Show Notes
This week’s podcast emphasizes the significance of recognizing and managing toxic plants to prevent equine fatalities. Dr. Chris Mortensen shares a heartbreaking story of a seven-year-old Arabian gelding that died from ingesting oleander, highlighting the vital need for horse owners to identify toxic plants in their horses' environments.
Dr. Mortensen discusses resources and strategies for detecting, removing, and preventing toxic plant exposure, including utilizing the iNaturalist app for plant identification, engaging local officials or extension services for property inspections, and the importance of pasture management and proper feeding to discourage horses from ingesting harmful plants. The podcast aims to equip horse owners with the knowledge to protect their horses from plant toxicity, which is cited as a significant cause of death in horses worldwide. Dr. Mortensen underscores the podcast's mission of offering valuable educational content to improve equine health and welfare globally.
Resources
ASPCA Toxic & Non-Toxic Plants List HERE
Website on iNaturalist app for identification HERE
Podcast Timeline
00:00 Welcome and Gratitude: Engaging the Horse Enthusiast Community
00:38 The Dangers of Oleander: A Cautionary Tale for Horse Owners
05:01 Meet Dr. Chris Mortensen: An Introduction to Our Equine Expert
05:18 Understanding Plant Toxicity: The Serious Risks to Horses
06:06 Identifying Toxic Plants: Tools and Resources for Horse Owners
06:51 The Global Impact of Plant Toxicity on Horses
15:02 Why Horses Eat Toxic Plants: Exploring the Reasons Behind the Risk
21:21 Identifying and Managing Toxic Plants: Practical Advice for Horse Owners
27:21 Unlocking Plant Identification with Technology
27:39 Harnessing iNaturalist for Plant and Animal Identification
28:23 Practical Demonstration: Identifying a Toxic Plant
30:43 Understanding Plant Toxicity and Its Impact on Horses
32:32 Symptoms of Toxicity in Horses: What to Watch For
36:27 Strategies for Managing Toxic Plant Risks
40:38 Pasture Management and Preventive Measures
45:44 Concluding Thoughts 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]
More from Mad About Horses
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.