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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/

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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/

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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/

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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/

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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/

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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.