Mad Barn USA

06/17/2023

📣 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/

05/30/2023

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/

05/28/2023

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.

05/25/2023

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/

05/23/2023

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...

05/21/2023

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!

05/18/2023

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/

05/07/2023

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/

05/04/2023

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/

05/02/2023

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/

04/29/2023

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/

04/24/2023

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/

04/22/2023

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...

04/20/2023

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/

04/18/2023

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!

04/16/2023

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/

04/14/2023

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/

04/11/2023

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/