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47 episodes
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Mad About Horses Mad Barn
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- Kids & Family
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4.9 • 43 Ratings
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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.
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What Careers Are Available in the Equine Industry?
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
Profession
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
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
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What a Hay Analysis Can Tell You About Your Horse's Needs
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
protein, fiber content, non-structural carbohydrates, and minerals. Lastly, he stresses the role of equine nutritionists and the necessity of supplementation to fill nutrient gaps in a horse's diet, advocating for regular hay testing and
balanced nutrition for optimal horse health.
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
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
YouTube @madbarn
We would love to hear from you! Please send any questions or comments to podcast@madbarn.com -
How Important is the Equine Industry Today?
In this episode, Dr. Chris Mortensen delves into the
historical and present-day significance of horses, exploring how they have evolved from essential work animals to companions in the modern era. He
discusses the global economic impact of the equine industry, highlighting its value of $300 to $400 billion and its support of millions of jobs worldwide.
Dr. Mortensen also addresses the diverse roles horses continue to play, from police and ranch work to therapeutic programs, while emphasizing their
indelible bond with humans across various cultures and regions.
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.
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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
YouTube @madbarn
We would love to hear from you! Please send any questions or comments to podcast@madbarn.com -
What Are Your Legal Responsibilities as a Horse Owner?
Dr. Chris Mortensen presents a comprehensive overview of equine liability laws around the world.
The podcast begins with a scenario involving Eli, a riding
instructor, to highlight the importance of understanding and adhering to liability laws. Dr. Mortensen delves into various cases and legislations, including the Equine Activity Liability Act (EALA) prevalent in the United
States, and similar laws in countries like Canada, Australia, and members of the European Union. He stresses the importance of liability insurance and waivers to protect equine professionals and horse owners from financial and legal risks.
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
precautions to prevent negligence and safeguard their equine activities.
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 podcast@madbarn.com
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How to Protect Your Horses From Fly Borne Diseases
In this episode, Dr. Chris Mortensen discusses the
spread of fly-borne diseases in horses, including the examples of West Nile virus and African horse sickness.
Dr. Mortensen reflects on his personal experiences
during the COVID-19 pandemic and draws parallels with the rapid spread of diseases among horses. The podcast covers the transmission methods, signs, symptoms, and preventative measures for various diseases. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of good barn management, vaccination, and consulting with veterinarians to protect horses from these potentially deadly illnesses.
Key diseases highlighted include Equine Infectious Anemia, Vesicular Stomatitis, and different types of Encephalomyelitis.
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
Prevention
06:51 Understanding Fly-Borne Diseases
07:34 Transmission and Symptoms of Fly-Borne
Diseases
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 podcast@madbarn.com
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How Best to Keep Horses Calm
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
horses.
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 podcast@madbarn.com
Customer Reviews
Appreciate
I’m learning a lot from every episode. ‘Thank you’ so very much for this podcast!
Amazing
This is super helpful because I own a Appaloosa, paint horse. Sadly I used to have a quarter horse named vinegar but he passed because of a sickness that he got it was actually 3 days ago 🥺😢 but this really helped…. So thanks podcast.
Bye ✌🏻
Mortensen is magic!
Followed Dr. Mortensen here from another podcast because I enjoyed listening to him and his stories so much. Every episode is informative and gets you really thinking, but Chris makes everything so relatable and easy to understand. Love it!