Conversations in Equine Science

Nancy McLean

Nancy McLean discusses various equine research projects and studies to help bridge the gap between the scientific community, as well as, the general community of horse owners, trainers and enthusiasts.

  1. 2d ago

    Steroid Use and Insulin Dysregulation in Horses.

    Updates on preliminary research findings on steroid use and insulin deregulation in horses.

  2. Jul 20

    Do Horses Get Headaches?

    This episode explores whether horses can experience headaches by examining cervical spine pain, common signs like head rubbing or altered carriage, and how musculoskeletal and nervous system issues contribute to discomfort. Nancy reviews diagnostic options, treatment and rehabilitation strategies, and the need for improved imaging and physiotherapy to restore performance and well-being. Research Link: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/11/2/422

  3. Jun 13

    Why My Gelding Chews the Reins: The Cortisol Connection

    In this episode Nancy McLean answers listener emails about geldings that chew lead ropes and reins, she explains how cortisol and the HPA axis relate to stress-driven behaviors, and describes how consistent training, handler calmness, routines, turnout, and nutrition can help horses down-regulate stress. The episode also summarizes research on cortisol sampling methods (plasma, saliva, hair) for short- and long-term stress assessment, and closes with a brief update on a new world screwworm outbreak, what has been done historically to eradicate it, and practical steps owners should take if they suspect infestation. Research: https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0472/13/12/2219 https://assets.cureus.com/uploads/review_article/pdf/413141/20251106-69309-xadaoe.pdf

  4. May 18

    Get Back On: The Neuroscience of Remounting After a Fall

    In this episode Nancy McLean explores a listener question about whether to remount after a fall, using Dr. Stephen Peters’ research and a review by McBride et al. to explain how equine learning, myelination, and long-term potentiation shape behavior. Nancy explains how automaticity, basal ganglia consolidation, and dopamine-driven rewards can help overwrite fearful responses, and she shares a real-life example of calmly remounting to reinforce positive patterns. Key takeaway: when horse and rider are uninjured, a calm remount and rewarded repetition can help redirect the horse’s neural pathways and prevent lasting fear responses.

  5. Apr 21

    The Equine Limbic System

    The core of the equine brain’s emotional center, Nancy describes how the neurological processes of the limbic system take place. She also highlights the reward prediction error (RPE) and the impact it has on equine learning.

  6. Apr 8

    Horse Brain Science - Part 3

    This is a continuation of our study on Equine Neurology and Ethical Horse Training and Management.

  7. Mar 20

    Inside the Horse Brain: How Equine Minds Think, Feel, and React

    In this episode Nancy McLean explores Dr. Stephen Peters' book Horse Brain Science, comparing human and equine brain anatomy and function. She explains brain size and cortical folding, then walks through the four main lobes (frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital), the amygdala and hippocampus, and the brainstem. The episode connects these brain differences to horse behavior and training—why punishment fails, how pressure and removal or positive rewards work, and how understanding sensory processing, memory, and fear responses can improve ethical horsemanship.

  8. Mar 7

    Horse Brain Science: Rethinking Training with Neuroscience

    This episode introduces equine neurobiology through the work of Dr. Stephen Peters, explaining core concepts like neurons, neurotransmitters, neuroplasticity, and how sensory processing affects learning and behavior. It shows how applying neuroscience can reduce stress, build trust, and improve training and welfare, and previews a follow-up episode on brain anatomy.

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Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

Nancy McLean discusses various equine research projects and studies to help bridge the gap between the scientific community, as well as, the general community of horse owners, trainers and enthusiasts.

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