Mad Barn Academy

Glaucoma refers to increased intraocular pressure, the fluid pressure within the eyeball that gives the eye its shape. [ref n="1"] Glaucoma in horses develops when there is an imbalance in fluid drainage at the front of the eye, leading to increased pressure. Causes include inflammation, traumatic...

Equine herpesvirus-1 myeloencephalopathy (EHM) is a potentially fatal consequence of equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) infection in horses. EVH-1 spreads through contact with an infected horse or surfaces contaminated with the virus. Affected horses develop incoordination, weakness, and paralysis 6-10 da...

When you have horses, dealing with manure is simply a fact of life. After all, an average-sized horse poops anywhere from 4 to 13 times each day. Other than cleaning stalls and paddocks, horse owners may not pay too much attention to their horse’s manure. However, manure can provide quite a bit o...

Equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy (EDM) is a degenerative neurologic disease affecting the brain and spinal cord in horses. [ref n="1"] The precise cause of EDM is unknown, but it may be related to a combination of vitamin E deficiency in the diet and genetic predisposition. Horses with EDM us...

Forage should constitute the bulk of your horse's diet, but not all of it needs to be provided as long-stemmed forages like baled hay. Forage cubes and pellets are other options that may be beneficial for horses in different management situations. Typically, hay cubes and pellets will only make up a...

Clipping a horse’s coat is often messy and time-consuming. It can also be stressful for both horses and humans. With the right approach, clipping your horse doesn't have to be a dreaded chore. Clipping offers numerous benefits, particularly for horses expected to work or show during the winter....

Chiropractic care for horses is a form of manual therapy commonly used in veterinary treatment protocols for lameness. Chiropractic treatment focuses on joint mobilization and manipulation to reduce pain, improve symmetry, and increase range of motion. ...

Equine massage therapy is a bodywork modality that involves the systematic manual manipulation of a horse’s muscles and soft tissues to alleviate muscle tension and promote overall well-being. It’s an increasingly popular component of holistic veterinary care and equine management....

Psyllium is a rich source of soluble fiber that can be incorporated into equine diets. Soluble fiber remains undigested by enzymes in the stomach (gastric juices), but passes into the hindgut where it may be partially digested by microbes. Psyllium is included in horse diets to facilitate sand clear...

What Are Oxalates? Effects Calcium Deficiencies Diagnosis and Treatment Feeding Guidelines Oxalates are naturally occurring compounds that bind calcium in the equine diet, preventing absorption of this mineral from the […]...

Ionophore toxicosis, a severe and often fatal condition in horses, arises from the ingestion of ionophores, antibiotic compounds that are common in livestock feeds. Common ionophores in livestock feeds include monensin, lasalocid and salinomycin. These antibiotics increase growth rates in cattle and...

The ability to properly chew and grind food is essential for nutrient digestion and absorption. Dysmastication is a condition involving impaired chewing- also known as mastication. Horses that are unable to chew properly may experience a cascade of problems affecting their nutritional intake, digest...

Neurectomy refers to the surgical cutting and removal of a nerve to prevent pain sensation. [ref n="1"] In horses, neurectomy is considered a salvage procedure, meaning it is a last resort only performed if no other treatments were effective. Veterinarians may recommend neurectomy in horses with chr...

Poisonous snake bites (snake envenomation) in horses, while not common, are a medical emergency. Without prompt veterinary attention, snake envenomation can result in severe injury and, in some cases, death. In North America, venomous snakes belong to either the Elapid (coral snakes) or Crotalid (pi...

The guttural pouches are large, air-filled structures within the horse's skull, in the throatlatch region. These pouches can develop bacterial infections, fungal infections, or tympany, the excessive accumulation of air. Most diseases of the guttural pouches are not life-threatening. However, fungal...

PEHs in Horses Causes Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Prognosis Summary Progressive ethmoidal hematomas (PEHs) in horses are non-cancerous masses that develop from the ethmoidal labyrinth. This a structure with a high […]...

Photo: Cealy Tetley 2023 You might call it serendipity — when everything falls into place and something extraordinary happens. Lindsay Traisnel, a life-long equestrian and member of the Canadian National […]...

Dressage is an equestrian discipline that combines technical execution and artistic expression. Most riders associate dressage with advanced horse and rider combinations performing intricate movements, but riders of all levels can participate in dressage competitions. Cross-training in dressage can ...

Show jumping is one of the most popular and recognizable equestrian sports in the world. Jumping appears alongside eventing and dressage in the equestrian events at the Olympic Games. While well-known for attracting celebrities at the international level, show jumping is fun for equestrians of all b...

Dressage is one of three equestrian sports featured at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Known as the highest expression of horse training, dressage is an equestrian discipline that develops the horse's strength, balance, and rideability. In competition, dressage athletes perform movements that showcase thei...

Breeding Soundness for Stallions Reproductive Anatomy Examination Identification History VD Testing Physical Exam External Exam Internal Exam Semen Evaluation A Breeding Soundness Exam (BSE) aims to evaluate your stallion’s overall […]...

The overo pattern is one of three coat patterns in American Paint Horses (APHs) recognized by the American Paint Horse Association (APHA), along with Tobiano and Tovero. Among Overo variations, the frame overo subtype stands out for its distinctive markings. Unfortunately, breeding two frame overo h...

Mastitis in mares is condition characterized by the inflammation of the mammary gland, usually due to a bacterial infection. Mastitis typically affects lactating mares, often in the period immediately after giving birth or after weaning....

Foal rejection is a situation where the normal bonding between the mare and her foal fails to occur after birth. As a result, the mare may show disinterest, fear, or even aggression towards her newborn foal. The precise cause of foal rejection is often unknown, but may stem from various mare-related...

Pedal osteitis in horses is a condition characterized by inflammation and damage to the pedal (coffin) bone within the hoof. Affected horses can experience pain and lameness, which may be worse after exercise or hoof trimming. dal osteitis typically develops as a result of chronic and repetitive tra...

Sidebone in horses is a common condition that affects the collateral cartilages of the hoof. It occurs when the normally flexible cartilage plates in the horse's hoof gradually become hardened and calcified into bone. According to research, an estimated 80% of all horses have signs of sidebone. Most...

Canker in horses, also called equine proliferative pododermatitis is a condition that causes rapid proliferation of keratin, the main component of the hoof wall and sole. The proliferation forms long fronds of keratin, usually around the frog of the hoof....

Keratomas in horses are abnormal growths or benign tumors that develop within the hoof capsule, potentially resulting in lameness and discomfort. These non-cancerous masses comprise overgrowths of keratin, typically forming near the coronary band....

Colic, defined as abdominal pain in horses, is a condition that ranges from mild discomfort to severe, life-threatening situations. In foals, colic presents unique challenges and concerns, due to their physiology and development. Colic in foals can be challenging to diagnose, as there are numerous p...

Equine pinworms, or Oxyuris equi, are common parasites that inhabit the horse's colon. Female pinworms lay their eggs on the perianal skin (around the anus), which can cause intense itching and irritation for the horse. Pinworm infections are most common in younger horses, but horses of any age can ...

Horses are single stomach (monogastric) herbivores that evolved to graze on fiber-rich roughage. Their unique digestive system consists of a foregut and hindgut, each with different functions for breaking down feed and absorbing nutrients. The stomach and small intestines, which make up the foregut,...

Enteroliths are calcifications or mineral masses that can form in the horse's intestines, sometimes resulting in impaction colic. These intestinal stones form when the horse consumes an indigestible object, which is not passed by the digestive system. Mineral deposits then accumulate around the fore...

The Breton horse is a French draft breed from Bretagne, or Brittany, a province in northwest France. There are three types of Breton horses: the Postier Breton, the Central Mountain Breton, and the Heavy Draft Breton. This breed profile will discuss the characteristics, history, health problems, and...

The Appendix horse is a mixed breed produced by crossing an American Quarter Horse with a Thoroughbred. The cross is also known as an Appendix Quarter Horse. Appendix horses can become eligible for permanent registration with the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) if they meet specific requir...

A grade horse is any horse with unidentifiable or unknown parentage. These horses also include unregistered equines with mixed breeding. Grade horses don’t have a uniform breed type, and characteristics can vary significantly between individuals. Their lack of registered pedigrees shouldn’t disc...

The Oldenburg, or Oldenburger, is a well-known warmblood breed from Lower Saxony in Germany. Oldenburgs are famous sport horses commonly used for dressage and show jumping. This breed profile will discuss the history, characteristics, health problems, and nutritional needs of the Oldenburg horse bre...