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.

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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

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