EP 153: Horse Welfare and Behavior Discussion with Buck & Helena

We're just poppin in to your earbuds to talk about horse welfare and behavior from a birdseye view. Why is it important, how science has delivered important knowledge about behavior to the equine industry, and Helena's notes from her graduate studies at Penn. Listen in!

There are six primary behavior motivators for horses: 1) Food 2) Water 3) Safety 4) Comfort 5) Companionship 6) Reproduction To understand why a horse does something (good, bad, or indifferent), it is important to first think of the behavior as belonging to one of these six categories. When you identify which of the six motivators are influencing your horse in any given moment, it becomes much, much easier to meet their needs. And, when you meet their needs, they become much more cooperative. And yes, we want cooperation, not control. Listen in!

Helena is back for a very quick recap and update on her evolving role in the equine industry. As she completes year one of her master's program at PennVet, rest assured that her passion for making the world a better place for horses has not waned–not one, single bit.  For new listeners, this episode provides a brief background on Helena's career before horses, during horses, and today, which currently consists of being a full-time graduate student along with a few select equine behavior clients. Horse behavior is, and will be, the focus of her profession from here on out. So, listen in once more! 

In this final episode of the Stall and Stable Show, Helena shares her purpose for wrapping up the podcast with a reading of her graduate school application essay, lots of thank yous, and one last interesting conversation with Stacy from Triple Crown Nutrition.  Remember, all of the previous Stall and Stable episodes will remain available for download - some for free, others through the Stall and Stable FULL BOARD subscription on Apple Podcasts.  Many thanks to our wonderful sponsor, AMERICAN STALLS, for making this show possible, and for leading the way in quality and service in the equine industry!

Wendy Murdoch comes back to the show to talk about how equine behavior, environment, and biomechanics work to settle an anxious horse. How does gravity play a role in a confident horse? And what would you do if you were dragged to a bougie party and then dumped by your date? Listen in to this super interesting discussion with one of the industry's most knowledgeable and experienced professionals in biomechanics and behavior! This episode is brought to you by AMERICAN STALLS, makers of luxury stall components and accessories.

We are back with our regular Triple Crown Nutrition Spotlight, answering listener questions with Triple Crown Feed specialist, Stacy Andersen. This month features the answer to a query submitted by Shannon, who had a follow-up question to our discussion about feeding the insulin resistant horse. There is a lot to keep track of when you're keeping a horse with a chronic health condition. Your veterinarian should always be the first place you go for advice, but with some insight from the folks at Triple Crown Nutrition, you'll have more information to work with as you partner with your vet on a plan to keep your horse healthy. Listen in!   

Are you interested in ways to keep your horse mentally and emotionally healthy? If your horse spends more than an hour or two in a stall, you will be interested in learning about today's guest: Marlow Morrison, inventor of the Snuffle Pasture, a unique product for stabled horses that creates relaxation and supports emotional wellness in equines of all kinds. Listen in!   This episode is brought to you by: AMERICAN STALLS, makers of luxury stall components and accessories. From beautiful European stallfronts, to brick paver, brass bridle hooks, and much more.

Temple Grandin is a world-renowned animal behaviorist and professor of animal science at Colorado State University. She blazed many trails toward the humane treatment of livestock, and is the author of more than 60 scientific papers on animal behavior. Dr. Grandin also has autism, and has done as much for neurodivergent people as she has for animal welfare. There's a brand new, inspirational documentary about her that was created by today's guests: John Festervand, Development Director at Colorado State, and John Barnhardt, Emmy Award-winning cinematographer. In this episode they discuss the making of the documentary, called "An Open Door", and offer a sneak peak into the life and work of an incredible woman. LISTEN IN!  

It's another Triple Crown Nutrition Spotlight episode, and this time, Helena and Stacy talk about how to choose a feed for those easy keepers, horses with metabolic issues, and other situations where low sugar / low starch diets are necessary for healthy horsekeeping. Plus, Helena shares an update on what's happening at Hoo Too! There's a brand new barn being built, the Hoo Crew is adapting to "summer in the South", and Helena prepares for graduate school at UPenn. What?! Lots to digest here, people, so listen in! (Pun very much intended!) This episode is made possible with the help of American Stalls, makers of premium quality barn components and accessories.

When I put out a call on Faceblast for a freelance professional to come out and give me a hand with my horses, Maria Falgione and her husband Ral Ayers came rollin up my driveway. I looked at Buck and said, "Well, you never know what you're gonna get, but you gotta keep tryin'". And from the minute Maria and Ral said "hello", the four of us were instant friends. Funny how that works. What I was not prepared for, was just how talented, kind, and genuine these two people were, and how much fun they brought to our new adventure in Aiken. And so, in this episode, I introduce you to my new co-host… Maria. To get a really good idea of what she brings to our show, Maria shares a funny story about how she used Facebook to get her first ride at the race track, and then how she and Ral eventually landed in Aiken. There's always something new at Stall and Stable, and this episode is no different… so listen in! This episode is brought to you by American Stalls, makers of premium quality stable components and acessories.