Tack Box Talk
Equine academic professionals from across the country share their personal knowledge of all things horse to help you become a better owner.
Osteochondrosis: The story of surgical fixes for bony problems
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Dr. 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.
Wild Horses: The story of managing a difficult situation
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In 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 Management
Wild Horse fact sheet from Arizona State
Extension: The story of people dedicated to helping others
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In 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: khiney@okstate.edu
Stepping back: The story of when it is time to do less with your horse
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In 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
EHM Outbreak of 2025: The story of lessons learned
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Dr. 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.
Pasture Prep: The story of checking before you turn them out
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Jennifer 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!
Welfare Judging Contests: The story of creating a new generation of welfare advocates
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In 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
Feeding the Insulin Dysregulated Horse: The story of checking blood and doing your math!
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Dr. 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!
Acupuncture: The story of a big bang for a little needle
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Dr. 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.
Purpose Before Perfection: The story of personal growth as a rodeo queen
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Join 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!
Slobbers: The story of it may be a bigger deal than you think
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In 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.
Stepping down: The story of letting go professionally to have fun as a amateur
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Dr. 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.
It's Time: The story of preparing for the upcoming breeding season
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In 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 broodmares
Reproductive management of the mare
Equine Herpes Virus Outbreak: The story on how to keep events safe and moving forward
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Dr. 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.
Horse Shopping: The story of taking your time to find your perfect fit
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In 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 Horses
Caveat Emptor – Let the buyer beware: How to Avoid Mistakes When Buying a Horse
4-H for the Win: The Story of How Participating in 4-H Activities Can Impact Young Lives
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Kyla 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.
New World Screw Worm: The story of an old foe trying to make a return
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Dr. 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.
Beating Bugs: The story of using all parts of the pyramid
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Dr. 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.
Bad Science: The story of being wary of more than bad 80s movies!
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In 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!
Research It!: The story how to navigate a world of so much information
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In 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!
Is Two Better Than One?: The story of proving tradition
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In 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?
What is a Good Life: The story of trying to do right by our horses
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In 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.
Cooling off: The story that is hot off the presses from ESS!
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Dr. 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
Live from Fort Collins, It's ESS!: The story of research hot off the presses
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In 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!
Enucleation: The story of when one eye is the right way to go
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In 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.
American Youth Horse Council: The story of adults helping kids to grow their love of horses
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In 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
How much a bale?: The story of shopping smart for hay
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Dr. 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!
Keratomas: The story of hoof tumors causing big problems
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In 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!
Pasture Prep: The Story of your timeline for great grazing
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Dr. 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.
Nutrition for Breeding: The story of how feeding your horse alters your chances of successful foals
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In 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
Selecting Sires: The story of finding the perfect man for your mare
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In 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.
Dental Month: The story of look every horse in the mouth
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It'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.
Working Equitation: The story of riding something new, Spanish style!
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Stephanie 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
Spanish Mustangs: The story of a rare breed doing big things
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Dr. 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
Chiropractors:The story of pushing and pulling to make your horse feel great
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Dr. 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.
IVCA
AVCA
Heliacal Star: The story of your next read!
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Victor 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
Internships: The story of test driving a career
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Dr. 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.
Hay Nets: The story of how research provides answers
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Dr. 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!
Fall Nonstructural Carbohydrates in Pastures: The story of when fall temperatures can bring hidden dangers.
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Dr. 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.
Sand: The story of how to keep it out of your horse
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Dr. 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
