The Stable Management Podcast

In this episode, Lee McKeever, show barn manager at Castle Hill Farm in Brewster, New York, and Wellington, Florida, shares his best tips for travelling with horses and caring for them on the road. He explains how he ensures horses stay hydrated during transit and in new environments, managing horses that can be nervous in new environements, and creating a travel schedule with the horses' health a...

In this episode, Erica Jacquay, PhD, assistant professor of equine studies at Midway University, in Kentucky, discusses what you need to know about safely trailering your horse as show season begins. She explains correct loading and unloading practices, keeping your horses safe and minimizing stress during transit, and key aspects of routine trailer maintenance.  GUESTS AND LINKS - EPISO...

In this episode, Lance Yohe, CJF, farrier at the University of California Davis veterinary hospital's large animal clinic explains what horse owners and barn managers need to know about horse hoof health and working with a farrier. He describes the importance of regular hoof care, identifying and managing common hoof problems, and improving your horse's hoof health. GUESTS AND LINKS - EPISODE 24:...

In this episode, Tanja Bornmann, owner of Academic Equitation in Canada, explains what researchers know about how horses perceive humans and what humans can do to better understand their horses. She describes how horses react to specific human facial expressions and vocal tones, whether horses can demonstrate preferences in their life and work, and common misconceptions regarding the horse-human i...

In this episode, Carey Williams, PhD, equine extension specialist and professor at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, explains the problems, dangers, and horse health concerns associated with mud on horse farms. She also describes how barn managers can prevent or minimize mud occurrence, the importance of resting pastures (and how to do this, even on small acreage), and how to prepar...

In this episode, Kimberly Cole, PhD, professor and equine extension specialist at The Ohio State University, in Columbus, discusses the dangers that snow and ice can pose on horse farms and how managers can keep both horses and humans safe in these conditions. She describes pet-safe ice management solutions, how to prepare for major storms, and hacks for surviving the barn in sub-freezing tem...

In this episode, Melinda Story, DVM, IVCA, Dipl. ACVSMR, ACVS, discusses equine chiropractic care and acupuncture. She describes the benefits of chiropractic care and what horses can benefit from it, common uses for acupuncture and acupressure, and the potential risks of each. GUESTS AND LINKS - EPISODE 20: Host: Hailey Kerstetter Guest: Melinda Story, DVM, IVCA, Dipl. ACVSMR, ACVS Please visit ou...

In this episode, Katie McKenna, DVM, equine sports medicine and rehabilitation resident at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center, in Kennet Square, discusses common concerns with conditioning horses during winter, how to mitigate risks associated with winter work, and the physical and mental benefits of time off during winter for horses. She explains the most common conditions and inj...

In this episode, Chad Soard of Trifecta Wildlife Services in Lexington, Kentucky describes common species of wildlife that might be considered unwanted on horse farms and what barn managers can do to manage them. Soard discusses the dangers that some types of wildlife can pose to horses and their humans, the differences between perceived threat and actual threat when it comes to wildlife, and how...

In this episode, Amy McLean, PhD, assistant professor at the University of California, Davis, discusses equine enrichment activities and the role they play in improving horse welfare. McLean describes convenient and affordable enrichment methods, how to provide enrichment for sick or injured horses on stall rest, and common myths about equine enrichment activities. GUESTS AND LINKS - EPISODE 17: H...

In this episode, Kris Hiney, PhD, associate professor and extension specialist at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater discusses everything you need to know about keeping your dog safe in the barn. She explains common uses for dogs in the barn, potential liability when having your own or others' dogs in the barn, and how to teach your dog skills that can help keep him safe around the farm....

In this episode, Stephanie Melton, director of marketing at The Sanctuary at Red Bell Run in Columbus, North Carolina, discusses the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in the Western North Carolina area and how it has affected horses and the humans that care for them. She describes the current rescue and donation intake and distribution efforts, where more support is needed, and how...

In this episode, Paula Hitzler, manager of the Michigan State University horse teaching and research center, in East Lansing, explains everything you need to know about horse herd dynamics to keep you and your horses safe. She describes common, healthy herd behaviors, red flags to be on the lookout for, and horse-to-horse bonds. GUESTS AND LINKS - EPISODE 14: Host: Hailey Kerstetter Guest: Paula H...

In this episode, Jorge Colón, DVM, MBA, discusses everything barn managers need to know about developing and using a budget to be prepared for routine and emergency expenses. He describes getting started with using a budget, saving for emergency expenses, financial considerations to make before starting an equine business or making large purchases. GUESTS AND LINKS - EPISODE 13: Host: Hailey Kerst...

In this episode, Danielle Smarsh, PhD, of The Pennsylvania State University, explains how horse owners and barn managers can prepare to feed horses during the colder months. She discusses how a horse's energy needs change with the seasons, how to adjust a horse's forage intake during winter, and ways to ensure your horse is drinking enough water as the temperatures drop. GUESTS AND LINKS - EPISODE...

In this episode, Rachel McCart, founder of Equine Legal Solutions discusses common liability problems that can arise on horse farms and how horse owners can reduce their risk of liability. McCart explains the purpose of waivers, when to use them, and how to create a strong waiver; types of insurance that farm owners might need; and common misconceptions about equine liability. GUESTS AND LINKS - E...

In this episode, Rebecca Husted, PhD, primary instructor and president of technical large animal emergency rescue discusses common emergency and disaster situations that might affect horses and their caretakers. Husted describes the importance of preparedness in keeping horses safe in emergencies, how to create a preparedness plan, and how to decide whether to evacuate or shelter in place during d...

In this episode, Krishona Martinson, PhD, MS, professor and equine extension specialist at the University of Minnesota, in Minneapolis discusses the importance of maintaining healthy horse pastures. Martinson shares tips for improving pasture quality, utilizing rotational grazing, and cultivating healthy pastures on small acreage. GUESTS AND LINKS - EPISODE 9: Host: Hailey Kerstetter Guest: Krisho...

In this episode we talk with Ragan Adams, DVM, of Colorado State University about the dangers of hot weather for both you and your horse. Adams describes the signs of heat stress in horses, ways to keep your horse cool when temperatures rise, and common misconceptions about caring for horses in hot weather. GUESTS AND LINKS - EPISODE 8: Host: Hailey Kerstetter Guest: Ragan Adams, DVM Please visit...

In this episode we talk with Aliza Simeone, VMD, from the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center about keeping your horse and others safe by creating good bioscuirty habits. Dr. Simeone discusses how to properly disinfect common barn items, the risks of taking your horse to a show, and what do to when managing an infectious disease outbreak. GUESTS AND LINKS - EPISODE 7: Host: Hailey...

In this episode we talk with Tim Worden, PhD, an equine sports performance consultant out of Toronto, Canada about how he helps riders and trainers prepare their elite equine athletes for competition and how you can apply these principles to horses of all levels. Worden describes how he develops a training plan, why it is important to have a structured training plan for your horse, and the im...

In this episode we talk with Alayne Blickle, creator and director of Horses for Clean Water, about safe and effective fly and insect control strategies for horse farms. Alayne discusses alternative methods to the traditional fly sprays and explains how farm owners can utilize birds, bats, and fly predator insects to control nuisance bug populations. GUESTS AND LINKS - EPISODE 5: Host: Hailey...

In this episode we talk with Madeline Boast, MSc, an independent equine nutritionist based in Ontario, Canada about how to create a balanced diet for your horse. Madeline explains the components of a good nutrition program, how to choose the right feed and forage for your horse, the role of pasture in their diet, and how to navigate the process of working with a nutritionist.  GUESTS AND...

In this episode we talk with Bella Nye, stable manager at Lord Fairfax Equestrian Center in White Post, Virginia about her favorite tips and tricks for making a horse's coat shine year-round. We'll discuss her everyday and competition grooming routine, how to prevent blanket rubs, and what you can do to help your horse grow a stronger mane and tail.  GUESTS AND LINKS...

In this episode we talk with Bob Coleman, PhD, PAS, associate professor and equine extension specialist from the University of Kentucky, about the most common barn management mistakes he sees when working in the field and how you can avoid making them. We'll dive into horse barn ventilation and air quality, turnout, pasture shelters, and Coleman's biggest barn management pet peeves.  GUESTS A...