Tack Box Talk

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Kathy Anderson, University of Nebraska, and Dr. Karen Waite, Michigan State University, share their perspectives from the middle of the show pen, from why they got started, giving back to the industry and fond memories.

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Jennie Ivey, equine extension specialist at the University of Tennessee shares what makes horses such incredible athletes. From spring loaded legs, super charged blood and practically bionic hearts, its no wonder we are so fascinated with horses. Inside Nature's Giants Extension Horses Exercise and Performance

Send us Fan Mail Tom Persechino, director of Equine Welfare at ASPCA shares how ASPCA is working to increase rates of adoption amd transitioning horses to their new homes.  The ASPCA assists owners to find certified trainers in their area, regional support centers, and provides novel programs across the country whose entire goal is to prevent horses from slipping through the cracks.  We even cover...

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Erika Machtinger from Penn State University who is an eventer, dressage rider and veterinary entomologist gives us some very expert advice on managing different species of biting flies, provides very insider tips on which fly repellants are the most effective, and explains why flies may prefer Vince to Cactus.  This is especially pertinent information as vesicular stomatitis,...

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Angela Pelzel-McCluskey, the equine epidemiologist with USDA-APHIS provides an update on vesicular stomatitis, why we have to report it, considerations for travel, preventative measures and more.  And then we go down a whole new road and open a can of worms on Equine Infectious Anemia and Equine Piroplasmosis. Links: USDA-APHIS information Equine Disease Communication Center E...

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Krishona Martinson, University of Minnesota and Dr. Sara Mastellar, Ohio State University, ATI, share some great tips for providing horses relief from biting flies.  Listen to their personal experiences and research to make the summer months just a bit more enjoyable for you and your horse. Dr. Martinson's Fly spray recipe Fly control for suburban or small acreage horse f...

Send us Fan Mail Julie Fershtman, a lawyer specializing in equine law, shares advice on contracts, liability and what horse owners need to know.      Julie is a frequent speaker and writer, she has authored 3 books, co-authored one book, and contributed to 4 books published by the American Bar Association (ABA). The ABA published her newest book in 2019.  In addition, she has written more than 400...

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Justin Talley, livestock entomologist with Oklahoma State University discusses some of the recent blister beetle invasions into barns in Oklahoma. Don't worry, it's not just a Oklahoma concern.  What horse owners should be on the look out for, and how to eliminate these deadly insects.  Oh, and Don't Stop Believin'. For more information on blister beetles:...

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Leigh Ann Skurupey, from North Dakota State University,  helps a newbie understand the exciting sport of cowboy mounted shooting. And no, you don't have to be John Wayne to partcipate.

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Kelsey Jurek, surgical resident at Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine gives more insight into laryngeal paralysis, the disorder diagnosed in Breaker.  She explains surgery may be nothing to fear, and we get to use dysphagia and idiopathic in a sentence!

Send us Fan Mail Taylor Fabus, of Michigan State University and Dr. Krishona Martinson from the University of Minnesota share their personal experiences of struggling to come up with answers for horses struggling to breathe.  They share some management tips and recommendations for "going up" the diagostic ladder.  

Send us Fan Mail Susie White, Michigan State University and Dr. Colleen Brady, Purdue University, share what led to their decisions to board their horse or keep them at home.  From riding in the snow in the dark or sharing in barn communities, being flexibile and realistic about personal expectations makes for successful decisions.

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Camie Heleski, University of Kentucky, discusses current knowledge, myths about cribbers, how to prevent cribbing and managing horses that have picked up this coping mechansims.  Owning a cribber is not the end of the world!

Send us Fan Mail Leslie Janecka, coordinator for KEMI - Kentucky Equine Management Internship, and Rebecca Wilkins, extension educator with Purdue University and KEMI alumni, discuss this unique program which immerses students in the world of the elite Thoroughbred industry in Kentucky.

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Carissa Wickens, extension horse specialist at the University of Florida, and Wendy Hein, Oregon State University share some strange behaviors their horses posess.  From weird behaviors at feeding time, getting into everything and more, horses may seem a bit strange to many folks.

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Joann Kouba, from Kansas State University shares stories on how managers teach stallions to perform doing what most people think comes naturally.  It takes a good handler to keep the boys happy and acknowledge all of their unique quirks.

Send us Fan Mail Need a break from all the serious COVID talk?  Tony Ranalli, spouse of Dr. Carey Williams, and Alex Wilkins, spouse of Rebecca Wilkins, share how they manage marrying into the horse lifestyle and supporting their spouse's passion and livelihoods.  

Send us Fan Mail Taylor Fabus, Michingan extension educator and boarding barn owner, Kathy Dirkschneider, active Arizona 4H volunteer, and Chris Armstrong, barn owner in Vermont share how they have successfully navigated social distancing while still keeping people active and engaged. Barn owners find new creative ways to manage clientele and get the work done!

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Carli Reece, a small animal practioner in Modesta California and Dr. Phil van Harreveld of Vermont Large Animal Clinic, join Dr. Betsy Greene to discuss how their practice has changed during the COVID crisis.  They share how they keep animals health and owners informed while maintaining biosecurity and social distancing.

Send us Fan Mail Dr Colleen Brady and Lee Ann Zobbe of Come Again Farms discuss the difficult decision of closing to boarders during the COVID crisis.  Lee Ann shares the steps she took to keep staff and boarders safe, and how she stays connected to her customers while stopping normal operations.

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Chris Skelly, Michigan State University's extension horse specialist, shares her personal experience of having a horse with rabies and the importance of adding this core vaccine to your annual protocol. Don't worry, it is not as bad as a Stephen King novel!

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Erika Berg, associate professor of Equine Sciences and Program Director of Bison Strides Equine Assisted Therapies and Activities, shares the stories of her favorite therapy horses and how these incredible animals make life transforming differences for people.  A must for anyone that values the impact animals have on our lives and how they can empower individuals both physical...

Send us Fan Mail Colleen Brady, Purdue University, Elaine Bailey, Calvert County Extension Educator in Maryland and Kris Hiney, Oklahoma State University share their personal experiences of dealing with strangles outbreaks, caring for horses and strategies owners should take to keep their horses healthy.

Send us Fan Mail Olivier Fahrini, a Swiss native who transitioned from dressage to western riding and the United States, can teach riders about reasonable expectations and developing a relationship with your horse.

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Betsy Greene, University of Arizona Extension horse specialist, Rebecca Wilkins, Purdue University 4-H educator and Wendy Hein, Oregon State University agriculture educator discuss what makes a great 4-H horse project parent, how to get started in 4-H and how best to give back to the community.  They share advice on how to avoid being "that person" that everyone has...