Tack Box Talk

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Joann Kouba, equine reproduction specialist at Kansas State University walks us through some of the quirks of mares.  Ever wonder why some mares show estrus more strongly than others?  Are all mares good mothers?  What do you do if your mare is not a good mother?  And worst case, what if you end up with an orphan foal?  We cover all of this plus make up a few hypotheses for fu...

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Dianne McFarlane, DVM PhD, DACVIM of Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine and world renown expert in laminitis discusses why obesity and over feeding our horses can lead to disaster.  We discuss the underlying causes of laminitis, risks with spring grass and strategies to be successful in equine weight loss journeys.

Send us Fan Mail Diane Paris, with Markel Insurance, explains the types of insurance equine insurance companies offer: from major medical and surgical policies, mortality and liability policies designed to protect the horse owner in case legal trouble.  With horses, major issues are often not a question of if, but when and holding insurance may save you thousands. Markel Equine Insurance

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Betsy Greene, University of Arizona and Dr. Bob Coleman, University of Kentucky share strategies on how to keep your horse high and dry during mud season.  It might be better to do some construction projects that last for years, than slogging your way through misery.   Equine Greener Pastures Equine Footing High Traffic Pads

Send us Fan Mail Larry Sanchez, head coach of Oklahoma State University Cowgirls equestrian team, shares how collegiate equestrian programs challenge riders to become true horseman and how it takes a true variety of horses to determine the best of the best.

Send us Fan Mail Wendy Davis, former director of the Race Track Industry Program at University of Arizona, breaks down race horse ownership, from claiming races, to syndicates, horse clubs and more.  No, you don't have to be a millionaire to take part in the excitement of the finish line.

Send us Fan Mail Laura Beth Kenney, with Penn State Equine Extension, shares the story of her mare Frankie, whom she adopted from Rutgers Equine Research Program at the age of 20.  Laura shares how Frankie went from being a professional research horse to learning a few new tricks. 

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Sally Denotta, veterinarian with the University of Florida's College of Veterinary Medicine, busts some of the most common horse related vaccine myths.  Do horses who live alone need vaccines?  Do they really work? What if I don't know the vaccine history of my horse?  Dr. Denotta addresses all of these questions plus many more! Equine Disease Communication Center AA...

Send us Fan Mail Kate Pulec, extension assistant for 4-H at the University of Nebraska, shares her story of how some things aren't exactly how they appear.  Her new mount for her child had some unexpected surprises which needed some....surgical intervention.  

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Carey Williams of Rutgers University gives us some updates on how Pinky and Mickie of major injuries podcast fame are doing now. Cheer on her progress and learn a bit more about how horse insurance just might be your best friend.    Check out these other podcasts which feature Pinky and Micky. Thin Horses: The stories of Pinky and Ozzie Ouch, My Stomach Hurts: The stories of P...

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Sally Denotta, extension veterinarian at University of Florida's College of Veterinary Medicine, kicks off the new year with a deeper discussion of eye injuries in horses and why treatment on your own may have devastating consequences.  Dr. Denotta shares her experience with her own horse with recurrent eye disease and how a little training can go along way to create a be...

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Sara Mastellar, of Ohio State ATI and alum of IDA, and Stefani Watson, coach of the IDA team at Cazenovia College,  explain how all riders can get a chance to compete in dressage while going to college. They explain the format and how it differs from IHSA and NCEA, and give advice for young riders about to embark on their college careers. Intercollegiate Dressage Association E...

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Dianne McFarlane, DVM, PhD, DACVIM of Oklahoma State University shares her depth of knowledge and research experience to explain just what exactly is going on with PPID.  From physiology to practicality she decodes what owners need to know.

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Krishona Martinson, University of Minnesota and Rebecca Wilkins, youth extension educator at Purdue University, share their stories of owning and managing horses with PPID or Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction.  We cover symptoms, management and coping with a permanent diagnosis and keeping affected horses as normal and healthy as possible.

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Nettie Liburt, Buckeye Nutrition, and Dr. Carissa Wickens from the University of Florida share their stories of treating eye injuries in their horses ET, Jagger and Penguin. Hear how careful attention to your horse and acting quickly may save not only your horse's eye, but thousands of dollars as well.

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Colleen Brady, Purdue University and Dr. Nettie Liburt, senior equine nutrition manager at Buckeye Feeds, share how their horses came up with the same unique injuries: broken splint bones.  Even though it was the same injury, Beau and ET have very different stories.

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Lena Luck, University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Ashley Anderson, alumni and current master's student at Kansas State University, share their stories of how they became invovled in collegiate equestrian teams. Learn the difference between the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association and National Collegiate Equestrian Association competitions and how young horse enthusiasts can...

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Krishona Martinson  from the University of Minnesota and Dr. Carey Williams of Rutgers University share their wisdom in addressing the age old question. Should you blanket a horse or not in the winter?  Even Hamlet may have had trouble deciding.  Don't worry, we will try to make the decision process a little easier.

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Todd Holbrook, equine internal and sports medicine specialists at Oklahoma State University, shares the story of how he became involved as a veterinarian in the sport of endurance riding.   Dr. Holbrook was one of 5 veterinarians serving on the Veterinary Advisory Board for the US Equestrian Endurance team.    

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Krishona Martinson, equine extension specialist with the University of Minnesota gives us some easy calculations on how to know if we have enough hay stored away for the year.  Don't worry, it's not all calculators and equations, but a fun take on determining your forage needs.

Send us Fan Mail Scott Cotton, extension educator with Wyoming and Wendy Hein of Oregon State University share insights of how they help owners prepare and respond to the unprecedented wildfires burning in their respective states.  For many horse owners dealing with wildfires is a new reality, and every opportunity to prepare can save vital minutes when the winds change. For more information on pr...

Send us Fan Mail Kate Baldino and Melody Blittersdorf, both of whom have competed for team USA on the international stage in endurance riding, share their experiences and love for this unique sport. From flying horses to Du Bai or running from llamas in Italy, Kate and Melody will inspire you to take a long ride with your horse. For More Information on the sport of endurance. visit AERC.org  

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Camie Heleski, University of Kentucky, and Paula Hitzler, manager of the Equine Teaching and Research Center and Michigan State University, share tips on making weaning less stressful for foals.  From the latest research and practical experience, follow some simple tips to keep your babies healthy and happy. Weaning video from Michigan State University 

Send us Fan Mail Karen Lassell, director of equine programs at the Miner Institute, shares how this unique demonstration farm in upstate New York trains students to enter into the equine industry.  Offering summer insternships with their Morgan horse herd, the Miner Institute develops life skills while teaching horsemanship to a broad audience of students. To Apply to the Miner Institute

Send us Fan Mail Rita Hoch, founder and CEO of Nexus Equine, a non-proft dedicated to helping horses transition to their home, discusses how this unique program works with people throughout the horse industry to prevent horses from falling through the cracks. Whether providing owner assistance programs, youth challenges, or adoption programs, Nexus proves the horse industry is stronger together. N...