Paris 2024: How the Top Equestrians Prepare Their Horses for the Olympics

In this episode, Scott Cieslar describes the journey of founding Mad Barn and driving change in the equine industry to make the world better for horses. He recounts his early memories of raising horses through his father's love for racing and the various roles he took on, from grooming to studying animal science and nutrition. From his early days in horse racing with his father to founding a company now recognized worldwide, Scott shares how his passion for horses evolved. Starting from humble beginnings—carrying supplement bags in his car — Mad Barn has grown into a global leader with a focus on research, education, and filling critical gaps in equine nutrition studies. Scott discusses how Mad Barn’s team of nutritionists and veterinarians provides science-backed solutions and education to improve horse welfare. He reflects on the challenges, the milestones, and the honour of working with Olympic athletes, highlighting his vision for a lasting legacy in the equine industry.  Podcast Timeline 00:00 Introducing Scott Cieslar 04:33 Early Memories with Horses 06:51 Journey into Equine Nutrition 08:43 Founding Mad Barn 11:04 Challenges and Growth 15:27 Research and Innovation 20:58 The Mad Barn Team 26:28 Education and Outreach 32:01 Working with Olympic Athletes 34:09 Reflections and Future Goals 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

In this episode, Dr. Chris Mortensen discusses the critical aspects of pasture management for horses and other equids. Highlighting his experience with the endangered Somali wild ass, Dr. Mortensen explains the importance of continuous grazing behaviors in wild and domestic equids. He covers a wide range of topics including the benefits of productive pastures, appropriate forages, soil testing, rotational grazing, mowing, harrowing, and weed control. This detailed guide is essential for horse owners and enthusiasts looking to optimize their pasture land use, reduce costs, and ensure the health and happiness of their animals. Podcast Timeline 00:00 Introduction to the Somali Wild Ass 00:36 Behavioral Study in Florida 02:14 Observations on Equid Foraging 05:09 Importance of Pasture Management 05:46 Nutritional Needs of Horses 06:58 Benefits of Pastures for Horses 10:55 Determining Pasture Acreage 14:53 Types of Forages and Their Growth 21:20 Soil Health and Fertilization 25:39 Grazing Systems and Management 36:41 Weed Control and Pasture Maintenance 39:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 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

Dr. Chris Mortensen shares his journey from aspiring veterinarian to equine educator and highlights the diverse career opportunities in the equine industry. He discusses traditional roles like veterinarians, farriers, and trainers as well as less commonly known careers such as equine photographers and insurance agents. Salary ranges and qualifications for various jobs are detailed, emphasizing the thriving nature of the equine industry. The episode encourages listeners, especially young people, to explore their passion for horses through the numerous career paths available.   Podcast Timeline   00:00 A Childhood Dream of Veterinary Medicine 01:01 Discovering a Passion for Equine Studies 02:35 Exploring Careers in the Equine Industry 03:14 The Vast Opportunities in the Equine Industry 07:40 Diving into Equine Health Careers 11:29 The Role of Equine Veterinary Technicians 14:13 Equine Dentistry: A Specialized Field 16:22 Equine Reproductive Specialists 21:39 Alternative Equine Health Careers 23:28 The Importance of Farriers in Equine Care 25:05 Consulting Your Veterinarian 25:13 The Role and Salary of Farriers 26:07 Exploring Unique Equine Careers 26:26 Equine Photography: Turning Passion into Profession 28:15 Equine Event Coordinators: Behind the Scenes 29:46 Equine Journalism: A Changing Field 30:54 Equine Insurance Agents and Appraisers 32:42 Equine Product Sales Representatives 34:13 Equine Training and Riding Instructors 37:11 Therapeutic Riding and Behavior Specialists 39:01 Stable Managers and Barn Hands 42:27 Equine Nutritionists: A Specialized Field 45:55 Conclusion: Opportunities in the Equine Industry   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  

In this episode, Dr. Chris Mortensen shares a personal story to illustrate the importance of nutrients in hay for horses. He explains the critical need to test hay to ensure it meets the nutritional requirements of horses, emphasizing that visual appraisal alone is insufficient. Dr. Mortensen discusses the methodology of hay sampling, the role of different nutrients, and the implications of soil nutrient content from various locations. He provides an overview of essential measurements in hay tests, such as dry matter, crude protein, fiber content, non-structural carbohydrates, and minerals. Lastly, he stresses the role of equine nutritionists and the necessity of supplementation to fill nutrient gaps in a horse's diet, advocating for regular hay testing and balanced nutrition for optimal horse health. Podcast Timeline  00:00 Introduction and Personal Story 03:01 The Importance of Hay Quality 04:06 Nutrient Gaps in Forage 05:13 Regional Differences in Hay Nutrients 08:35 The Necessity of Hay Testing 21:15 How to Take a Hay Sample 25:52 Understanding Hay Test Results 45:11 Conclusion 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 ⁠[email protected]

In this episode, Dr. Chris Mortensen delves into the historical and present-day significance of horses, exploring how they have evolved from essential work animals to companions in the modern era. He discusses the global economic impact of the equine industry, highlighting its value of $300 to $400 billion and its support of millions of jobs worldwide. Dr. Mortensen also addresses the diverse roles horses continue to play, from police and ranch work to therapeutic programs, while emphasizing their indelible bond with humans across various cultures and regions. Podcast Timeline 00:00 A Day in the Life of Horses 200 Years Ago 01:50 Modern Day Horse Life 02:41 The Relevance of Horses Today 04:03 The Global Equine Industry 05:52 Economic Impact of the Horse Industry 08:22 Horses Around the World 16:00 Roles and Jobs of Horses Today 21:57 Economic Impact Analysis 25:20 Economic Impact of the Horse Industry 26:19 Horse Industry in the United States 29:41 Horse Industry in Canada 32:08 Horse Industry in Europe 34:01 Horse Industry in Australia 35:19 Demographics of Horse Owners 40:50 Therapeutic Benefits of Horses 44:20 Global Relevance of the Horse Industry 46:07 Conclusion and Call to Action   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 ⁠[email protected]

Dr. Chris Mortensen presents a comprehensive overview of equine liability laws around the world. The podcast begins with a scenario involving Eli, a riding instructor, to highlight the importance of understanding and adhering to liability laws. Dr. Mortensen delves into various cases and legislations, including the Equine Activity Liability Act (EALA) prevalent in the United States, and similar laws in countries like Canada, Australia, and members of the European Union. He stresses the importance of liability insurance and waivers to protect equine professionals and horse owners from financial and legal risks. The episode also discusses new and controversial laws in Germany, which restrict training horses under 30 months old. Throughout, Dr. Mortensen emphasizes the need for horse owners to stay informed and take reasonable precautions to prevent negligence and safeguard their equine activities. Podcast Timeline 00:00 Introduction: A Riding Instructor's Dilemma 01:54 Meet Dr. Chris Mortensen: Equine Educator 02:16 Global Equine Liability Laws 04:19 Case Studies: Understanding Inherent Risks 05:51 Exploring Equine Liability Acts in the U.S. 16:25 International Perspectives on Equine Liability 32:12 The Controversial German Law on Young Horses 39:33 Protecting Yourself: Liability Insurance 42:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 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 ⁠[email protected]  

In this episode, Dr. Chris Mortensen discusses the spread of fly-borne diseases in horses, including the examples of West Nile virus and African horse sickness.   Dr. Mortensen reflects on his personal experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and draws parallels with the rapid spread of diseases among horses. The podcast covers the transmission methods, signs, symptoms, and preventative measures for various diseases. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of good barn management, vaccination, and consulting with veterinarians to protect horses from these potentially deadly illnesses. Key diseases highlighted include Equine Infectious Anemia, Vesicular Stomatitis, and different types of Encephalomyelitis.   Podcast Timeline   00:00 Introduction to Fly-Borne Diseases 00:31 Personal Experiences and COVID-19 02:07 African Horse Sickness and Modern Transport 04:37 Historical Pandemics and Modern Implications 05:23 Global Movement of Horses and Disease Prevention 06:51 Understanding Fly-Borne Diseases 07:34 Transmission and Symptoms of Fly-Borne Diseases 10:12 West Nile Virus: A Case Study 13:04 Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) 25:29 Preventing EIA and Other Fly-Borne Diseases 26:42 African Horse Sickness: A Global Threat 28:29 Global Spread of African Horse Sickness 29:27 Transmission and Impact of Midges 31:17 Forms and Symptoms of African Horse Sickness 33:05 Treatment and Prevention Strategies 35:15 Vesicular Stomatitis: A Regional Concern 38:19 Encephalomyelitis and West Nile Virus 41:41 Effective Barn Management Practices 48:06 Conclusion and Further 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 ⁠[email protected]    

In this episode, Dr. Chris Mortensen explores the topic of keeping horses calm, sharing personal stories from his early years at the Del Mar racetrack, and delving into various aspects of horse behavior and safety. He highlights the importance of understanding horse psychology, the genetic and environmental factors affecting horse temperament, and statistical data on equestrian-related injuries. The discussion covers effective training techniques, welfare considerations, and the potential benefits and limitations of calming supplements like tryptophan, magnesium, and alpha-casozepine. Dr. Mortensen emphasizes the significance of positive reinforcement, consistent handling, and safety precautions to build a strong, calm relationship with horses. Podcast Timeline  00:00 Introduction and Gratitude 00:45 Personal Experiences with Horses 03:21 Understanding Horse Behavior 03:57 The Importance of Keeping Horses Calm 12:04 Equestrian Injury Statistics 21:24 Factors Influencing Horse Calmness 31:17 Approaching Horses: The Left Side Tradition 33:39 The Importance of Horse Welfare 34:47 Exploring Calming Supplements 36:26 Tryptophan: A Closer Look 40:50 Magnesium's Effects on Horses 48:20 Alpha Casozepine: Promising Results 53:06 Final Thoughts on Calming Horses 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 ⁠[email protected]  

In this episode, we delves into the captivating journeys of some of the most celebrated female equestrian champions, highlighting their extraordinary achievements and overcoming of barriers. Dr. Mortensen invites guest Dr. Emily Gilbert, a regenerative neurobiologist and equestrian enthusiast, who shares insights on Team Canada's preparations and the logistical challenges faced by equestrian teams from around the world. Dr. Mortensen also discusses the preparation and training involved for equestrian athletes and their horses as they gear up for the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. The history of equestrian events in the Olympics is reviewed, along with the role of various horse breeds in these competitions. The episode wraps up by looking at the mental and physical preparations necessary for becoming an Olympic champion.   00:00 Breaking Barriers: Women in Equestrian Olympics 04:21 Preparing for the 2024 Paris Olympics 06:10 The History of Equestrian Sports in the Olympics 09:09 Olympic Equestrian Events: Schedule and Highlights 11:15 Training and Selection of Olympic Horses and Riders 14:51 Breeds and Bloodlines of Olympic Champions 20:39 Logistics and Challenges of Competing Internationally 27:52 Mental Preparation for Olympic Athletes 38:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 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

In this episode, Dr. Chris Mortensen, discusses the early stages of horse pregnancy and the effects of exercise and heat stress on equine fertility. He explains how critical the initial stages of embryo development are and how stressors can lead to the failure of pregnancy. Dr. Mortenson recounts his dissertation work and subsequent studies on the topic, highlighting the physiological mechanisms behind these stressors and their impact on the reproductive cycle. He also delves into the ethics and challenges of conducting such research while ensuring animal welfare. The episode concludes with a look at male fertility under similar conditions and a touching story of the Dutch cohort study, emphasizing the importance of proper maternal care during pregnancy.   Podcast Timeline 00:00 The Beginning of a Horse's Life 01:27 Critical Early Stages of Pregnancy 04:02 Exercise and Stress Impact on Reproduction 05:41 Genesis of the Research 06:58 Heat Stress and Embryo Transfer 10:08 Research Methodology and Findings 24:34 Impact on Estrous Cycle and Embryo Quality 28:47 Follow-Up Studies and Broader Implications 34:03 Male Reproductive Health 36:13 Pregnancy and Nutritional Needs 42:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 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 ⁠[email protected]