Unravelling the Factors of Equine Performance

Dr. Chris Mortensen delves deep into the factors influencing horse performance including age, breed, gender, and behavior. Through detailed discussions and research study examples, he highlights the peak performance years in various disciplines, from racing to show jumping and eventing. The podcast also highlights the remarkable career of Zenyatta, an American mare who excelled in horse racing. Furthermore, it discusses the importance of diet in performance and potential links between temperament and behavioral traits with a horse's capacity to perform. Additionally, Dr. Mortensen also shares fascinating information about the life span of horses in various conditions, from wild horses to cared-for domestic ones. Podcast Timeline  00:00 Introduction and Favorite Horse Breeds 00:34 The Story of a Champion Horse 04:44 The Host's Background and Personal Experiences 05:50 Understanding Horse Performance 06:25 The Impact of Age on Horse Performance 06:42 Exploring Gender Differences in Horse Performance 07:12 Introduction to Equine Behavior 07:42 Understanding Horse Ages and Lifespan 13:00 Upper Age Limit of Horse Performance Horses 16:29 The Peak Performance Age for Different Horse Disciplines 20:50 Effects of Horse Age and Total Riders on Horse Performance 26:40 Horse Gender Impacts on Performance 29:45 Is There Gender Bias in Sport Horses 34:25 The Influence of Horse Behavior on Performance 43:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts ------------------------------ 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]