Scoring Article HERE
Link to Diet Evaluation HERE
Podcast Timeline
00:00 Introduction and Importance of Horse Health
01:35 The Legend of the Horse Industry
04:20 The Impact of Obesity on Horses
05:32 Understanding the Psychology Behind Horse Obesity
06:55 The Complexity of Horse Nutrition
07:56 The Obesity Epidemic in Horses
13:13 The Henneke Body Condition Scoring System
23:20 The Impact of Body Condition on Horse Reproduction
26:10 Global Obesity Epidemic in Horses
29:24 Understanding Horse Weight Fluctuations
30:30 The Psychology of Horse Owners and Weight Management
31:53 The Impact of Overfeeding and Misconceptions
32:29 The Cost of Overfeeding and the Need for Education
34:22 The Consequences of Ignoring Weight Issues
35:08 The Importance of Body Condition Scoring
39:17 Strategies for Weight Reduction and Diet Management
46:07 The Role of Supplements in Horse Diets
49:05 The Importance of Community and Sharing Knowledge
50:00 Conclusion: The Need for Change in Horse Weight
ManagementVisit 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]
54 min - 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. Mortensen underscores the significance of turnout time,
social contact with other horses and species and diet balance. He advises horse owners to analyze their animals' diets to ensure they are nutritionally balanced and reviews the use of items such as slow feeders and enrichments as useful tools.Podcast Timeline
00:00 Introduction to Stable Vices in Horses
00:12 Personal Experiences and Observations at the Racetrack
01:45 Understanding Stereotypic Stable Vices
04:15 Introduction to the Speaker and the Podcast
04:39 The Prevalence and Impact of Stereotypic Behaviors
06:52 Exploring Specific Stereotypic Behaviors: Cribbing
19:42 The History and Evolution of Stereotypic Behaviors
24:58 The Role of Mental Stress and Nutrition in Stereotypic
Behaviors29:18 Understanding High Energy Diets in Young Horses
30:29 The Impact of Limited Turnout Time for Horses
32:19 The Evolution of Animal Welfare in Zoos
33:12 The Misconception of Boredom in Horses
42:05 The Importance of Turnout Time for Horses
43:34 The Role of Enrichment in Horse Welfare
45:25 The Impact of Diet Variation on Horses
46:28 The Benefits of Slow Feeders for Horses
49:26 The Role of Diet in Preventing Stereotypic Behaviors
50:10 Understanding Stereotypic Behaviors in Horses
51:24 The Importance of Social Contact for Horses
52:30 Conclusion: The Importance of Understanding Horse
BehaviorVisit
https://madbarn.com/mad-about-horses/ to learn more about the Mad About Horsespodcast.---------------------------------
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]
55 min - 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.
He describes how colic is the number one killer of horses under 20 years old and emphases the need for horse owners to understand this issue as 1 in 10 horses will experience a bout of colic annually. Mortensen shares personal stories that demonstrate the severity of colic and provides valuable information on how to manage it, including the importance of gradual dietary changes and regular vet check-ups.
He also explores topics such as possible post-surgery recovery and the critical role of veterinary care in managing and preventing colic.
00:00 Introduction: The Importance of Colic Awareness
00:55 A Personal Encounter with Colic
04:40 Meet the Host: Dr. Chris Mortensen
06:00 Understanding Colic: Causes and Impacts
07:50 The Role of Diet in Colic
08:06 The Power of Education: A Life-Saving Story
11:24 The Evolution of Horse Digestion and Its Impact on Colic
15:38 The Risks and Causes of Colic
21:54 Preventing Colic: Dietary Changes and Management
27:26 Recognizing the Signs of Colic
28:58 Recognizing Abnormal Behavior in Horses
30:07 Identifying Signs of Colic in Horses
31:47 Checking Your Horse's Vital Signs
35:52 Understanding Types of Colic and Their Treatment
40:15 Post-Colic Care and Management
44:12 Reintroducing Horses to Pasture After Colic
45:09 The Importance of Colic Education and Prevention
46:42 Final Thoughts and Appreciation
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 @madbarnequineTikTok @madbarnequine
YouTube @madbarn
We would love to hear from you! Please send any questions or comments to [email protected]
49 min - 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.Using real-life examples, from personal experiences to
historical instances, Dr. Mortensen highlights the importance of each domain and how they contribute to a horse’s overall welfare. The podcast urges horse owners to seek expert advice when needed and treats horses' welfare as a moral and legal responsibility, aiming to ensure a life worth living for thesemagnificent creatures.Podcast Timeline
00:00 Introduction and Gratitude
00:47 Meeting Heroes and Their Impact
01:48 The Inspiring Story of a Renowned Animal Behavior
Scientist06:00 The Importance of Animal Welfare
06:14 The Influence of Temple Grandin on Animal Welfare
08:37 The Evolution of Animal Welfare Standards
09:00 Understanding Animal Rights vs Animal Welfare
13:59 Historical Perspective on Animal Welfare
20:00 Foundation of Modern Animal Welfare
24:25 The Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare
29:00 The Five Domains of Animal Welfare
30:10 Important of Nutrition to Horse Welfare
34:22 Importance of Environment to Horse Welfare
38:05 Importance of Health to Horse Welfare
39:16 Importance of Behavior & Mental State to Horse
Welfare43:20 Conclusion and Gratitude
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]
46 min - 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. Mortensen also discusses some difficulties that can
occur during foaling, such as dystocia and red bag births, emphasizing that while most births proceed normally, vigilance is required to ensure the safety of both mare and foal.Finally, he highlights the significance of colostrum for the immunity of the newborns and reiterates his admiration for these stoic and awe-inspiring creatures.
Podcast Timeline
00:00 A Night in the Life of a Pregnant Mare
03:23 Introduction to the Host and the Topic
03:35 The Fascinating Process of Equine Reproduction
04:45 The Risks of Giving Birth in the Wild
05:00 The Journey from Pregnancy to Birth
06:01 The Biological Changes Leading to Parturition
10:48 The Role of Hormones in Equine Birth
12:57 The Signs of an Approaching Birth
15:09 The Importance of Monitoring During Birth
26:50 Understanding the Stages of Labor
29:10 Monitoring the Mare Before Labor
29:32 Personal Experiences with Foaling
31:30 The Quickness of Stage Two Labor
32:38 The Joy of Mare and Foal Bonding
33:28 The Importance of Foal Positioning
35:52 Dealing with Dystocia
38:44 The Danger of Red Bag Birth
41:43 Post-Birth Checks and Care
44:19 The Journey of Prairie Rose
45:24 The Importance of Colostrum
49:33 Reflecting on Foaling Experiences
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 @madbarnequineTikTok @madbarnequine
YouTube @madbarn
X/Twitter: @madbarnequine
We would love to hear from you! Please send any questions or comments to [email protected]
52 min - 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.
As part of the reproductive journey, we also understand the behavior changes in mares due to hormones. The episode also touches on safety concerns regarding the use of hormone supplements in mares like Regumate.
Dr. Mortensen emphasizes the information in this episode is crucial for anyone working with mares, particularly during the breeding season, and fosters an appreciation for the intricate biological processes involved in equine reproduction.
Podcast Timeline
00:00 Introduction and Request for Sharing
00:28 The Story of Tari
00:49 Understanding the Reproductive Cycle of Mares
02:03 The Role of Hormones in Mare Reproduction
03:45 Introduction to the Host and the Podcast's Focus
04:51 The Importance of Mares in Horse Breeding
05:43 Understanding the Differences in Male and Female
Horses06:13 The Challenges of Managing Mares
07:25 The Host's Personal Journey in Equine Reproduction
08:10 The Miracle of Life in Horses
10:40 The Breeding Season of Horses
12:44 The Role of Hormones in Horse Breeding
21:50 The Impact of Hormones on Mare Behavior
26:08 The Risks of Using Hormone Supplements in Horse
Breeding30:23 The Journey of Pregnancy in Mares
36:19 The Miracle of Birth in Horses
44:15 Conclusion and Request for Sharing
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 @madbarnequineTikTok @madbarnequine
YouTube @madbarn
X (Twitter) @madbarnequine
We would love to hear from you! Please send any questions or comments to [email protected]
47 min - 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.The podcast explores the ancient Greeks' sophisticated
approach to feeding their horses, the significance of forage in a horse's diet, and the introduction of grains like oats, corn, and barley. Dr. Mortensen notes that equine nutrition has rapidly progressed in the last 20-30 years due to advancements in research, understanding, and technology.He concludes by emphasizing the importance of analyzing a
horse's diet and consulting with equine nutritionists to ensure they get the best care.Podcast Timeline
00:00 Introduction and Personal Experiences with Horse Feeding
01:58 Evolution of Horse Feeding Practices
02:49 Understanding the Importance of Horse Nutrition
03:26 Introduction to the Speaker and the Podcast
04:55 The Evolution of Horse Diets
06:59 The Importance of Forage in Horse Diets
07:16 The Impact of Domestication on Horse Diets
07:49 The Importance of Water and Forage in Horse Diets
09:05 The Lifespan of Horses and the Role of Diet
09:40 The Basic Nutritional Needs of Horses
10:49 The Impact of Domestication on Horse Feeding Practices
13:49 The History of Horse Feeding Practices
16:05 The Evolution of Horse Diets Over the Last 50 Million
Years17:30 The Importance of Forage in Horse Diets
23:11 The Introduction of Grains in Horse Diets
26:56 The Evolution of Equine Nutrition in the 20th Century
35:46 The Importance of Proper Horse Nutrition Today
39:40 Conclusion and Appreciation for Listeners
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 @madbarnequineX @madbarnequine
TikTok @madbarnequine
YouTube @madbarn
We would love to hear from you! Please send any questions or comments to [email protected]
43 min
About Mad About Horses
From the publisher's feed
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.