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Equine academic professionals from across the country share their personal knowledge of all things horse to help you become a better owner.

Kris Hiney


    • Apr 30, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 33m AVG DURATION
    • 165 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Tack Box Talk

    American Youth Horse Council: The story of adults helping kids to grow their love of horses

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 33:30 Transcription Available


    Send us a textIn 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2025 31:13


    Send us a textDr. 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2025 44:58


    Send us a textIn 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2025 30:59 Transcription Available


    Send us a textDr. 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2025 34:38 Transcription Available


    Send us a textIn 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2025 39:08


    Send us a textIn 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2025 32:57


    Send us a textIt'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!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2024 29:11 Transcription Available


    Send us a textStephanie 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2024 36:12 Transcription Available


    Send us a textDr. 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

    Chiropracters:The story of pushing and pulling to make your horse feel great

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2024 37:55 Transcription Available


    Send us a textDr. 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

    Heliacal Star: The story of your next read!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2024 32:03 Transcription Available


    Send us a textVictor 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2024 24:57 Transcription Available


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2024 28:40 Transcription Available


    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.

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2024 34:15 Transcription Available


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2024 26:19 Transcription Available


    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

    Monensin in Horse Feeds: The story of practical advice for the average horse owner

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2024 31:16


    In 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. 

    Students in Charge: The story of a unique program at the University of Vermont

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2024 28:07


    Chrissy 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 

    Social License to Operate: The Story of keeping the horse industry in society's good graces

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2024 59:00 Transcription Available


    Dr. 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? khiney@okstate.edu

    Genetics Part 2: The story of fragile foals and muscle disorders

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2024 66:32


    Dr. 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.

    Study Abroad: The story of a grand appreciation for the Irish horse Industry.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2024 47:22


    Dr. 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.

    Sane and Sound: The story of a equine geneticists goal to build a better horse

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2024 49:37 Transcription Available


    Dr. 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.

    The State of the Union: The story of the current status of the horse industry

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2024 40:52 Transcription Available


    Julie 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 - jbroadway@horsecouncil.orgEconomic impact study

    Not for Profits: The story of how to get started

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2024 52:26 Transcription Available


    Dr. 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)

    Foaling Part 2: The story of what needs to happen after baby has arrived

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2024 37:11


    In this episode, Marissa Chapa, herd manager at Oklahoma State University, and Paige Linne, senior lecturer at Texas A&M University, return to talk about the needed care after the foal arrives.  Follow the simple 1, 2, 3 rule to know if your foal is on the path to success.

    Beware the white and yellow flowers: The story of when pretty things turn deadly

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2024 28:42


    Dr. Krishona Martinson, equine extension specialist at the University of Minnesota, tells us what to be on the look out for what may be lurking in the shadows.  Poisonous plants can often be found in shady, wet areas and along fence lines.  Learn what you need to be aware of in your horse pastures.

    It's Foal Time! The story of when not to panic

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2024 45:50 Transcription Available


    Marissa Chapa, herd manager for Oklahoma State University, and Paige Linne,  herd manager for Texas A&M, share how they guide nervous students through the foaling process. From tips on how you know foaling is close, to how to stay relaxed, these instructors have a unique take on how to approach foaling season.

    Majestic oak or killer in disguise? The stories of what trees you need to be aware of in your horse pasture

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2024 30:43


    Dr. Krishona Martinson, equine extension specialist at the University of Minnesota shares her tips on what trees are great at providing shade, and what trees may be a hidden danger in your pasture. But relax, it's not all bad news!

    What's that?: The story of toxic plants commonly found in hay

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2024 29:22 Transcription Available


    Dr. Krishona Martinson, equine extension specialist from the University of Minnesota, shares her type 5 list of toxic plants commonly found in hay.  We discuss how to avoid them, how to spot them, and what  your horse may experience.  So learn how to keep your horse safe by inspecting that hay!

    Feeding Myths: The stories of not always believing what you hear.

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2024 29:50 Transcription Available


    Dr. Nettie Liburt, of Liburt Equine Nutritional Consulting, shares her top misunderstanding that are frequently heard in the horse world. From what makes horses hot, to can you actually blow up your horse, we have a fun chat on what the data really tells us.For more information, visit Extension Horses

    Riding through the cold: The story of knowing when enough is enough

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2024 35:10 Transcription Available


    Dr. Bob Coleman, University of Kentucky and former Canadian, shares tips on continuing to ride horses through the winter or those cold snaps the southerners are sometimes are exposed to.

    Buying hay out of state: The story of buyer beware

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2024 33:11


    Recently there have been several cases of horses becoming sick and dying reportedly from consuming imported hay.  With challenges of climate conditions and weather making consistent hay supplies problematic, horse owners may need to navigate the process of buying hay from out of state.  Dr. Krishona Martinson, University of Minnesota, and Dr. Betsy Greene, University of Arizona, share their top 10 tips to horse owners to keep  you from being scammed and keep your horse healthy.Horses.extension.org

    Growing in winter: The story of what grasses due in the South!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 27, 2023 30:31


    Brian Pugh, Agronomy Area Specialist for Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, discusses the unique characteristics of grass in the southern states. Compared with our neighbors to the north, we really can graze year round with a little careful planning and understanding of grass biology.  So take a listen and learn why gramma does more then bake cookies.

    My Horse Has What?: The story of allergy and microbiome testing - are they really worth it?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2023 49:45


    Dr. Katie Young, independent nutritionist and consultant for Kentucky Equine Research, and Dr. Stephen Coleman, associate professor at Colorado State University who specializes in molecular genetics (and son to our own Dr. Bob!) provide the low down on food allergy and microbiome testing.  Are they really telling you what you need to know?

    Fall Pastures: The story of putting pastures to bed

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2023 30:37 Transcription Available


    Dr. Krishona Martinson, University of Minnesota Extension Specialist, and Dr. Carey Williams, Rutgers University Extension Specialist discuss how weather and season affects growing patterns in grasses.  We get into the details on how temperature affects dormancy and why just because the grass is green doesn't mean the horses should be grazing!

    AQHLearn: The story of the best deal in town

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2023 29:49 Transcription Available


    Katie Reynolds and Helen Hardy, both with AQHA and AQHYA share an innovative new program developed by AQHA to help address the educational needs of all horse owners.  Built in levels, this curriculum offers something for everyone. The new platform is available to everyone with greater access for AQHA members, but guess what, you don't need a Quarter Horse!AQHLearn.com

    Cattle and horses: The story of everyone getting along

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2023 40:57


    Dr. Chelsie Huseman, assistant professor at Texas A&M University and first time guest, shares advice on farming and ranching with horses and cattle at the same time.  We discuss fencing, specific horse and cattle toxicities, feeding practices and parasite control. In short - we cover alot!

    Youth Horse Judging: The story of getting a leg up on life skills

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2023 25:28


    Dr. Kathy Anderson, University of Nebraska and Kyla Szemplinski, youth educator in Shelby County and part of the University of Tennessee extension system, share why they believe youth horse judging can lead to future success. We talk about the critical life skills or soft skills that can be taught through youth judging beyond just knowing more about horses.  We discuss advice for parents and leaders on how to get kids started, and share a wealth of online resources to make coaching easy!Horse Judging BasicsHorse Judging Practice 1Horse Judging Practice 2

    Heat Stress: The story of not losing your cool

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2023 37:20


    Dr. Betsy Greene from the University of Arizona, expert at living in 115 degrees, and Dr. Carey Williams from the land of humidity, share their tips on avoiding heat stress in horses.  From choosing the right time of day, to what temperatures to just call it quits. We also discuss the best most scientifically proven methods to cool the overheated horse.

    Many meals, fiber as fuel: The stories of learning the best fuel for performance and optimizing protein intake

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2023 30:50


    In this episode, Dr. Nettie Liburt, shares research presented at the recent Equine Science Society meetings.  We discuss feeding protein more frequently may optimize absorption, fiber should not be forgotten as an important fuel source for racehorses, and then just go on a tangent on insulin dysregulation.

    When old is new again: The stories of lessons learned from the past

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2023 24:26


    Dr. Bob Coleman, University of Kentucky equine extension specialist, shares his favorite presentations from the recent ESS meetings.  We talk about a youth horsemanship school with a 50 year history from Texas A&M University. Then we talk a bit about the evolution of the horse to fit a unique digestive niche.

    Os Phos: The Story of when it's right, and when it's wrong

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2023 44:51


    In this episode, Dr. Brian Nielsen, expert on bone physiology from Michigan State University, weighs in the use of Os Phos in young horses. In this wide ranging talk, we discuss many issues of young horse health, from building better bone and minds, to the importance of pain.  We even get into the nitty gritty of bone biology and osteoporosis in women.  

    Sheep, owners and smart tech: The stories of heart rates, circles and unrealistic owners

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2023 19:52 Transcription Available


    Dr. Alyssa Logan, from Middle Tennessee State University visits the program for the first time.  She shares her favorite abstracts on owners perspectives of weight and condition in horses, some wearable technology for horses and sheep of all things.  Yes, there is a reason to run sheep in circles!

    Weight loss solutions and foal size: The stories of what really matters

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2023 27:35 Transcription Available


    In this episode we continue reviewing some of our member's favorite abstracts from the Equine Science Society meetings.  Drs. Kathy Anderson and Danielle Smarsh talk about the most effective methods of weigh loss in overweight horses, whether foal size at birth translates to different sized adults, and if electrolyte supplementation is needed for light to moderately exercised horses.

    Equine Science Society 2023: The Stories of not eating where you poop, old horses, hay nets and pasture tracks

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2023 37:59 Transcription Available


    In this episode, Dr. Krishona Martinson and Robyn Stewart share their take on their favorite abstracts they watched at the 2023 Equine Science Society meetings.  We discuss the impact of hay nets on teeth, when folks think horses are old, if pasture tracks make a difference and poop versus urea - which is better!To read the complete abstracts and findings, click on the links below64 A preliminary study: Effect of hay nets on horse hay usage, dental wear, and dental conditions in mature adult horses 98 Environmental impacts and daily voluntary movement of horses housed in pasture tracks as compared to conventional pasture housing105 Botanical composition, yield, horse preference, and forage and soil nutrient values of grass pastures treated with different soil amendments122 US Senior horses:  When are they considered old and how does that affect their management

    Horses in Higher Ed: The story of combining college and horses

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2023 31:13


    Dr. Karin Bump, owner of Equine Academics and Saddle Up New York gives parents and young people advice on whether "horse" college is right for you.  We talk about careers in the horse industry, whether or not students should pursue a college degree, and what type of college might be right for them. Dr. Bump also shares a fantastic tool to search for equine related colleges: the Equine Education Network.Equine Education Network

    Ticks! The Story of keep calm and pick them off

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2023 46:21 Transcription Available


    Dr. Erika Machtinger, Dr. Danielle Smarsh and Laura Kenney, all of Penn State University guide horse owner's through a discussion on ticks. From disease they carry, the environments they live in and how to properly pick them off.  If you have horses and ever venture out to trail ride - tick checks are for you!

    SCRUB: The story of science creating real understanding of biosecurity

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2023 35:19


    Dr. Besty Greene and Dr. Kris Hiney, share the story of how they designed and created fun educational curriculum to drive home the importance of biosecurity.  If you are a 4-H or youth club leader, ag teacher, or  anyone involved with education, this one's for you!This is the DIY version of making science fun and affordable, while learning important lessons on properly caring for horses, and other livestock as well.For the complete SCRUB curriculum: SCRUB: Educational kits

    Equine Infectious Anemia: The Story of staying on the right side of the law

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2023 32:21 Transcription Available


    Dr. Beth Ruby, staff veterinarian at the Oklahoma Dept of Ag, and Director of Avian and Equine Health, covers why it is so important to have horses tested for Equine Infectious Anemia.  We clear up some laws and share what might be different from state to state. And most importantly, we talk about why more horses might be testing positive for EIA.

    Mud Matters: The story of how wet dirt can lead to big trouble for horses

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2023 29:51


    Robyn Stewart, Agriculture and Natural  Resources Agent for the University of Georgia shares why mud can be a big deal for horses.  Not an inevitable part of spring, prolonged periods of standing in mud can cause significant health issues for horses.  We talk thrush, white line disease, scratches and cellulitis.Missed our episode on managing mud? The link is below.Managing Mud: The story of keeping your boots on while building a sandwich

    Ration Balancers: The story of how very little feed can go a long way

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2023 34:05


    Dr. Carey Williams, Rutgers University, and Dr. Nettie Liburt, Buckeye Nutrition, explain the purpose and concept behind ration balancers.  This mighty little feed might just be the solution you are looking for. For pastured horses, overweight horses, and even growing horses, ration balancers pack a punch. 

    Blanket Science: The story of really knowing if they work!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2023 25:54


    Dr. Michelle DeBoer, first time guest to the program, and assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls shares the data she has collected on the effects of blanketing on hay intake, body weight and hair length.  We also discuss the age old question - do they really need blankets?  And we tackle a bit of question - do they really want to have blankets on!

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