The Horse HealthCast with SmartPak

(Mares, they’re just like us! … Kind of!) Learn how to better understand mare care, from the equine estrous cycle and signs of heat to mare supplements, behavioral changes, and veterinary options for managing discomfort and hormonal changes.

Links:

Educational Articles:

Understanding Hormones & Behavioral Changes of Mares in Heat

Supplements with Herbs for Hormonal Mares

What to Expect When Using Mare Supplements

Products:

Mare Supplements

Calming & Behavior Supplements

Prepare your horse for fall with practical tips for seasonal changes in forage, nutrition, hydration, exercise, wellness care, and barn management. Learn what to evaluate now to help keep your horse healthy and comfortable as winter approaches.

Links to products and articles mentioned in today's show:

• ColiCare
• Equine Fecal Test Kit
• Parasites & Deworming Articles in our Horse Health Library
• Horse Electrolyte Supplements & Water Additives
• Beat the Heat Series
• Fall Horse Care
• When Should Horses Be Vaccinated
• AgSilver Bucket

Fall Horse Health Checklist

Nutrition

• ☐ Evaluate pasture availability
• ☐ Secure/inspect hay supply
• ☐ Review current diet/supplements
• ☐ Plan forage transitions
• ☐ Check body condition

Hydration

• ☐ Monitor water consumption
• ☐ Keep fresh water available
• ☐ Reassess salt/electrolyte strategy as workload changes

Exercise

• ☐ Review current workload
• ☐ Plan any changes gradually
• ☐ Decide what winter conditioning will look like

Health

• ☐ Schedule wellness exam if appropriate
• ☐ Dental check
• ☐ Discuss parasite control
• ☐ Discuss vaccinations with your veterinarian
• ☐ Evaluate weight/body condition

Barn

• ☐ Check blankets
• ☐ Check ventilation
• ☐ Prepare for changing temperatures
• ☐ Review emergency supplies

Learn the signs, causes, prevention, and treatment of equine colic, including common colic types and what to do during a horse colic emergency.

Links to products/articles mentioned in this episode:

• Equine Colic Survival Scoring System
• ColiCare
• ColiCare Eligible Supplements
• Equine Fecal Test Kit
• Parasites & Deworming Articles in our Horse Health Library
• Horse Dental Care: From Exams to “Floating” to Extractions
• Horse Electrolyte Supplements & Water Additives

Colic surgery is one of the most stressful experiences a horse owner can face, which is why being prepared can make all the difference. In this episode, we explain when surgery is necessary, what happens at the hospital, how horses recover, and how ColiCare can provide peace of mind before an emergency ever happens.

Links to products/articles mentioned in this episode:

• Colic Resource Center
• Your Guide to Colic Surgery in the Horse
• Equine Colic Survival Scoring System
• ColiCare
• ColiCare Eligible Supplements

Every rider has asked the question: "Is it too hot to ride?" In this episode, we explore the factors that influence heat stress risk in horses, including temperature, humidity, air quality, fitness level, workload, and recovery. Learn how to recognize warning signs, adjust your riding plans during extreme weather, and make informed decisions that help keep your horse safe, healthy, and performing at their best all summer long.

Links to products/articles mentioned in this episode:

• Heat Stress in Horses: How Hot is Too Hot to Ride?
• Anhidrosis in Horses (Non-Sweating or Dry Coat)
• Preventing Dehydration in Horses
• Ask The Vet: When is it Too Hot to Ride My Horse?
• Exercises for Your Horse in Hot Weather

Electrolytes are one of the most talked-about topics in summer horse care, but do you know what they actually do? In this episode of Horse HealthCast, we break down the role electrolytes play in hydration, recovery, and performance for every horse (not just performance horses). Learn how horses lose electrolytes through sweat, how supplementation differs from providing salt alone, and how to build a smart hydration plan for training, travel, and competition season.

Links to products mentioned:

Mineral Blocks:

• Redmond Rock Salt Block
• Himalayan Salt Licks

Electrolytes:

• SmartLytes® Pellets
• SmartLytes® Powder
• LegUp® Electrolyte
• Apple-A-Day™
• Summer Games® Electrolyte

Hydration:

• Gallagher's Water™
• Hydration Hay
• AgSilver Clean Bucket

Heat isn't the only summer concern to be aware of. When's the last time you thought about your horse's sun exposure? In this episode, we take a closer look at UV protection for horses, including which horses are most at risk and how sun exposure can affect skin, eyes, comfort, and even performance. We discuss practical management strategies, protective gear, and nutritional support that can help keep your horse protected throughout the summer season.

Links to articles and products mentioned:

Preventing Sunburn in Horses

Sunflower Suncoat™ Spray

Essential Equine Sunscreen

Equiderma Zinc Paste

Absorbine® Santa Fe™ Coat Conditioner & Sunscreen

SmartUV-Eye® Pellets

SmartGrey Defense® Pellets

SmartPak UV Fly Sheet

SmartMesh Ultimate Fly Sheet

SmartPak UV90+ Fly Mask

SmartPak UV90+ Fly Mask w/ Extended Nose

SmartEquine UV90+ Visor Fly Mask

Sweating is one of your horse's most important cooling mechanisms, so what happens when it doesn't work properly? In this episode of Horse HealthCast, we explore how horses regulate body temperature, the warning signs of heat stress, and what owners should know about anhidrosis, heaves, and more. From management strategies and cooling techniques to hydration and supportive nutrition, learn how to help your horse stay comfortable and healthy through the hottest months of the year.

Key Learnings to Listen for:

• Sweating is a specialized adaptation unique to humans and horses among mammals.
• Evaporative cooling efficiency hinges on environmental humidity, not just temperature.
• Anhidrosis severely impacts a horse's ability to regulate body temperature.
• Management strategies for anhidrosis focus on keeping horses cool and comfortable.

Links to products and articles mentioned in this episode:

• Gallagher's Water
• Electrolytes
• Equiwinner Patches
• Anhidrosis Article
• Too Hot to Ride Article

Fly control doesn’t stop at sprays and sheets. In this episode, we explore insect control supplements for horses, including repellent formulas and insect growth regulators. Learn how they work, what ingredients to look for, and how to build a more effective, layered fly management plan.

Giveaway

Links:

SmartItch-Ease™

SmartBug-Off® Ultra Pellets

SmartImmune™ Mushroom

SmartItch-Ease™

Equinox365

Crusader™ Fly Mask - Standard - With Ears

SmartPak Comfort Fly Mask - Extended Nose w/ SmartCore™ Technology

SmartPak Comfort Fly Mask w/ SmartCore Technology

Pro-Force 50® Spot-On for Horses

Flies are a known summer nuisance. They can impact your horse’s comfort, behavior, and performance. In this episode, we break down the best ways to protect your horse using smart barn management strategies to keep bugs at bay.

• Co-Hosts: Ashlee Lecompte Lazic, Jenna Boscardin

Links

• Giveaway Blog
• Giveaway Form
• SmartPak Fine Mesh Fly Sheet
• SmartMesh Ultimate Fly Sheet
• Fly Sheets
• Fly Masks
• Fly Boots
• Fly Stoppers
• OutSmart® Fly Spray
• Fly Repellent
• Ultrashield Black
• Ultrashield Gold
• Fly Traps & More