Tack Box Talk

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, 4 equine specialists join us in a discussion of identifying toxins in feed, hay or pastures.  Experts from Minnesota (Dr. Krishona Martinson), Ohio (Janessa Hill and Emma Matcham) and Pennsylvania (Laura Beth Kenny) share their tips on what to do if you suspect your horses have ingested a toxin, and most importantly, avoiding it in the first place!

Send us Fan MailDr. Ellen Rankin, of Tarleton University, and Dr. Kelsey John of the University of Colorado-Boulder, share how they incorporate horses into their professions of teaching and therapy.   Whether horses are helping youth to learn, allowing people of all abilities to ride, or helping to heal emotional trauma, horses are used to help humans in a variety of ways. 

Send us Fan MailDr. Mike Fugaro and Dr. Singen Elliot, both equine surgeons in New Jersey discuss how osteochondrosis develops, and how it can be relatively straightforward to address.   Not just a young racehorse problem, OCs can lie undetected and asymptomatic for years. 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Dr. Jason Bruemmer, retired CSU professor and current wildlife population management expert for USDA, discussed the current management process for keeping wild horses healthy and in balance.  We dive into which horses are managed by BLM and why the horses may be doing well for their own good. For more information:FREES webpage.Bureau of Land ManagementWild Horse fact sheet from Arizona State

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Robyn Stewart of University of Georgia Extension, and Laura Beth Kenney of Penn State Extension discuss just what extension has to offer. They share what drew them to the field and their favorite stories of helping others.  If you are not reaching out to your county educator - do so today!Questions? Please email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this personal episode, Dr. Nettie Liburt and Dr. Carey Williams share their stories of when they knew their horses needed to step back in activity levels. They discuss the importance of truly tuning into your horse, and allowing them to have a voice in their activity level. They also stress the importance of keeping those seniors moving.  Plus, we get updates on ET and Mickey!Link to ethogram

Send us Fan MailDr. AJ Manship, DVM, DACVIM, at Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine, shares his personal experience with the EHM outbreak in 2025. We discuss how EHV can manifest as EHM and best practices for prevention.

Send us Fan MailJennifer Patterson of Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension, provides advice for horse owners on how to make sure their pastures are ready for grazing.  We talk a bit about uniqueness of Oklahoma but her advice is applicable to all horse owners!

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Dr. Colleen Brady shares her experience as serving as a judge for a novel judging contest - welfare judging. Created by Michigan State University initially, the American Veterinary Medical Association now hosts this international event.  Learn how this unique contest works, and check out the links to past scenarios!Past welfare judging scenarios

Send us Fan MailDr. Erica Macon of Texas A&M University joins us for an in depth talk on recent research and feeding guidelines to navigate the tricky job of managing insulin dysregulated horses.  And remember, it isn't just the obese horses that you have to worry about!

Send us Fan MailDr. Carey Williams, of Rutgers University, and Dr. Kathy Lackey, DVM and certified acupuncturist share their thoughts on which horses can be helped by a little needling.  From subtle behavior changes to routine maintenance, or finding hidden pains - acupuncture may be a tool to considered in your tack box of tricks to maintaining horse health and well-being.

Send us Fan MailJoin Dr. Krishona Martinson and her daughter Montana Martinson in this episode that reveals the depth behind the crown.  Montana shares how her rodeo queen duties and aspirations are helping to transform her into a confident professional, and mom Krishona agrees!

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Dr. Krishona Martinson shares her personal story of changing her mind about how big a deal slobbers really is.  An unseen mold in legumes can cause big headaches, and owners need to be aware of risks, and how to manage properly to reduce the chance that your horse can be severely affected.

Send us Fan MailDr. Craig Wood with the University of Kentucky discusses his recent decision to retire from the judging and professional horseman world. A respected judge, Dr. Wood decided he wanted to have fun for himself for a change and focus on showing in his "golden" years.

Send us Fan MailIn this wide ranging episode, Dr. Reed Holyoak, theriogenologist with Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine, discusses preparing for the breeding season.  But we go way beyond turn the lights on to discussing microbiome, genetics and uterine biopsies.  Join us for this episode where even experienced breeders can gain new insight!Nutritional considerations for broodmaresReproductive management of the mare

Send us Fan MailDr. Betsy Greene, Extension Specialist at the University of Arizona, and Dr. Christina Brownlee, University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine, discuss the recent EHV-1/EHM outbreak in southern barrel horses and roping horses.  We discuss best practices and how this outbreak may be unique.For more information: Equine Disease Communication Center.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, recent horse shoppers Robyn Stewart from the University of Georgia Extension, and Dr. Kathy Anderson with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln,  share how they found their new equine partner.  From savvy shopping to kicking some tires (or hooves), the key to finding a new horse - don't be in a rush!Extension HorsesCaveat Emptor – Let the buyer beware: How to Avoid Mistakes When Buying a Horse

Send us Fan MailKyla Szemplinski, county extension agent for Shelby County and the University of Tennessee and her all star 4-H member, Serenity Green, join us to discuss the many benefits of 4-H on shaping young people's lives. 

Send us Fan MailDr. Ron Gill with Texas Agrilife, helps to alleviate some of the fears horse owners may be feeling with the news of New World Screwworm making a journey northward. Good news - most likely we just need to keep doing what we have always been doing - monitoring our horses and treating wounds like normal.

Send us Fan MailDr. Jonathan Cammack, livestock entomologist with Oklahoma State University,  covers the big mistakes horse owners make in their battle with flying pests.  There is more to winning this war than picking up the fly spray bottle.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Dr. Brian Nielsen, of Michigan State University shares what 35 years of being in the "research business" have taught him to spotting bad science. Don't worry, science is still good - we just need to know what to look out for!

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Dr. Tania Cubitt, of Performance Horse Nutrition, returns to take a deeper dive into a topic we brought up at our live taping at the Equine Science Society meetings in Fort Collins, Colorado.  We provide owners strategies on how exactly to "do your own research" and explain what types of information are out there.  So listen to this buyer beware episode!

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we again visit some abstracts from the Equine Science Symposium, this time with Dr. Sara Mastellar, Associate Professor of the Ohio State Agriculture and  Technology Institute.  While tradition may say feeding twice a day is best, what does the data really say?

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Dr. Colleen Brady and Dr. Camie Heleski share their thoughts on what horses really need to make them happy.  We discuss whether we even know if a horse is happy, and how much time does a horse need to feel just okay.  This one gives you a lot to think about.Interested in learning more about horse emotion: Check out RAiSE: Recognizing Affective States in Horses.

Send us Fan MailDr. Danielle Smarsh from Penn State University, shares some new research from Kentucky Equine Research that finally settles all arguments on proper ways to cooll of horses.  Using imbedded microchips, researchers tried all the ways - now you can learn the absolute best ways to cool your hot horse.For more information:Cooling research from KER

Send us Fan MailIn this special episode, we chat with members of the Equine Science Society, about their favorite abstracts presented at the graduate and undergraduate student competition.  Join Dr. Brian Nielsen from Michigan State University as we chat about salt, Dr. Burt Staniar, from Penn State University whose love of fiber is easily apparent, and Dr. Tania Cubitt, from Performance Horse Nutrition as we discuss how to interpret research.  Don't miss the ins and outs of horse research!

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Robyn Stewart, the county extension coordinator for the Northwest District for the University of Georgia Extension Service, shares the story of Web and his journey through losing his eye.  We talk about how Web adapted, and how Robyn made the tough decision to remove his eye.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Danette McGuire, executive director of the American Youth Horse Council (AYHC), Dr. Karen Warner, president of AYHC and Dr. Kathy Anderson, member of Extension Horses and extension specialist at University of Nebraska, share what this unique organization offers to those helping kids.  This non-profit is dedicated to providing educational resources to adults which work with horse crazy kids regardless of breed, discipline or age!  Learn what resources are available and how to join in with the best youth education network in the country!AHYC

Send us Fan MailDr. Bob Coleman, University of Kentucky Extension Specialist explains there is more to it than price per bale.  Economical horse owners need to shop smart to avoid paying more for hay than they need to!  Unless of course you want to be able to lift and stack those bales - then just expect to pay more!

Send us Fan MailIn this unique episode, Laura Kenny Penn State extension educator and owner of Frankie, our Standardbred broke to ride at age 21, and Dr. Kelsey Jurek, board certified surgeon and assistant professor at Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine educate us on keratomas!  These benign tumors are found within the hoof, but are a real pain for the horse and owner alike!  Learn how they are treated, and how to keep a 25 year old horse happy with stall rest!

Send us Fan MailDr. Krishona Martinson, pasture exert from the University of Minnesota, provides advice on how to get your pastures ready before the horses are turned out.  Patience is key, if you want your horse grazing throughout the year.

Send us Fan MailIn this breeding themed episode, we visit with Dr. Nettie Liburt, of Liburt Nutritional Consulting, to discuss what we as nutritionists can do to help with reproductive success. While not as exciting as hormone manipulation, what you feed your mare or stallion can impact their success in producing a healthy full.  And even better, it is a crossover episode with Farm to Stable!Farm to Stable

Send us Fan MailIn this Valentine's Day themed episode, Dr. Colleen Brady of Purdue University discusses how one should shop for the perfect stallion.  We begin with the big question - should you even breed your mare?  From handsome looks to stellar personalities, it is all important.

Send us Fan MailIt's Dental Month, and that means we are taking a deeper dive into horse teeth.  Dr. Madelyn Melchiors returns to share her take on teeth, and why every horse needs regular dental care.  From who is a dentist to if horse should have dental x-rays, this is a must listen for February.

Send us Fan MailStephanie Hayes, returning guest and founder for the Center of America's First Horse describes an exciting new sport - Working Equitation.  This fun competition honors the traditional riding style of southern Europe. Think a mix of dressage, working cattle, and speed trail!  Correct riding and balance are the key, and you don't need a fancy Spanish horse to get started.Working Equitation

Send us Fan MailDr. Betsy Greene, University of Arizona, and Stephanie Hays, founder of the Center for America's First Horse, share how they came together to showcase this rare breed to others.  The Spanish mustang, not to be confused with wild mustangs, is a rare breed with much to offer.  We also learn how American Paint Horses pitched in to portray these horses in Hidalgo!Center for America's First Horse

Send us Fan MailDr. Madelyn Melchiors, DVM and certified chiropractor, and Dr Betsy Greene, equine extension specialist, explain what horses may benefit from a chiropractor. We also discuss what certification your chiropractor should have, and how to tell if your horse is getting better.IVCAAVCA

Send us Fan MailVictor Bahna, author and first time guest to the podcast, joins us to discuss his latest book - Heliacal Star, a page turning thriller based on the Thoroughbred racing industry.  However, this isn't just book club, we discuss what changes have occurred within the thoroughbred racing industry to ensure the integrity of the sport and the safety and welfare of these amazing athletes.To learn more about Victor visit: Victorbahna.com

Send us Fan MailDr. Betsy Greene, University of Arizona, and Dr. Kathy Anderson, University of Nebraska-Lincoln discuss why they recommend internships as a valuable experience for college students. Whether credit or non-credit, before or after graduation, internships may offer insights college students need.

Send us Fan MailDr. Michelle Deboer shares her latest research on the use of hay nets in horses. We discuss effects on teeth, hay wastage and body weight, and overall health.  Here what dentists and chiropractors found after a two year study. This one is hot off the presses, so listen now!

Send us Fan MailDr. Krishona Martinson, University of Minnesota, and Dr. Carey Williams, Rutgers University, discuss how temperature changes can affect the nonstructural carbohydrate content of fall pastures.  We learn what types of horses this may present and issue for and for which we don't need to worry. We also discuss the current drought affects on pasture and when maybe we just need to shut the gate. 

Send us Fan MailDr. Chelsie Huseman of Texas A&M University discusses how to avoid sand ingestion in horses, the ramifications of eating too much sand and recommendations for treatment.  We also talk about just how hot sand can be!Adapting equine care for sandy soil pastures

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Dr. Betsy Greene of the University of Arizona and Dr. Nettie Liburt of Liburt Nutritional Consulting disuss the recent tragedy of monensin poisoning in horses. We talk about what risks may be present in different types of feed, and what precautions must be taken when housing horses and other livestock together.  Mitigating ionophore poisoning https://extension.arizona.edu/pubs/ionophore-toxicity-horses

Send us Fan MailChrissy Rohan, senior lecturer at the University of Vermont, shares the unique way that students bring their horses to college.  Student operated, this program provides students a great way to completely run and manage a university barn.Interested in learning more, check out the links below.https://www.uvm.edu/cals/asci/uvm-horse-barn-co-opFacebook page – University of Vermont Horse Barnhttps://www.uvm.edu/cals/ascihttps://www.uvm.edu/cals/asci/equushttps://www.uvm.edu/cals/asci/uvm-dressage 

Send us Fan MailDr. Colleen Brady, from Purdue University and researcher in show horse welfare discusses how the concept of social license to operate applies to the horse world. We discuss the reaction on social media to some of the more controversial events or videos that have been making the rounds!  Enroll today to better both you and your horse's lives! Link to course: https://bit.ly/4bglX5X Questions? [email protected]

Send us Fan MailDr. Samantha Brooks, of the University of Florida, returns to discuss three new genetic diseases.  We cover polysaccharide storage myopathy, the gene that impacts height in Thoroughbreds and fragile foal syndrome in warmbloods.  We learn that genetic tests can do more than just help in breeding decisions.

Send us Fan MailDr. Colleen Brady, Purdue University, Dr. Kathy Anderson, University of Nebraska, and Dr. Danielle Smarsh of Penn State University, all recently returned from a trip to Ireland. They share the unique features of the Irish horse industry that keeps US students returning year after year.

Send us Fan MailDr. Samantha Brooks, world renown equine geneticist from the University of Florida joins us for a free ranging talk on how horses get their markers, how we might someday be able to breed for temperament and how even your temperament may predict how you experience pain.  While we never really pick a topic, this is a great discussion on how gene's influence your horse's behavior.

Send us Fan MailJulie Broadway, president of the American Horse Council breaks down the numbers on the recent economic impact study of the horse industry.  Employment opportunities are up, people who love horses are everywhere and the future looks bright.For more informationJulie Broadway - [email protected] impact study

Send us Fan MailDr. Karin Bump, equine business expert and owner of Saddle Up New York, provides great insight on not for profits.  She clarifies how they are very distinct from private businesses and what aspiring entrepreneurs may need to get started. Dr. Bump also shares some insights on to what a not for profit should provide you if you are considering support through donations. resources: Choose a business structure | U.S. Small Business Administration (sba.gov)Nonprofit Board Resources | BoardSourceNational Council of NonprofitsNot-for-Profit Financial Reporting Standards (fasb.org)