Dr. Chris Mortensen presents a comprehensive overview of equine liability laws around the world.

The podcast begins with a scenario involving Eli, a riding instructor, to highlight the importance of understanding and adhering to liability laws. Dr. Mortensen delves into various cases and legislations, including the Equine Activity Liability Act (EALA) prevalent in the United States, and similar laws in countries like Canada, Australia, and members of the European Union. He stresses the importance of liability insurance and waivers to protect equine professionals and horse owners from financial and legal risks.

The episode also discusses new and controversial laws in Germany, which restrict training horses under 30 months old. Throughout, Dr. Mortensen emphasizes the need for horse owners to stay informed and take reasonable precautions to prevent negligence and safeguard their equine activities.

Podcast Timeline

00:00 Introduction: A Riding Instructor's Dilemma

01:54 Meet Dr. Chris Mortensen: Equine Educator

02:16 Global Equine Liability Laws

04:19 Case Studies: Understanding Inherent Risks

05:51 Exploring Equine Liability Acts in the U.S.

16:25 International Perspectives on Equine Liability

32:12 The Controversial German Law on Young Horses

39:33 Protecting Yourself: Liability Insurance

42:52 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

⁠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 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.

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

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

In this episode, Dr. Chris Mortensen, discusses the early stages of horse pregnancy and the effects of exercise and heat stress on equine fertility. He explains how critical the initial stages of embryo development are and how stressors can lead to the failure of pregnancy.

Dr. Mortenson recounts his dissertation work and subsequent studies on the topic, highlighting the physiological mechanisms behind these stressors and their impact on the reproductive cycle. He also delves into the ethics and challenges of conducting such research while ensuring animal welfare. The episode concludes with a look at male fertility under similar conditions and a touching story of the Dutch cohort study, emphasizing the importance of proper maternal care during pregnancy.

Podcast Timeline

00:00 The Beginning of a Horse's Life

01:27 Critical Early Stages of Pregnancy

04:02 Exercise and Stress Impact on Reproduction

05:41 Genesis of the Research

06:58 Heat Stress and Embryo Transfer

10:08 Research Methodology and Findings

24:34 Impact on Estrous Cycle and Embryo Quality

28:47 Follow-Up Studies and Broader Implications

34:03 Male Reproductive Health

36:13 Pregnancy and Nutritional Needs

42:22 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

⁠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 delves into the critical topic of heat stress in horses.

Highlighting his extensive research and experiences from Texas, South Carolina, Florida, and beyond, Dr. Mortensen explains the physiological mechanisms behind heat accumulation and dissipation in horses.

He debunks common myths, such as the danger of giving cold water to hot horses, and offers practical advice on recognizing signs of heat stress and strategies for cooling horses effectively. The discussion includes comparisons with other animals like donkeys, the impact of heat on horse reproduction, the importance of acclimation, and the necessity of providing shade and electrolytes.

Referencing several key studies, Dr. Mortensen provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and managing heat stress in horses, emphasizing the increasing relevance of this issue in today's changing climate.

Podcast Timeline

00:00 Welcome and Introduction: The Importance of Subscribing

00:30 Heat Stress in Horses: A Personal Journey

03:02 Understanding Heat Stress: From Symptoms to Solutions

03:34 Dr. Mortensen's Expertise and Research on Heat Stress

05:59 Busting Myths About Horses and Heat

10:11 Comparing Horses and Donkeys: Adaptations to Heat

14:51 Recognizing and Managing Heat Stress in Horses

18:24 The Science of Heat Accumulation and Dissipation

25:16 Sweating: The Horse's Natural Cooling Mechanism

26:40 The Science of Horse Sweat and Cooling Mechanisms

27:13 Understanding Horse Sweat: Types and Functions

39:28 The Role of Hydration in Horse Health and Performance

41:26 Age and Its Impact on Horses' Thermoregulation

43:20 Effective Strategies for Managing Heat Stress in Horses

51:25 Concluding Remarks on Horse Care and Upcoming Topics

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

Dr. Chris Mortensen, delves into the significant considerations around retiring horses, influenced by the story of Al Jabal, an Arabian who won a graded stakes race at 19, reinforcing the idea that age can sometimes be just a number.

Dr. Mortensen discusses factors leading to horse retirement, including health care, nutrition, and the physiological challenges of aging. The podcast covers various disciplines and their typical retirement ages, highlighting studies on racehorses and performance horses, and addresses alternative careers for retired horses, such as therapy programs.

Additionally, Dr. Mortensen explores the importance of planning for a horse's retirement, touching on options like retirement farms and sanctuaries while emphasizing responsible ownership till the end-of-life decisions.

Podcast Timeline

00:00 Introduction to Aging and Retirement in Horses

00:37 The Legendary Tale of Al Jabal: A Champion Beyond Age

03:42 Meet Dr. Chris Mortensen: Unveiling Equine Legends and Science

04:19 Understanding Horse Retirement: Factors and Second Careers

09:15 The Science of Aging in Horses: From Physiology to Care

17:24 Retirement and Beyond: The Fate of Racehorses

21:00 Exploring Post-Racing Careers for Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds

24:20 Age and Performance in English Disciplines: A Detailed Analysis

25:42 Exploring the Longevity and Retirement of Sport Horses

26:02 Insights from a Dutch Study on Horse Retirement

28:11 Analyzing Career Lengths and Retirement Causes in Horses

31:52 Understanding the Impact of Age and Discipline on Horse Retirement

33:56 Retirement Options and Quality of Life for Aging Horses

36:57 The Role of Therapy Riding in Horse Retirement

40:57 Considering Nonprofit Rescues and Retirement Farms

46:38 Concluding Thoughts on Horse Retirement and Care

48:14 Engagement and Resources for Horse Enthusiasts

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

This week’s podcast emphasizes the significance of recognizing and managing toxic plants to prevent equine fatalities. Dr. Chris Mortensen shares a heartbreaking story of a seven-year-old Arabian gelding that died from ingesting oleander, highlighting the vital need for horse owners to identify toxic plants in their horses' environments.

Dr. Mortensen discusses resources and strategies for detecting, removing, and preventing toxic plant exposure, including utilizing the iNaturalist app for plant identification, engaging local officials or extension services for property inspections, and the importance of pasture management and proper feeding to discourage horses from ingesting harmful plants. The podcast aims to equip horse owners with the knowledge to protect their horses from plant toxicity, which is cited as a significant cause of death in horses worldwide. Dr. Mortensen underscores the podcast's mission of offering valuable educational content to improve equine health and welfare globally.

Resources

ASPCA Toxic & Non-Toxic Plants List HERE

Website on iNaturalist app for identification HERE

Podcast Timeline

00:00 Welcome and Gratitude: Engaging the Horse Enthusiast Community

00:38 The Dangers of Oleander: A Cautionary Tale for Horse Owners

05:01 Meet Dr. Chris Mortensen: An Introduction to Our Equine Expert

05:18 Understanding Plant Toxicity: The Serious Risks to Horses

06:06 Identifying Toxic Plants: Tools and Resources for Horse Owners

06:51 The Global Impact of Plant Toxicity on Horses

15:02 Why Horses Eat Toxic Plants: Exploring the Reasons Behind the Risk

21:21 Identifying and Managing Toxic Plants: Practical Advice for Horse Owners

27:21 Unlocking Plant Identification with Technology

27:39 Harnessing iNaturalist for Plant and Animal Identification

28:23 Practical Demonstration: Identifying a Toxic Plant

30:43 Understanding Plant Toxicity and Its Impact on Horses

32:32 Symptoms of Toxicity in Horses: What to Watch For

36:27 Strategies for Managing Toxic Plant Risks

40:38 Pasture Management and Preventive Measures

45:44 Concluding Thoughts and Resources

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