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.

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Mad Barn Academy is dedicated to supporting horse owners, handlers and practitioners through research, training and education.

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