In March of 2024, a diet evaluation was requested for a 31-year-old non-breeding stallion Quarter Horse named Mouse. He weighed approximately 950 lb (430 kg) and was located in Missouri, USA. Reported concerns included topline health and ulcers. His owner’s...
At Mad Barn, we’re passionate about supporting horse owners through research and equine expertise, providing education and solutions for equine health and nutrition. We were thrilled to join Elisa Walfish from the Data Driven Equestrian this past December to answer...
When it’s time to bring a horse back to work after a period of inactivity, whether due to injury, broodmare duties, or seasonal downtime, the process requires thoughtful planning and patience. A gradual return to work (RTW) program tailored to...
In January 2024, a diet evaluation was requested for an eleven-year-old Quarter Horse gelding named Junior. He was located in Alberta, Canada at the time of his diet evaluation submission. He weighed 1300 lbs (590 kg) and was reported to...
Horses are muscular animals, with a high proportion of muscle mass relative to their body weight. This impressive musculature has been shaped through centuries of selective breeding for athletic traits, including speed and strength, that enable horses to excel in...
Regular health checks are an essential component of maintaining your horse's well being, performance, and longevity. Comprehensive health checks allow for early detection of illness, injury, or discomfort, allowing for prompt veterinary treatment and better health outcomes in the long-term....
Manganese is an essential trace mineral involved in multiple physiological processes within a horse’s body. It is an important component of antioxidant enzymes and plays key roles in skeletal, muscular, and nervous system health. Because of its importance, certain groups...
Helping a horse recover from injury requires patience, careful planning, and a basic understanding of equine rehabilitation principles. From controlled exercise and proper nutrition to therapeutic techniques and mental well-being, every step in the recovery process plays a crucial role...
Understanding your horse's energy requirement is important for formulating a balanced diet that supports athletic performance, weight maintenance and overall function. Horses, like all animals, rely on energy from their diet to fuel their everyday activities. Energy is required for...
If you own a horse with metabolic health issues, you are likely familiar with the risks associated with lush pasture grasses. Excess sugar intake from grazing green pasture can trigger abnormal insulin responses in metabolic horses, increasing their risk of...
High performance horses are no different than the world's top human athletes. Like professional soccer players or Olympic swimmers, elite equine athletes need to be extremely fit to consistently perform strenuous physical activity and compete at the top of their...
Sheath cleaning, thrush treatment, and coat clipping may not be the most glamorous tasks in an equestrian's day, but they are essential for maintaining a horse’s health and well being. Regular sheath cleaning helps prevent discomfort, infections, and blockages in...
The horse's natural diet consists of fiber-rich forages, which are relatively low in fat. However, fat supplementation has become increasingly popular for various types of horses, from athletes needing extra energy to metabolic horses who benefit from low-starch diets. Adding...
Becoming an equine veterinarian is a rewarding and fulfilling journey for those passionate about equine health, management, and science. As a vital part of the equine industry, veterinarians not only diagnose and treat illnesses, but also play a key role...
Gestation in horses is a journey that requires care, knowledge, and preparation to ensure both the mare and foal remain healthy throughout the pregnancy. The average gestation period for a horse lasts around 340 days, though some mares may carry...
Heart disease in horses, as in humans, encompasses a broad range of conditions that affect the heart's structure, function, or electrical activity, potentially compromising the horse’s health and performance. The heart is responsible for pumping oxygen-rich blood throughout the body,...
Horse owners strive to ensure the safety and security of our equine companions. One of the most effective tools for identifying and protecting your horse is microchipping. Whether you are new to the concept or considering it as a safeguard...
Assessing a horse's nutritional status is critical for maintaining health and performance. Identifying and correcting vitamin and mineral deficiencies can help prevent a range of health issues, from poor coat condition and hoof quality to more serious problems like immune...
Horses are renowned for their power, grace, and speed. Whether galloping across open fields or running down a racetrack, there’s something captivating about a horse in full stride. But how fast can horses actually run? And what makes certain breeds...
In April of 2024, a diet evaluation was requested for a 9-year-old Quarter Horse gelding named Rage. He weighed approximately 1200 lb (544 kg) and was located in Alberta, Canada. Reported concerns included respiratory, topline, and joint health, and as...
Ionophores are compounds commonly used as additives in feeds for cattle, poultry, and other commercially raised animals. While these compounds are beneficial for certain animals, horses metabolize ionophores differently, making them susceptible to negative effects if exposed to toxic doses....
In May 2024, a diet evaluation was requested for an eleven-month-old appaloosa gelding named Phix, located in Nova Scotia, Canada. At the time of the submission, he weighed approximately 550 lb (250 kg). Phix was reported to be healthy but...
In April 2024, a diet evaluation was requested for a 22-year-old retired show jumper gelding weighing approximately 1,200 lb (544 kg) in Quebec, Canada. Reported health concerns included Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID), arthritis, and poor topline condition. The horse...
Horses produce 1 to 2.5 gallons of sweat per hour, amounting to up to 60 gallons daily. Sweat, produced by over 800 sweat glands per cm² of skin, contains water, electrolytes (sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium, magnesium), and proteins like latherin,...
Pain in horses, like in other animals, is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage. It can result from various sources, including injuries, diseases, or surgical procedures. Recognizing signs of pain in horses is...
In March 2024, a diet evaluation was requested for two 16-year-old mares weighing approximately 1000 lb (455 kg) in Missouri, USA. Reported health concerns included weight gain, poor hoof quality, and a history of laminitis. The horse owner’s primary goal...
Breeders should observe all foalings as closely as possible to monitor the health and wellness of the mare and foal during this period of rapid transition. The 1-2-3-4 Rule is a helpful guideline for breeders to follow when evaluating their...
Horses evolved as a social prey species who were able to survive in a variety of environments due to their adaptability and ability to roam long distances in search of food and water. [ref n="1"] The adaptable nature of horses...
A 21 year old mare received dietary intervention from Mad Barn to resolve persistent hay belly and coat and hoof quality issues with an aim to return to light exercise. After two months of dietary intervention, the mare had improvement...
In August 2023, a diet evaluation was requested for a 46 year old Welsh/Quarter Horse gelding weighing 700 lb (320 kg) in Ontario, Canada. Reported health concerns included acute weight loss, free fecal water syndrome, dentition issues, Cushing's Disease and a...
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