Tack Box Talk

Send us Fan Mail Marissa Chapa, herd manager for Oklahoma State University, and Paige Linne,  Senior Lecturer for Texas A&M, share how they guide nervous students through the foaling process. From tips on how you know foaling is close, to how to stay relaxed, these instructors have a unique take on how to approach foaling season.

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Krishona Martinson, equine extension specialist at the University of Minnesota shares her tips on what trees are great at providing shade, and what trees may be a hidden danger in your pasture. But relax, it's not all bad news!

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Krishona Martinson, equine extension specialist from the University of Minnesota, shares her type 5 list of toxic plants commonly found in hay.  We discuss how to avoid them, how to spot them, and what  your horse may experience.  So learn how to keep your horse safe by inspecting that hay!

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Nettie Liburt, of Liburt Equine Nutritional Consulting, shares her top misunderstanding that are frequently heard in the horse world. From what makes horses hot, to can you actually blow up your horse, we have a fun chat on what the data really tells us. For more information, visit Extension Horses

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Bob Coleman, University of Kentucky and former Canadian, shares tips on continuing to ride horses through the winter or those cold snaps the southerners are sometimes are exposed to.

Send us Fan Mail Recently there have been several cases of horses becoming sick and dying reportedly from consuming imported hay.  With challenges of climate conditions and weather making consistent hay supplies problematic, horse owners may need to navigate the process of buying hay from out of state.  Dr. Krishona Martinson, University of Minnesota, and Dr. Betsy Greene, University of Arizona, s...

Send us Fan Mail Brian Pugh, Agronomy Area Specialist for Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, discusses the unique characteristics of grass in the southern states. Compared with our neighbors to the north, we really can graze year round with a little careful planning and understanding of grass biology.  So take a listen and learn why gramma does more then bake cookies.

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Katie Young, independent nutritionist and consultant for Kentucky Equine Research, and Dr. Stephen Coleman, associate professor at Colorado State University who specializes in molecular genetics (and son to our own Dr. Bob!) provide the low down on food allergy and microbiome testing.  Are they really telling you what you need to know?

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Krishona Martinson, University of Minnesota Extension Specialist, and Dr. Carey Williams, Rutgers University Extension Specialist discuss how weather and season affects growing patterns in grasses.  We get into the details on how temperature affects dormancy and why just because the grass is green doesn't mean the horses should be grazing!

Send us Fan Mail Katie Reynolds and Helen Hardy, both with AQHA and AQHYA share an innovative new program developed by AQHA to help address the educational needs of all horse owners.  Built in levels, this curriculum offers something for everyone. The new platform is available to everyone with greater access for AQHA members, but guess what, you don't need a Quarter Horse! AQHLearn.com

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Chelsie Huseman, assistant professor at Texas A&M University and first time guest, shares advice on farming and ranching with horses and cattle at the same time.  We discuss fencing, specific horse and cattle toxicities, feeding practices and parasite control. In short - we cover alot!

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Kathy Anderson, University of Nebraska and Kyla Szemplinski, youth educator in Shelby County and part of the University of Tennessee extension system, share why they believe youth horse judging can lead to future success. We talk about the critical life skills or soft skills that can be taught through youth judging beyond just knowing more about horses.  We discuss advice for...

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Betsy Greene from the University of Arizona, expert at living in 115 degrees, and Dr. Carey Williams from the land of humidity, share their tips on avoiding heat stress in horses.  From choosing the right time of day, to what temperatures to just call it quits. We also discuss the best most scientifically proven methods to cool the overheated horse.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Dr. Nettie Liburt, shares research presented at the recent Equine Science Society meetings.  We discuss feeding protein more frequently may optimize absorption, fiber should not be forgotten as an important fuel source for racehorses, and then just go on a tangent on insulin dysregulation.

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Bob Coleman, University of Kentucky equine extension specialist, shares his favorite presentations from the recent ESS meetings.  We talk about a youth horsemanship school with a 50 year history from Texas A&M University. Then we talk a bit about the evolution of the horse to fit a unique digestive niche.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Dr. Brian Nielsen, expert on bone physiology from Michigan State University, weighs in the use of Os Phos in young horses. In this wide ranging talk, we discuss many issues of young horse health, from building better bone and minds, to the importance of pain.  We even get into the nitty gritty of bone biology and osteoporosis in women.  

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Alyssa Logan, from Middle Tennessee State University visits the program for the first time.  She shares her favorite abstracts on owners perspectives of weight and condition in horses, some wearable technology for horses and sheep of all things.  Yes, there is a reason to run sheep in circles!

Send us Fan Mail In this episode we continue reviewing some of our member's favorite abstracts from the Equine Science Society meetings.  Drs. Kathy Anderson and Danielle Smarsh talk about the most effective methods of weigh loss in overweight horses, whether foal size at birth translates to different sized adults, and if electrolyte supplementation is needed for light to moderately exercised...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Dr. Krishona Martinson and Robyn Stewart share their take on their favorite abstracts they watched at the 2023 Equine Science Society meetings.  We discuss the impact of hay nets on teeth, when folks think horses are old, if pasture tracks make a difference and poop versus urea - which is better! To read the complete abstracts and findings, click on the links belo...

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Karin Bump, owner of Equine Academics and Saddle Up New York gives parents and young people advice on whether "horse" college is right for you.  We talk about careers in the horse industry, whether or not students should pursue a college degree, and what type of college might be right for them. Dr. Bump also shares a fantastic tool to search for equine related colleg...

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Erika Machtinger, Dr. Danielle Smarsh and Laura Kenney, all of Penn State University guide horse owner's through a discussion on ticks. From disease they carry, the environments they live in and how to properly pick them off.  If you have horses and ever venture out to trail ride - tick checks are for you!

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Besty Greene and Dr. Kris Hiney, share the story of how they designed and created fun educational curriculum to drive home the importance of biosecurity.  If you are a 4-H or youth club leader, ag teacher, or  anyone involved with education, this one's for you! This is the DIY version of making science fun and affordable, while learning important lessons on properly carin...

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Beth Ruby, staff veterinarian at the Oklahoma Dept of Ag, and Director of Avian and Equine Health, covers why it is so important to have horses tested for Equine Infectious Anemia.  We clear up some laws and share what might be different from state to state. And most importantly, we talk about why more horses might be testing positive for EIA.

Send us Fan Mail Robyn Stewart, Agriculture and Natural  Resources Agent for the University of Georgia shares why mud can be a big deal for horses.  Not an inevitable part of spring, prolonged periods of standing in mud can cause significant health issues for horses.  We talk thrush, white line disease, scratches and cellulitis. Missed our episode on managing mud? The link is below. Managing Mud:...

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Carey Williams, Rutgers University, and Dr. Nettie Liburt, Buckeye Nutrition, explain the purpose and concept behind ration balancers.  This mighty little feed might just be the solution you are looking for. For pastured horses, overweight horses, and even growing horses, ration balancers pack a punch.