Mad About Horses

In this episode, Scott Cieslar describes the journey of founding Mad Barn and driving change in the equine industry to make the world better for horses. He recounts his early memories of raising horses through his father's love for racing and the various roles he took on, from grooming to studying animal science and nutrition. From his early days in horse racing with his father to founding a c...

In this episode, Dr. Chris Mortensen discusses the critical aspects of pasture management for horses and other equids. Highlighting his experience with the endangered Somali wild ass, Dr. Mortensen explains the importance of continuous grazing behaviors in wild and domestic equids. He covers a wide range of topics including the benefits of productive pastures, appropriate forages, soil testing, ro...

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...

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 n...

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 role...

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 la...

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 f...

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. T...

In this episode, we delves into the captivating journeys of some of the most celebrated female equestrian champions, highlighting their extraordinary achievements and overcoming of barriers. Dr. Mortensen invites guest Dr. Emily Gilbert, a regenerative neurobiologist and equestrian enthusiast, who shares insights on Team Canada's preparations and the logistical challenges faced by equestrian t...

In this episode, Dr. Chris Mortensen, discusses the early stages of horse pregnancy and the effects of exercise and heat stress on equine fertility. He explains how critical the initial stages of embryo development are and how stressors can lead to the failure of pregnancy. Dr. Mortenson recounts his dissertation work and subsequent studies on the topic, highlighting the physiological mechanisms b...

In this episode, Dr. Chris Mortensen delves into the critical topic of heat stress in horses. Highlighting his extensive research and experiences from Texas, South Carolina, Florida, and beyond, Dr. Mortensen explains the physiological mechanisms behind heat accumulation and dissipation in horses. He debunks common myths, such as the danger of giving cold water to hot horses, and offers practical...

Dr. Chris Mortensen, delves into the significant considerations around retiring horses, influenced by the story of Al Jabal, an Arabian who won a graded stakes race at 19, reinforcing the idea that age can sometimes be just a number. Dr. Mortensen discusses factors leading to horse retirement, including health care, nutrition, and the physiological challenges of aging. The podcast covers various d...

This week’s podcast emphasizes the significance of recognizing and managing toxic plants to prevent equine fatalities. Dr. Chris Mortensen shares a heartbreaking story of a seven-year-old Arabian gelding that died from ingesting oleander, highlighting the vital need for horse owners to identify toxic plants in their horses' environments. Dr. Mortensen discusses resources and strategies for det...

In this episode, Dr. Chris Mortensen shares his experiences and insights on recognizing equine emergencies, the life of an equine veterinarian, and the importance of telemedicine in equine care. Dr. Mortensen recounts a personal story about his horse, Buck, who came up lame one evening, prompting him to reflect on whether to call his veterinarian after hours. Through his narrative, he discusses a...

This podcast focuses on the importance of emergency management planning for horse owners, delving into personal experiences and expert advice to prepare for natural disasters such as hurricanes, wildfires, and floods. Dr. Chris Mortensen, an equine educator and scientist, shares insights from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and Rita, emphasizing the need for preparedness. He offers practical...

This episode delves into the fascinating history and science behind horse transportation, exploring how equine transport has evolved from ancient times to the present day. It begins with a captivating story to draw listeners into the topic before transitioning to a comprehensive exploration of horse transportation methods, including trailering and air travel. Dr. Mortensen covers various aspects s...

This podcast, hosted by Dr. Chris Mortensen, takes an in-depth look at horse nutrition and its pivotal role in maintaining the health and happiness of both horses and their owners. This episode extensively covers the complexities of feeding horses, ways to analyze and optimize diets for better health outcomes, and strategies to reduce feed-related expenses. The dialogue emphasizes the significance...

In this episode, Dr. Chris Mortensen explores the concept of horse personalities, sparked by a listener's request and recent debates over anthropomorphism. Dr. Mortensen shares personal anecdotes, particularly about a horse named Brasco, to illustrate the intelligence and personality traits of horses. Dr. Mortensen delves into the anthropomorphic critique, clarifying the importance of acknowle...

Dr. Chris Mortensen discusses the factors contributing to the longevity of horses and shares strategies for extending their lives. The episode begins with a tribute to Rosie, an American quarter horse who lived to 36, showcasing the potential for horses to live well past their expected lifespan with proper care. Dr. Mortensen addresses the advancements in equine healthcare, nutrition, and manageme...

In this week’s podcast, Dr. Mortensen highlights broader concerns about the welfare and ethical treatment of horses in competitive sports. He mentions how the equine industry is under greater scrutiny. Dr. Mortensen also reflects on his experience at the International Society for Equitation Science (ISES) meeting in 2024, he discusses public perception, the scrutiny of horse sports, and the changi...

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...

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 tetanus and rabies. Dr. Mortensen highlight...

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 fa...

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 bod...

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...