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Mad Barn Academy is dedicated to supporting horse owners and equine practitioners through research, training and education. Learn about important topics in equine nutrition, health and welfare as we discuss science-backed feeding and management strategies to support your horse's well-being.
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A deep dive into the science of equine nutrition and well-being. With over 20 years of experience formulating equine diets, Scott Cieslar from Mad Barn has dedicated his life to helping horse owners put research into practice. Listen in as Scott and Elissa discuss the foundations of good feeding and management practices and share the latest research to empower every horse owner to improve their horse's health and happiness.
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Thrush describes an infection that develops in the frog of one or more of the horse’s hooves, caused by a fungal or bacterial pathogen. Hooves with frogs that have deep sulci are prone to becoming infected with pathogens that cause thrush. Wet and dirty environments contribute to the development of this infection as thrush-causing pathogens flouris…
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Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Desmitis (DSLD) is a chronic condition in horses that affects connective tissue, including the suspensory ligament and other ligaments and tendons. This painful condition commonly leads to debilitating lameness. In horses with DSLD, the suspensory ligament progressively weakens causing hyperextension of the fetlock,…
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Riding and working with horses poses some inherent risk of danger, but the risk is greater when working with an aggressive or moody horse. For this reason, horse owners often look to calming supplements to help make their horse more manageable and easier to train. Calming remedies are also used during stressful situations such as trailering, showin…
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Swayback, or equine lordosis, is characterized by a large dip in the spine of a horse, often resulting in a high wither and severe downwards curve to their topline. Swayback is more common in older horses and broodmares who have carried multiple large babies. Lordosis can also occur in younger horses with a genetic predisposition. Equine lordosis i…
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A large, round belly doesn’t always mean your horse is overweight. Some horses have a hay belly that makes them appear pregnant, yet they may struggle to maintain enough body condition to cover their ribs. While multiple factors contribute to abdominal distention in horses, poor hindgut fermentation of high-fibre, low-quality forage is the primary …
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Soy is a common ingredient in many equine feeds. Different parts of the soybean can be used to provide protein, energy, and fiber in your horse’s diet. Soybeans are popular because of their versatility and affordability. Soy oil is a palatable fat source for horses who require additional calories. Soybean meal and roasted soybeans also have a super…
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Your farrier and veterinarian will definitely agree that issues with your horse’s hooves can compromise the entire function of your horse. Hoof problems not only cause your horse pain and affect the weight-bearing ability of the foot but also lead to compensatory movements, which can cause issues and injuries in other parts of the body. Corrective …
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Chasteberry is an herbal supplement that is used to support mood balance and hormone health in female and male horses. The Chastetree berry (Vitex agnus-castus) plant is a shrub that grows in the Mediterranean and parts of Asia. The fruits and leaves contain active ingredients that influence hormonal balance in horses. This herb is purported to sup…
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Canola oil is a calorie-dense fat commonly used in the equine diet to promote weight gain and help maintain body condition. This oil provides cool energy for performance horses and can replace grain-based feeds in your horse’s ration to support metabolic health. Feeding fat also improves coat quality and can support gut health. Compared to other oi…
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Botflies (Gasterophilus spp) are parasitic flies that affect the horse’s digestive tract and can cause negative health consequences. Botflies lay eggs on the horse’s coat in the summer. Some of these eggs, known as horse bots, are ingested as the horse licks and grooms itself. The bot eggs hatch and the larvae develop in the horse’s mouth before mi…
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Supplements targeting joint health are some of the most sought-after dietary supplements for horses, especially due to the high prevalence of joint injuries and deterioration later in life. But which equine joint supplements actually work and which are all hype? Many of the ingredients often touted for improving joint health have limited research i…
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The type and amount of bedding you use for horses affects more than just how long it takes you to clean his stall. Bedding adds cushion to the floor of your horse’s living space, absorbs moisture, and helps control odours that could harm your horse’s respiratory health. Bedding depth also influences resting behaviours. Good bedding materials provid…
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Antibiotics or antimicrobial drugs are effective medications for the treatment of bacterial infections in horses. Common equine infections requiring antibiotics include infected skin wounds and abscesses, pneumonia, infectious diarrhea, cellulitis, peritonitis and more. Many antibiotics have broad-spectrum action meaning they act against many diffe…
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Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) is a medicinal plant that is frequently used to soothe skin irritations. The gel of the inner leaf is also commonly fed to reduce or prevent gastric irritations and ulcers in horses. Aloe vera gel contains several active ingredients with anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-microbial effects. This herbal remedy also…
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Alfalfa is a popular forage choice for horses and an ingredient in many equine feeds. This legume forage can be processed and preserved in many different ways to make it easier to incorporate into the diet. Alfalfa is nutrient-dense and is an excellent source of energy, protein and minerals in the equine diet. It is also typically low in non-struct…
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A proper grooming routine involves more than just knocking the dirt off your horse’s coat before tacking up. A well-groomed horse is a well-cared-for horse. Learning to groom your horse correctly and following a thorough daily grooming routine can significantly benefit their health and well-being. Horse owners can also use this time to bond with th…
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A strong hoof is the foundation of a sound horse. When it comes to proper hoof care, it’s all about balance. All horses need regular farrier care, and working with an experienced farrier is one of the best investments you can make in your horse’s soundness. Maintaining correct hoof balance with regular trimming and shoeing by a qualified farrier pr…
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Modern domestic horses have very different lifestyles than their wild ancestors. While keeping horses in stalls is convenient for humans, confinement can be detrimental for animals who evolved to graze and walk throughout the day. Turning horses out to pasture provides freedom of movement in a controlled outdoor environment. Regular turnout can imp…
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Grazing muzzles are a staple in the tack room of many pony and horse owners. These muzzles fit over the mouth and nose of a horse and restrict grass intake while allowing access to pasture. Grazing muzzles have been shown to reduce dry matter intake by between 30 – 80%. These devices can help prevent laminitis and obesity in horses or ponies by dec…
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How much water does your horse need to drink every day to stay healthy and how much do water requirements increase in hot conditions or when working? Ensuring adequate water intake is important for the optimal health and well-being of all horses. Some horses are more susceptible to becoming dehydrated and have a higher need for water. A typical, id…
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Equine osteoarthritis is a common condition in the aging horse. Osteoarthritis (also known as Degenerative Joint Disease) involves joint inflammation and progressive degeneration of the cartilage lining. It also involves changes in the bone and soft tissues of the joint. Arthritis is thought to affect more than half of all horses over the age of 15…
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Horses are prone to hoof cracks for various reasons. Cracks can lead to the hoof chipping away in certain areas. Cracks can be a cosmetic problem that can be easily corrected, but sometimes, they indicate something more serious is happening within the hoof. Hoof cracks are usually described by their location, length (partial or full), and the prese…
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Horses may not require as much sleep as humans, but quality sleep is still vital for your equine’s overall health and well-being. Although horses can sleep standing up thanks to their unique stay apparatus, REM sleep is only possible when they are lying down, and their muscles can relax. Many factors can prevent a horse from getting enough quality …
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Tying-up in horses is a colloquial term for Exertional Rhabdomyolysis, a condition involving exercise-related muscle cramping and damage. Some horses experience a single episode of tying up whereas others experience recurrent tying-up. During an episode, the affected horse becomes stiff and reluctant to move. Your horse may only taking short, shuff…
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Horses can experience a number of different dental issues over their lifetime, impacting their ability to chew and digest their feed. Unaddressed dental issues can affect your horse’s health, condition, behaviour and performance. This is why it’s important to have your horse’s teeth checked by an experienced veterinarian or equine dentist on a regu…
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Dehydration is a serious problem in competing and working horses, especially during hot weather. Horses are very sweaty animals and can quickly become dehydrated. Horses competing in endurance racing or engaging in sustained heavy exercise are at the highest risk of dehydration. Dehydration occurs when your horse loses excessive fluids from sweat, …
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Colic is one of the most feared conditions within the equine community. As many horse owners know, colic is an unpredictable, painful, and sometimes fatal condition. Colic refers to abdominal pain in horses that can lead to potentially serious health complications. Cases of colic may present as mild and be resolved in less than 24 hours with or wit…
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Flies are more than just a nuisance to horses and their owners. Without proper fly control, these insects can transmit diseases to your horse and cause skin irritations. Effective fly control for horses starts before fly season begins with environmental management strategies to prevent flies from breeding on your farm. You can also protect your hor…
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Coughing is a common clinical sign in horses that can be entirely benign or the first clue of a medical condition. Your horse’s cough is a normal reflex that keeps his airway healthy and clean. But some conditions associated with coughing require immediate veterinary care. Horse owners should learn to identify different types of coughs to determine…
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Whether you are a seasoned equestrian or a new horse owner, trailering your horse can be a daunting task but does not have to be uncomfortable for you or your horse. Many factors influence equine welfare while trailering. However, the right vehicle, proper trailer maintenance, careful driving, and thorough preparation will help ensure a safe and su…
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Looking for ways to prevent boredom in your horse? Enrichment activities for your horse don’t need to cost a lot and can be easy to set up. Many horse owners are aware of the basic components of animal welfare. You know to provide nutrition, water, shelter, safety, and medical help when needed. But a component of animal welfare that often gets miss…
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Hot hooves, a sawhorse stance, severe lameness; these are all signs of laminitis – one of the most dreaded equine conditions for good reason. In severe instances, laminitis can lead to euthanasia of the horse. Laminitis occurs when there is separation in the laminae of the hoof — where the hoof wall is connected to the coffin bone. It can occur in …
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A hyperactive horse is commonly referred to as a “hot” horse. You may know the feeling of dealing with a hot horse all too well: it can feel like your horse is going to explode at any moment. Hot horse behaviour is associated with changes in stress hormones. Cortisol is a stress hormones that has a cascading effect on the horse’s body. Chronically …
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Routine equine dentistry is an often overlooked aspect of preventative care that can significantly impact your horse’s welfare and performance. Horses have specialized teeth adapted to continuous grazing. Unlike human teeth, horse teeth erupt throughout their life and can become imbalanced if they are not worn down evenly. Domestic horses may have …
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Adding fats and oils to your horse’s diet is a great way to increase calorie supply without relying on grains and high-NSC feeds. Fats can be added to the diets of underweight horses as weight gain supplements. Oils also provide cool energy to support exercise performance, weight maintenance and gut health. High-fat feeds are typically made with ri…
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Straw or chaff is a high-fibre low-sugar forage that is ideal for horses that are overweight or insulin-resistant. Straw adds bulk to your horse’s diet without contributing significant calories or protein. Research shows that adding straw to a forage ration can increase time spent grazing and the expression of natural foraging behaviours. [1] This …
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Unexplained weight loss in your horse is a cause for concern for any horse owner but is often straightforward to diagnose and address. If your horse is losing body condition, it could indicate an undiagnosed health problem or it may be time to consider changes to your horse’s feeding and management. Older horses and horses affected by chronic disea…
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One in ten horses is affected by laminitis each year. This painful condition involves inflammation of the hoof laminae, leading to varying degrees of lameness. Although laminitis affects the hooves, the condition is often initiated by dietary and metabolic factors. Laminitis can also result from infection or excessive mechanical stresses on the hoo…
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If your horse is an easy keeper, sometimes it can seem like they get fat off of air. Some equine breeds are known for being more metabolically efficient than others. They require less digestible energy (calories) to maintain an ideal body condition than other horses. This means they can easily become overweight. Research shows that up to 40% of hor…
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Equine stereotypic behaviours are repetitive behaviours involving a constant sequence of movements that have no obvious or apparent function. Examples of common stereotypies include cribbing, wind-sucking, weaving, stall walking and head shaking. Sometimes referred to as stall vices, these behaviours are estimated to affect 10-20% of domesticated h…
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The internet is full of criticism and judgment about what we do wrong with our horses. We’re often told that we aren’t good enough because we don’t jump high enough, don’t ride well enough, or can’t afford the most expensive horse. But at the end of the day, what matters most is that you have a happy, healthy, willing horse and that you are both en…
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Equine polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM or EPSM) is a genetic condition in horses that affects how muscle cells store sugars. This can lead to exercise intolerance, stiffness, and an abnormal gait in your horse. After diagnosis, owners often notice signs, such as tail swishing, behavioural changes, and slight performance reductions indicating …
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Keeping horses barefoot is gaining in popularity because of the benefits in hoof health and movement it can provide some horses. Barefoot hoof trimming is designed to maximize the biomechanical efficiency of hoof function. It is favoured among horse owners who prefer more natural management of their equine companions. When the barefoot hoof is in c…
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Many horse owners do not fully appreciate the significance of providing adequate salt to their equine companions. In terms of cost to benefit ratio, it would be hard to think of another nutrient with such a low cost that provides the benefits of salt. This can not be emphasized enough, your horse will not consume too much salt. To my knowledge, no …
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When it comes to feeding senior horses, there are many factors to consider to support longevity and healthy aging. Making sure your horse’s core nutritional needs are met and keeping up with routine healthcare are critical to promoting optimal well-being for many more years to come. Formulating a well-balanced diet that supports healthy aging is cr…
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Spirulina is a nutritionally dense blue-green algae that is used as an equine supplement to support horses with immune or respiratory needs. Spirulina refers to dried algae, or cyanobacteria, harvested from lakes in Africa, Mexico and China. Fed in the form of a concentrated green powder, it is a rich source of bioactive proteins, fatty acids, vita…
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Putting weight on a skinny horse can be a difficult and frustrating task. There are many different causes of weight loss in horses and feeding strategies will depend on why your horse is underweight in the first place. Weight loss occurs when a horse is in a negative energy balance, meaning that they are consuming less caloric energy than they are …
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Laminitis is a common but serious condition that involves separation of the laminae, which connects the coffin bone to the hoof wall. A bout of laminitis can cause mild to severe pain in affected horses and result in lasting damage to the hooves. In extreme cases, the condition can result in permanent lameness and lead to the horse being euthanized…
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Building topline muscle and dealing with topline loss is a common struggle for horse owners. Your horse may have a weak topline due to a variety of factors including nutrition and exercise. Physiological factors such as age or underlying health conditions can also affect topline muscle. With the right feeding plan, exercise program, and lifestyle, …
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MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is a naturally occurring form of sulfur that is found in plants and animals. MSM is used to relieve joint pain in aging horses and performance horses. It helps maintain healthy connective tissue, cartilage, bones, and hooves. It also supports a healthy skin and coat in horses. Horses with arthritis, poor hoof condition, …
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