In this episode, Dr. Chris Mortensen discusses the spread of fly-borne diseases in horses, including the examples of West Nile virus and African horse sickness.

Dr. Mortensen reflects on his personal experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and draws parallels with the rapid spread of diseases among horses. The podcast covers the transmission methods, signs, symptoms, and preventative measures for various diseases. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of good barn management, vaccination, and consulting with veterinarians to protect horses from these potentially deadly illnesses. Key diseases highlighted include Equine Infectious Anemia, Vesicular Stomatitis, and different types of Encephalomyelitis.

Podcast Timeline

00:00 Introduction to Fly-Borne Diseases

00:31 Personal Experiences and COVID-19

02:07 African Horse Sickness and Modern Transport

04:37 Historical Pandemics and Modern Implications

05:23 Global Movement of Horses and Disease Prevention

06:51 Understanding Fly-Borne Diseases

07:34 Transmission and Symptoms of Fly-Borne Diseases

10:12 West Nile Virus: A Case Study

13:04 Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA)

25:29 Preventing EIA and Other Fly-Borne Diseases

26:42 African Horse Sickness: A Global Threat

28:29 Global Spread of African Horse Sickness

29:27 Transmission and Impact of Midges

31:17 Forms and Symptoms of African Horse Sickness

33:05 Treatment and Prevention Strategies

35:15 Vesicular Stomatitis: A Regional Concern

38:19 Encephalomyelitis and West Nile Virus

41:41 Effective Barn Management Practices

48:06 Conclusion and Further Resources

Visit https://madbarn.com/mad-about-horses/ to learn more about the Mad About Horses podcast.

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Mad Barn Academy is dedicated to supporting horse owners, handlers and practitioners through research, training and education.

Visit us to learn more at ⁠⁠https://madbarn.com ⁠⁠

You can also find Mad Barn at: ⁠

Instagram ⁠⁠@madbarnequine⁠ ⁠⁠

Facebook ⁠⁠@madbarnequine⁠⁠

TikTok ⁠⁠@madbarnequine⁠⁠

⁠YouTube⁠⁠ @madbarn ⁠⁠

We would love to hear from you! Please send any questions or comments to ⁠podcast@madbarn.com

In this episode, Dr. Chris Mortensen explores the topic of keeping horses calm, sharing personal stories from his early years at the Del Mar racetrack, and delving into various aspects of horse behavior and safety.

He highlights the importance of understanding horse psychology, the genetic and environmental factors affecting horse temperament, and statistical data on equestrian-related injuries. The discussion covers effective training techniques, welfare considerations, and the potential benefits and limitations of calming supplements like tryptophan, magnesium, and alpha-casozepine.

Dr. Mortensen emphasizes the significance of positive reinforcement, consistent handling, and safety precautions to build a strong, calm relationship with horses.

Podcast Timeline

00:00 Introduction and Gratitude

00:45 Personal Experiences with Horses

03:21 Understanding Horse Behavior

03:57 The Importance of Keeping Horses Calm

12:04 Equestrian Injury Statistics

21:24 Factors Influencing Horse Calmness

31:17 Approaching Horses: The Left Side Tradition

33:39 The Importance of Horse Welfare

34:47 Exploring Calming Supplements

36:26 Tryptophan: A Closer Look

40:50 Magnesium's Effects on Horses

48:20 Alpha Casozepine: Promising Results

53:06 Final Thoughts on Calming Horses

Visit https://madbarn.com/mad-about-horses/ to learn more about the Mad About Horses podcast.

---------------------------------

Mad Barn Academy is dedicated to supporting horse owners, handlers and practitioners through research, training and education.

Visit us to learn more at ⁠⁠https://madbarn.com ⁠⁠

You can also find Mad Barn at: ⁠

Instagram ⁠⁠@madbarnequine⁠ ⁠⁠

Facebook ⁠⁠@madbarnequine⁠⁠

TikTok ⁠⁠@madbarnequine⁠⁠

⁠YouTube⁠⁠ @madbarn ⁠⁠

We would love to hear from you! Please send any questions or comments to ⁠podcast@madbarn.com

In this episode, we delves into the captivating journeys of some of the most celebrated female equestrian champions, highlighting their extraordinary achievements and overcoming of barriers.

Dr. Mortensen invites guest Dr. Emily Gilbert, a regenerative neurobiologist and equestrian enthusiast, who shares insights on Team Canada's preparations and the logistical challenges faced by equestrian teams from around the world. Dr. Mortensen also discusses the preparation and training involved for equestrian athletes and their horses as they gear up for the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics.

The history of equestrian events in the Olympics is reviewed, along with the role of various horse breeds in these competitions. The episode wraps up by looking at the mental and physical preparations necessary for becoming an Olympic champion.

00:00 Breaking Barriers: Women in Equestrian Olympics

04:21 Preparing for the 2024 Paris Olympics

06:10 The History of Equestrian Sports in the Olympics

09:09 Olympic Equestrian Events: Schedule and Highlights

11:15 Training and Selection of Olympic Horses and Riders

14:51 Breeds and Bloodlines of Olympic Champions

20:39 Logistics and Challenges of Competing Internationally

27:52 Mental Preparation for Olympic Athletes

38:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Visit https://madbarn.com/mad-about-horses/ to learn more about the Mad About Horses podcast.

---------------------------------

Mad Barn Academy is dedicated to supporting horse owners, handlers and practitioners through research, training and education.

Visit us to learn more at ⁠⁠https://madbarn.com ⁠⁠

You can also find Mad Barn at: ⁠

Instagram ⁠⁠@madbarnequine⁠ ⁠⁠

Facebook ⁠⁠@madbarnequine⁠⁠

TikTok ⁠⁠@madbarnequine⁠⁠