Welcome to Mad Barn, we’re a different sort of equine nutrition company. We aim to improve the wel
📣 For a limited time, get a FREE 2-month supply of Optimum Probiotic when you spend $100 or more at Mad Barn. 🎁
Your horse’s health is our top priority. 🐴🌟 With no fillers and 20 billion CFUs per serving, Optimum Probiotic is the clear choice to keep your horse’s gut healthy and maintain a balanced microbiome.
Hurry, offer lasts until June 30th! 💥 Shop now at https://madbarn.com/shop/
A proper grooming routine involves more than just knocking the dirt off your horse’s coat before tacking up.
A well-groomed horse is a well-cared-for horse. Learning to groom your horse correctly and following a thorough daily grooming routine can significantly benefit their health and well-being.
Horse owners can also use this time to bond with their horses and check for signs of health problems that might need attention. But if you’re new to caring for a horse, you might not know where to start.
Even if you’re an experienced equestrian, this guide from a former professional groom can help you up your grooming game. While there are plenty of grooming tips and tricks, there are no shortcuts to a well-groomed horse.
This article will also discuss the the tools every horse owner needs in their grooming kit. Keep reading to learn how to keep your horse happy and healthy with a comprehensive, step-by-step grooming guide: https://madbarn.com/how-to-groom-a-horse/
Performance horses have higher energy and protein requirements than horses at maintenance (not exercising).
Formulating diets to meet the requirements of horses in work should take into account their level of work and performance goals, as well as help mitigate the increased risk of certain health conditions that come with exercise.
Most horses in work can meet their energy and protein needs from high-quality forages. However, additional sources may be required to fully meet their needs.
Optimizing the diet of any performance horse also needs to take into account their discipline, breed, training/racing schedule, frequency of travel, and health history.
For example, although endurance horses and racehorses have similar nutritional requirements based on the NRC’s Nutrient Requirements of Horses, approaches to meet these needs will differ to best support their performance and recovery.
Find out more in this article from our blog: https://madbarn.com/feeding-exercising-horses/
Consult with an equine nutritionist to develop a nutritional plan specific to your horse and your management & performance goals.
Strange lumps, itching, bald spots, redness, skin flaking, and scruffy patches are common signs of skin problems in horses.
While most equine skin irritations don’t present serious health risks, persistent skin problems can lead to infections and could indicate allergies, systemic inflammation or other health concerns.
Identifying the underlying cause of skin issues is key to alleviating symptoms and preventing recurrence. Bug bites, mud, poorly fitted tack, bacteria and fungi are all common causes of dermatological issues in horses.
This article will review the identification, causes, treatments, and prevention of common skin irritations in horses. We will also discuss how to support equine skin health and manage horses with skin problems: https://madbarn.com/skin-irritations-in-horses/
Manganese is a trace mineral that is essential for bone development, reproductive function, digestion of fats and carbohydrates, disease resistance and for normal enzyme activity.
It is required by horses to form chondroitin sulfate – a component of cartilage found in joints. It is recommended for horses to consume 400-500 mg of manganese per day.
Severe manganese deficiency is rare and not well described in horses.
Young growing animals are most at risk of manganese deficiency which could cause problems related to:
- unusual bone formation
- enlarged joints
- crooked limbs
- abnormal cartilage formation
These signs of deficiency have been observed in cows and pigs. Manganese toxicity has not been demonstrated in horses. Manganese is also required to form the natural endogenous antioxidant superoxide dismutase that protects cells from oxidative stress to keep tissues healthy.
Wondering if your horse could benefit from more manganese in their diet? Contact Mad Barn for a complimentary diet assessment and on of our equine nutritionists will be happy to help! https://madbarn.com/analyze-diet/
Manganese is a trace mineral that is essential for bone development, reproductive function, digestion of fats and carbohydrates, disease resistance and for n...
Even the best nutrition programs will fail without maintaining gut health.
That’s why we developed Optimum Digestive Health Pellets – to restore balance to the gastrointestinal tract, improve feed efficiency, support energy metabolism and boost nutrient assimilation.
Mad Barn’s Optimum Digestive Health gives you total GI tract coverage that works in five key ways:
• Stabilizing the gut flora, reducing the risk of dysfunction and colic
• Providing intestinal enzymes that improve the digestibility of feed
• Stimulating hindgut development to support the fermentation of fiber
• Contains toxin binders that remove harmful substances before they can be absorbed
• Source of natural immune modulators
Thank you Pauline for sharing your experience with us!
Bones, joint cartilage, ligaments, and tendons make up your horse’s skeletal system, which provides structural support for your horse’s body.
Most horse owners pay close attention to the role of joints and soft tissue health in preserving soundness and comfort. But bone strength is just as critical for supporting mobility and performance in horses.
Bone is a dynamic tissue that responds to impact and loading forces. Research shows that exercise and nutrition influence bone density in horses.
This article will review bone development, remodelling, and adaptation to training. Keep reading to learn how to support equine bone health with proper feeding and training: https://madbarn.com/bone-strength-in-horses/
A recent study of 1,444 horses with Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO, Heaves, Equine Asthma) identified some key risk factors for the development of this respiratory condition.
The results showed that:
- Horses 7 years and older were 6-7x more likely to have RAO than horses under 4 years old.
- Thoroughbreds were 3x more likely to have RAO than ponies.
- Female horses have a 30% higher risk of RAO than male horses.
- The prevalence of veterinary examinations for horses with RAO was higher in the winter and spring than during the summer.
Visit Mad Barn and search for our article on Air Quality in Horse Barns to learn more about supporting your horse's respiratory health and reduce the risk of Recurrent airway obstruction
https://madbarn.com/air-quality-in-horse-barns/
Equine hoof problems are a major source of concern for horse owners. Hoof issues can lead to lameness and unsoundness, causing discomfort for the horse and potentially leading to early retirement.
In one study, 85% of horses were observed to have at least one form of hoof disorder when examined during regular hoof trimming.
Multiple factors including trimming and shoeing practices, environmental conditions, nutritional status, and metabolic health affect the quality and integrity of the equine hoof.
Many hoof problems are preventable with a good nutrition plan and proper equine management practices. In this article, we will review seven common hoof issues in horses and discuss ways to help keep your horse’s hooves healthy.
https://madbarn.com/hoof-problems-in-horses/
Alfalfa is a popular forage choice for horses and an ingredient in many equine feeds. This legume forage can be processed and preserved in many different ways to make it easier to incorporate into your horse’s diet.
Alfalfa is nutrient-dense and is an excellent source of energy, protein, fiber and minerals. It is also typically low in non-structural carbohydrate content.
This makes it a valuable roughage to include in the diets of pregnant and lactating mares, mature performance horses, or other horses requiring protein supplementation.
However, some horse owners hesitate to feed alfalfa due to concerns about its safety. If you are considering adding alfalfa to your horse’s diet, and want to know if it is a good choice, then visit Mad Barn and search our feeding guides to learn more about feeding alfalfa to your horse.
https://madbarn.com/alfalfa-for-horses/
If your horse is an easy keeper, sometimes it can seem like they get fat off of air.
Some equine breeds are known for being more metabolically efficient than others. They require less digestible energy (calories) to maintain an ideal body condition than other horses. This means they can easily become overweight.
Research shows that up to 40% of horses and ponies are overweight. This can have long-term negative consequences for equine health and well-being, leading to inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and a higher risk of laminitis.
But there are a number of effective strategies that you can use to help your easy keeper lose weight and maintain a healthy body condition. These strategies include forage selection, pasture management, soaking hay, and choosing low-calorie vitamin and mineral supplements.
This article will discuss how to best feed your easy keeper and how to track their body condition score over time: https://madbarn.com/feeding-easy-keeper-horse/
Horses are prone to hoof cracks for various reasons. Cracks can lead to the hoof chipping away in certain areas.
Cracks can be a cosmetic problem that can be easily corrected, but sometimes, they indicate something more serious is happening within the hoof.
Cracks often form in the hoof wall in a vertical direction, following the hoof tubules. They often originate from the bottom hoof surface or, less commonly, the coronary band. At times, a hoof crack may run the entire length of the hoof wall.
Hoof cracks can involve just the outer hoof wall or can invade the underlying sensitive structures and laminae. Depending on the severity, cracks may or may not cause lameness.
Learn more about how to treat and prevent hoof cracks in our guide at https://madbarn.ca/hoof-cracks-in-horses/
Proper nutrition is essential for your horse's overall health, but how do you know if your feeding program is balanced?
In this webinar, Scott and Elissa from Mad Barn discuss the foundations of equine nutrition and how to apply these principles to your horse.
Learn about forage selection, nutrient requirements, comparing different feeds, and how to create a balanced diet for your horse's individual needs.
With over 20 years of experience formulating equine diets, Scott Cieslar has dedicated his life to helping horse owners put research into practice. Scott discusses how working with a qualified equine nutritionist can help take all the guesswork out of deciding what to feed your horse.
This webinar is for anyone who wants to learn more about how they can improve their horse's health, from beginner riders to experienced horse owners and barn managers.
Proper nutrition is essential for your horse's overall health, but how do you know if your feeding program is balanced? In this webinar, Scott and Elissa fro...
Trace minerals are a small component of your horse’s overall dietary intake, but they play essential roles in equine well-being and health.
These minerals can be provided in your horse’s diet in either an organic or inorganic form. Not to be confused with organically-grown foods, organic minerals are bonded to organic compounds in their molecular structure.
This structural difference impacts mineral absorption in the gastrointestinal tract: organic minerals are easier to absorb for your horse’s body than inorganic minerals.
In this article, we will discuss the difference between organic and inorganic minerals, the benefits of feeding organic minerals, and how to tell which forms of minerals are used in horse feeds and supplements: https://madbarn.com/organic-vs-inorganic-minerals-for-horses/
Health and wellness start in the gut. Mad Barn’s Visceral+ is our most powerful gut supplement in a convenient pelleted format that horses love.
Visceral+ is formulated with the highest quality natural ingredients including probiotics, yeast, herbs, minerals and amino acids to support your horse’s gut health and immune system.
Visceral+ was developed in conjunction with veterinarians tired of treating ulcers only to have horses relapse post-treatment. Visceral+ is clinically tested in horses to help maintain stomach and hindgut health
Give your horse the very best nutrition. Visceral+ provides nutritional support for your horse’s entire digestive tract from stomach to colon.
Thank you Alyssa for sharing your experience with us!
What does it mean to have a sound horse?
The term ‘soundness’ is used by horse owners to describe how a horse moves. For example, a horse is not sound if they are limping or there is a deviation in their gait.
However, soundness refers to much more than just movement. It also encompasses a horse’s overall health and wellness and ability to perform the job they are meant to do.
Horses are considered perfectly sound if they have no health issues and move perfectly without veterinary intervention (i.e. injections or pain control).
As you can imagine, perfectly sound horses that never require intervention are very rare. A horse may be perfectly sound for only a short period of its life.
However, most horses are serviceably sound or practically sound. These horses can perform their intended job with some maintenance and are pain- or illness-free.
How can you tell if your horse is sound? Find out more in this article from our website: https://madbarn.com/soundness-in-horses/
Trying to build muscle in your horse? When it comes to building muscle, the most important factor is consistent exercise.
You also need to ensure your horse is getting enough protein in their diet. Good quality hay will likely supply adequate protein, but some horses may benefit from amino acid supplementation.
Learn more about the amino acids required in the equine diet at https://madbarn.com/amino-acids-for-horses/
A large, round belly doesn’t always mean your horse is overweight.
Some horses have a hay belly that makes them appear pregnant, yet they may struggle to maintain enough body condition to cover their ribs.
While multiple factors contribute to abdominal distention in horses, poor hindgut fermentation of high-fibre, low-quality forage is the primary culprit.
These horses may not be getting enough energy and protein from their diet, leading to poor topline and body condition. Dietary changes or gut support are necessary to get rid of the hay belly.
Find out more about Signs, Causes, and Treatments of Hay Belly and how a balanced feeding program can prevent it: https://madbarn.com/hay-belly-in-horses/
We hope you and your horses all had a Happy Easter from Mad Barn 🐰🐣
Our nutritionists had an Easter egg art competition over the weekend, help us decide who won?
Equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis (EOTRH) is a progressive and painful dental condition that occurs in some horses.
Primarily affecting senior horses, it typically involves the gradual degeneration of the incisors and canine teeth. Over time, the roots of these teeth are resorbed or dissolved.
The teeth also become excessively calcified with the buildup of cementum, sometimes resulting in a bulb-like appearance. The weakened teeth may fracture or may need to be extracted to prevent discomfort for your horse.
Horses affected by EOTRH may demonstrate a resistance to biting or chewing hard feeds. They may become generally irritable and experience other behavioural changes due to the pain caused by the condition.
EOTRH can also result in poor appetite or weight loss linked to difficulty with chewing and eating. Horses diagnosed with this condition should work with an equine nutritionist to design a feeding plan that takes into account their dental health and chewing ability.
If your horse has EOTRH, submit their diet for analysis online and our nutritionists can help you design a diet for free.
https://madbarn.com/equine-odontoclastic-tooth-resorption-and-hypercementosis/
Is hair analysis a reliable way to evaluate your horse’s mineral status?
Mineral testing is an important aspect of monitoring your horse’s health, especially if forages in your area are known to be deficient or excessive in a given nutrient. Horses with certain medical conditions may also need frequent monitoring of mineral levels.
In horses, mineral status is most commonly assessed through blood testing, hair samples or by evaluating intake with a forage analysis. These methods each have advantages and disadvantages that impact their usefulness.
Hair analysis is currently only considered reliable for assessing heavy metal levels in the horse’s body.
If you are concerned about your horse’s mineral status, consult with your veterinarian about the best form of testing given your horse’s health issues. Some signs that your horse may have abnormal mineral status include poor or abnormal growth, dull coat, lethargy or changes in appetite.
Read more at: https://madbarn.com/can-hair-analysis-determine-your-horses-mineral-status/
Grazing fresh forage while out on pasture can provide excellent nutrition for horses. But environmental conditions and horse needs can make it challenging to maintain productive pastures.
Some pastures require very little management to support a low density of horses. However, for horse owners with limited turnout space or poor soil quality, good management practices are critical for preserving pasture health.
Regular maintenance can improve pasture productivity even when optimal growing conditions are not met. Grazing management strategies are also critical to prevent overgrazing that can damaging fields.
This article will review how to keep pastures healthy with routine maintenance and grazing management. We will also discuss factors that influence pasture health and suitability for horses.
Learn more: https://madbarn.com/grazing-pastures-for-horses/
You bring your horses in from turnout only to find their legs and hooves coated in mud. You know that mud is bad for your horse, but why and what can you do about it?
Your horse’s pastures are more likely to become muddy in the presence of water pooling and heavy hoof traffic. Soil characteristics also affect how much water and mixing are needed for mud to form. Some soils are better at draining moisture than others.
In this article we have outlined common scenarios that cause excessive mud and provided practical solutions: https://madbarn.com/managing-mud-on-horse-farms/
What should you feed your horse to support soundness? How much hay does your horse need in their diet? How does diet impact stress levels?
Our team of experts nutritionist is always available to assist you and answer your questions regarding your horse’ nutrition, health, and much more. Visit madbarn.com to learn more about how you can support your horse’s well-being with a balanced forage-based diet!
Mad Barn’s AminoTrace+ is a comprehensive mineral and vitamin supplement designed to provide the ultimate nutrition for metabolic health and hoof quality.
AminoTrace+ was formulated specifically to support equine companions with Insulin Resistance, Equine Metabolic Syndrome and Cushing’s Disease/Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction.
The super-concentrated, pelleted formula correctly balances a wide range of forages and supplies the nutrients that your horse needs to support insulin regulation, restore mineral balance and improve digestive health!
This product contains no added sugars and only low NSC ingredients are used to pellet.
https://madbarn.com/product/aminotrace/
Bones, joint cartilage, ligaments, and tendons make up your horse’s skeletal system, which provides structural support for your horse’s body.
Most horse owners pay close attention to the role of joints and soft tissue health in preserving soundness and comfort. But bone strength is just as critical for supporting mobility and performance in horses.
Bone is a dynamic tissue that responds to impact and loading forces. Research shows that exercise and nutrition influence bone density in horses.
This article will review bone development, remodelling, and adaptation to training. Keep reading to learn how to support equine bone health with proper feeding and training.
https://madbarn.com/bone-strength-in-horses/
Black walnut tree poisoning occurs when horses come into contact with toxic compounds in the black walnut tree. The roots, bark, wood, nuts, pollen and leaves of the tree contain a chemical that is poisonous to horses upon ingestion or skin contact.
Horses are particularly at risk of poisoning from exposure to black walnut shavings. The hardwood shavings of the tree are sold as animal bedding in North America. Horses that come into contact with black walnut shavings, sawdust or tree materials can develop mild to severe symptoms and acute laminitis in only a few hours.
You can help to keep your horse safe by removing black walnut trees from your pastures and carefully selecting the bedding you use. Call your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your horse has been in contact with or ingested black walnut shavings or products.
https://madbarn.com/black-walnut-tree-poisoning-in-horses/
Foals are born with limited immune defences. Newborn foals rely primarily on colostrum from her mother to obtain protection from common diseases and start to develop an immune system.
Colostrum is rich in several components including hormones, growth factors and antibodies. Many of these components support immunity and gut health, such as insulin-like growth factor, lysozymes, lactoperoxidase and lactoferrin.
This first milk also contains high levels of vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin A.
Colostrum is also a source of oligosaccharides and essential fatty acids, which have been shown to promote gut development and improve thermoregulation (the ability to maintain a stable body temperature).
Learn more: https://madbarn.com/colostrum-for-newborn-foals/
Folic Acid, also known as folate or Vitamin B9, is a water-soluble vitamin that is involved in DNA synthesis, methionine production and cellular growth and development.
It is particularly important for supporting cell turnover during periods of rapid growth such as fetal development, tissue repair, and regeneration of cells lining the intestinal wall. Folic acid is sometimes given to horses to improve hemoglobin levels because of its role in maintaining healthy red blood cells. This could benefit exercising horses by supporting optimal oxygen supply to their muscles.
Deficiency in folate can manifest as megaloblastic anemia, but this has only ever been reported in other species and not in horses. Folic acid is generally supplied in adequate amounts in the horse’s diet, especially for animals on pasture or those with access to fresh forage, alfalfa, timothy grass, and cereal grains.
Horses fed hay tend to have lower levels of this vitamin in their blood. Horses being treated for EPM may require supplemental folic acid because the medications interfere with the absorption of this vitamin from the gut.
Folic Acid, also known as folate or Vitamin B9, is a water-soluble vitamin that is involved in DNA synthesis, methionine production and cellular growth and d...
It was a week of all the things that define Mad Barn at the Canadian High Performance Eventing Training sessions with in Ocala, Florida. We saw incredible horses, athletes and teamwork throughout the entirety of the sessions.
This week, we met with Canadian High Performance riders to optimize nutritional practices and educate them on how to best support and maintain their horses for performance and longevity as they begin to ramp up their competition seasons in preparation for the Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile.
We taught the riders how to incorporate heart rate monitors into their training using the state-of-the-art system and will continue to work closely with them to monitor horse fitness in the lead up to their more intense competitions later this spring.
Thank you to for involving us in your programming!
Go Canada! Go Mad Barn!
Raleigh, NC
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🔥We’re ONE WEEK OUT from #MadBarn Indoor Eventing at The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto!! Opening Weekend Friday & Saturday nights, followed by the Canadian Championships show jumping 👊🏻 Grab your tickets at the Royal's website and make sure you come by the Mad Barn booth in Hall A for some great SWAG and to chat with our nutritionists about horse health & diet for your fave friend while you’re here!! #TheRoyal #eventing #teamcanada #RoyalHorseSho #indooreventing #arenaeventing #horseshowlife
📣 For a limited time, get a FREE 2-month supply of Optimum Probiotic when you spend $100 or more at Mad Barn. 🎁 Your horse’s health is our top priority. 🐴🌟 With no fillers and 20 billion CFUs per serving, Optimum Probiotic is the clear choice to keep your horse’s gut healthy and maintain a balanced microbiome. Hurry, offer lasts until June 30th! 💥 Shop now at https://madbarn.com/shop/
What should you feed your horse to support soundness? How much hay does your horse need in their diet? How does diet impact stress levels? Our team of experts nutritionist is always available to assist you and answer your questions regarding your horse’ nutrition, health, and much more. Visit madbarn.com to learn more about how you can support your horse’s well-being with a balanced forage-based diet! #madbarn #equinenutrition
Horses on a forage-only diet universally have deficiencies in key minerals, including sodium, copper, and zinc. Even if you provide your horse with a salt or mineral lick, the chances are that their diets will under-supply nutrients required for optimal health. Deficiencies in key nutrients over long periods can result in various problems, including digestive issues, muscle disorders, impaired reproductive health, poor hoof quality, and reduced resistance to disease. This is why a vitamin and mineral supplement is necessary for almost all horses. Feeding a concentrated mineral supplement can benefit your horse through improved coat condition, stronger hooves, improved stamina, mood regulation, and better performance. Mineral requirements for your horse change depending on age, reproductive status, and activity level. The minerals that must be supplied in the equine diet can be divided into macrominerals and trace minerals (or microminerals). Find out more in this article from our blog: https://madbarn.com/mineral-supplements-for-horses/ #madbarn #equinenutrition
Horses on a forage-only diet universally have deficiencies in key minerals, including sodium, copper, and zinc. Even if you provide your horse with a salt or mineral lick, the chances are that their diets will under-supply nutrients required for optimal health. Deficiencies in key nutrients over long periods can result in various problems, including digestive issues, muscle disorders, impaired reproductive health, poor hoof quality, and reduced resistance to disease. This is why a vitamin and mineral supplement is necessary for almost all horses. Feeding a concentrated mineral supplement can benefit your horse through improved coat condition, stronger hooves, improved stamina, mood regulation, and better performance. Mineral requirements for your horse change depending on age, reproductive status, and activity level. The minerals that must be supplied in the equine diet can be divided into macrominerals and trace minerals (or microminerals). Find out more in this article from our blog: https://madbarn.com/mineral-supplements-for-horses/ #madbarn #equinenutrition
CRAZY GOOD NUTRITION anytime, anywhere! #madbarn
Scott Cieslar founded Mad Barn on a mission to develop the best nutrition solutions for his horses. Unable to find a well-formulated supplement using high-quality ingredients at a fair price, he designed his own balanced mineral & vitamin premix. "Seeing the improvement in condition and performance of the horses in my care, naturally, people asked what I was feeding. They started purchasing my formula and from there a business was born." Scott has 20+ years of experience as a professional nutritionist, receiving an MSc in physiology and nutrition from the University of Guelph. He started working on a PhD but put his degree on hold to run Mad Barn. At Mad Barn, our primary purpose is not to convince you to buy a product, it’s to deepen our understanding of equine nutrition and physiology and then share that information with you. Product sales fund our research program and the development of our open access Feed Formulation software that is free for anyone to use. And our team of nine university-trained equine nutritionists is free to consult with you on any questions you have about your horse's nutrition.
On the exterior, we may look like a lot of other supplement companies, but let us assure you, we are not. Our primary purpose is not to convince you to buy products, it’s to advance the practice of equine nutrition by: Funding research to better understand how nutrition impacts the health of your horse. Developing technology and feeding solutions to make it easier to feed your horse what he or she needs. Providing education and support to horse owners and the broader equine community. Nutrition is the cornerstone to equine health, well-being and optimal performance. Our nutritionists are always available to answer your questions or help you formulate a balanced feeding program for free.
Equine hoof problems are a major source of concern for horse owners. Hoof issues can lead to lameness and unsoundness, causing discomfort for the horse and potentially leading to early retirement. In one study, 85% of horses were observed to have at least one form of hoof disorder when examined during regular hoof trimming. Thrush was the most common hoof disease, followed by hoof wall cracks, growth rings, bruising, white line disease and laminitis. The equine hoof is comprised of multiple structures and tissues that function in collaboration with each other to enable movement of the foot. Multiple factors including trimming and shoeing practices, environmental conditions, nutritional status, and metabolic health affect the quality and integrity of the equine hoof. Many hoof problems are preventable with a good nutrition plan and proper equine management practices. To support your horse’s hoof health, submit their information online at madbarn.com for a complementary review by our equine nutritionists.
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Barday Downs Lane
Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming Brennan Station -
Creedmoor Road
