How Have Feeds for Horses Changed Since Ancient Greece?

In this podcast, Dr. Chris Mortensen discusses the fascinating evolution of horse feeding practices and equine nutrition over the years, from ancient civilizations to modern times. He remarks on his personal experiences feeding horses and the remarkable changes in the field within the past few decades. The podcast explores the ancient Greeks' sophisticated approach to feeding their horses, the significance of forage in a horse's diet, and the introduction of grains like oats, corn, and barley. Dr. Mortensen notes that equine nutrition has rapidly progressed in the last 20-30 years due to advancements in research, understanding, and technology. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of analyzing a horse's diet and consulting with equine nutritionists to ensure they get the best care. Podcast Timeline 00:00 Introduction and Personal Experiences with Horse Feeding 01:58 Evolution of Horse Feeding Practices 02:49 Understanding the Importance of Horse Nutrition 03:26 Introduction to the Speaker and the Podcast 04:55 The Evolution of Horse Diets 06:59 The Importance of Forage in Horse Diets 07:16 The Impact of Domestication on Horse Diets 07:49 The Importance of Water and Forage in Horse Diets 09:05 The Lifespan of Horses and the Role of Diet 09:40 The Basic Nutritional Needs of Horses 10:49 The Impact of Domestication on Horse Feeding Practices 13:49 The History of Horse Feeding Practices 16:05 The Evolution of Horse Diets Over the Last 50 Million Years 17:30 The Importance of Forage in Horse Diets 23:11 The Introduction of Grains in Horse Diets 26:56 The Evolution of Equine Nutrition in the 20th Century 35:46 The Importance of Proper Horse Nutrition Today 39:40 Conclusion and Appreciation for Listeners 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 X @madbarnequine TikTok ⁠⁠@madbarnequine⁠⁠ YouTube⁠⁠ @madbarn ⁠⁠ We would love to hear from you! Please send any questions or comments to ⁠[email protected]