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.
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 flourish under these conditions. Typical signs of a thrush infection include hoof tenderness and a foul-smelling discharge from the hoof. Prompt treatment is necessary to stop the spread of the infection. Management strategies to prevent thrush and…
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, hock, and stifle. The precise causes and mechanisms of DSLD are still an active area of research. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for DSLD and there are no reliable measures to slow disease progression. Supportive care including…
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, showing, farrier work, and veterinary visits. Despite their popularity, calming supplements may be one of the least studied supplement categories in horses. Behaviour can be hard to quantify which makes it a difficult topic for researchers to study. In…
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 is caused by a failure of the ligament support structures along the length of the back. When the ligaments are weak, stretched, or compromised, the spine can sag toward the ground. Although shocking in appearance, equine lordosis does not usually…
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 culprit. These horses may not be getting enough energy and protein from their diet, leading to poor topline and body condition. Dietary changes or gut support are necessary to get rid of the hay belly. This podcast will review the causes of hay…
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 superior amino acid profile compared to other commonly fed protein sources. This makes soy a desirable addition to the high-protein diets required by lactating and growing horses. However, there is a concern in the horse community about whether soy…
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 shoeing is a common way to address or reduce the effects of many hoof issues . From navicular syndrome to laminitis to tendon and ligament injuries, appropriate corrective shoeing done by a qualified farrier can reduce pain and increase the…
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 support hypothalamus and pituitary function in horses with Cushing’s disease/PPID . Anecdotally, chasteberry is said to help make moody mares easier to handle and may have a calming effect on aggressive stallions or geldings. Chasteberry is safe to…
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 oils, canola oil is relatively affordable and widely available. However, some horse owners might not want to feed this oil due to its fatty acid profile. Canola oil is primarily comprised of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids and…
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 migrating to the stomach where they attach to the gastric mucosa. Once mature, they detach and are passed through the manure. They pupate into flies, and the cycle repeats with new botflies seeking out horses to host their eggs. Prevention and…
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 in horses. And some of the most popular supplements believed to work have been demonstrated ineffective when actually studied in equine populations. (You may be surprised by which ingredients DON’T work.) That being said, there are some compounds…
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 provide enough cushion for horses to lie down and are easy for care staff to keep clean. Different materials have unique advantages and disadvantages. Selecting the best bedding for your horse will depend on budget, housing situation, health needs, and…
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 different bacteria. Others more specifically target certain bacterial strains. Your veterinarian can determine which antibiotic is appropriate for your horse given their medical situation. These drugs are not without risks, and they can have adverse…
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 stimulates mucous production and influences gastric acid production. Although commonly fed to horses as an anti-ulcer agent , there has only been one study to examine the effects of aloe vera effects on horses with gastric ulcers. High doses of…
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-structural carbohydrate content. This makes it a valuable roughage to include in the diets of pregnant and lactating mares, mature performance horses, or other horses requiring protein supplementation. However, some horse owners hesitate to feed alfalfa…
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 their horses and check for signs of health problems that might need attention. But if you’re new to caring for a horse, you might not know where to start. Even if you’re an experienced equestrian, this guide from a former professional groom can help…
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 prevents overloading structures in the limb and allows the hoof to function optimally. A collaborative approach between your veterinarian, your equine nutritionist, and your farrier is the best way to optimize your horse’s hoof health. This podcast…
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 improve your horse’s mental and physical health, even if your horse already gets frequent exercise under saddle. While turnout involves some risk of injury, greater turnout time generally provides more benefits for equine welfare. However, the best…
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 decreasing calorie and sugar intake. If your horse is over-conditioned and needs to lose weight, using a muzzle while on pasture will help you manage your horse’s weight without needing to isolate them to a stall or dry lot. Grazing muzzles allow the…
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, idle 500 kg horse requires at least 25 litres (6.6 US gallons) of water per day. In hot weather, horses may require 55 litres (15 US gallons) per day and they may need anywhere from 40 – 70 litres (10 – 18 gallons) per day when exercising. Even if…
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. It is also the leading cause of lameness in horses. Horses engaged in high-intensity exercise, such as racing, may develop osteoarthritis at an earlier age due to wear-and-tear. There is no cure for arthritis, but with proper management, many…
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 presence or absence of bleeding and/or infection. In many cases, the underlying hoof damage is considerably more extensive than what is seen from the outside. This podcast features details on hoof anatomy, summarizes the main causes and types of hoof…
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 sleep and lead to signs of sleep deprivation. Factors include pain, injury, health conditions, loud or bright barn environments, and even social hierarchy. While equine sleep disorders are still poorly understood, horse owners should be aware of…
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, shuffled steps. In severe cases, a horse displays signs of distress including pawing at the ground, excessive sweating, and quick, shallow breathing due to the pain associated with this condition. Tying-up episodes should be taken seriously. If your…
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 regular basis. Dental problems are the third most common medical problem seen in large animal practices in the U.S. Unfortunately, postmortem studies show high levels of clinically significant, undiagnosed dental disorders in horses. This means that…
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, urine, feces, and respiration. If your horse does not drink enough to offset the fluid loss, she can become dehydrated. The most common signs of dehydration are poor performance, loss of skin elasticity, weakness and increased respiratory rate.…
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 without veterinary treatment. Colic can also be more severe, requiring emergency surgery. Colic is usually triggered by a combination of factors, including diet, workload, and stress exposure. It can also be caused by gas buildup, feed impaction,…
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 horses from flies by adding features to your barns that discourage insects from hanging around horses. Fly spray is one of the most common methods for controlling flies. But horses often need added protection from wearable fly gear to stay comfortable…
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 when to call the vet. While certain diseases only respond to medical treatments, feeding and environmental changes can also help manage coughing in horses. This podcast will review the causes, symptoms and diagnosis of coughing in horses. We will…
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 successful journey with your horse. Ensure your horse is familiar with the trailer before hitting the road, and practice loading and unloading several times at home. To keep your horse safe, it is imperative to gather relevant paperwork and carry the…
About Mad Barn Academy
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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