Conversations in Equine Science - podcast cover

Conversations in Equine Science

Kate Acton (from Ireland) and Nancy McLean (from the USA) discuss equine research projects and studies to help bridge the gap between the scientific community and the general community of horse owners, trainers and enthusiasts.
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Episodes

Horse-show anxiety and how mental preparation can build self confidence for competition success.

This week Kate and Nancy discuss pre-performance anxiety and how elite riders manage and control their anxiety during high pressure situations. S. McGinn, D. Alcock, and L.J. Cameron (2018). "Straight from the horse’s mouth: understanding professional event riders’ mental preparation for maximising self-confidence prior to competition using thematic analysis." Comparative Exercise Physiology Vol 14 Issue 4, pp. 261-270. Link to research paper: https://www.wageningenacademic.com/doi/epdf/10.3920/...

Feb 05, 202332 minSeason 4Ep. 5

Horse Pasture Management: Horse Health and Environmental Impact.

This episode Nancy and Kate discuss a research paper that compares horse turnout systems to enhance horse health and ecosystem sustainability. Research Reference and Link (Open Access): Furtado, T., King, M., Perkins, E., McGowan, C., Chubbock, S., Hannelly, E., Rogers, J. and Pinchbeck, G. (2022). An Exploration of Environmentally Sustainable Practices Associated with Alternative Grazing Management System Use for Horses, Ponies, Donkeys and Mules in the UK. Animals. 12(2), p.151. https://www.md...

Jan 29, 202332 minSeason 4Ep. 4

Effects of Covid-19 Lockdowns on Anxiety and Performance of Elite Riders.

This week Kate and Nancy discuss a research paper detailing the effects of the cessation of training that occurred among elite riders during the Covid 19 lockdowns. Research Reference and Link (Open Access): Demarie, Sabrina, Christel Galvani, and Veronique Louise Billat. (2020). "Horse-Riding Competitions Pre and Post COVID-19: Effect of Anxiety, sRPE and HR on Performance in Eventing" International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 22: 8648. https://www.mdpi.com/1660-...

Jan 20, 202332 minSeason 4Ep. 3

Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction in Horses.

This week Nancy and Kate discuss a recent paper on the most current research findings in Equine Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction. Research Reference and Link: Kirkwood, NC., Hughes, KJ., Stewart, AJ (2022). Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) in Horses. Veterinary Science, 9(10), 556. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9100556

Jan 13, 202332 minSeason 4Ep. 2

Summary of 2022, looking back on our favorite episodes.

This week Kate and Nancy discuss their favorite episodes of 2022. We also reveal the most popular episodes as determined by our listeners. Thank you for your support and listenership. We appreciate each and every one of you! Happy and Healthy 2023, Kate and Nancy

Jan 07, 202334 minSeason 4Ep. 1

The most popular episode of 2022....The Equine Gut Brain Connection.

This week Nancy and Kate revisit the episode with the most downloads of 2022. Reference: Mach, N., Ruet, A., Clark, A. et al (2020). Priming for welfare: gut microbiota is associated with equitation conditions and behavior in horse athletes. Scientific Reports 10, 8311. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-65444-9

Dec 30, 202226 minSeason 3Ep. 52

(Part 2) Deciphering misinformation in the horse world.

This week Nancy and Kate continue their discussion with Dr. Sheryl King. Dr. King is an expert on "myth-busting" horse information that occurs frequently within the horse industry. Make sure to listen to Part 1 to get her explanation on how these myths become a part of the equine management industry. This episode will discuss fact checking skills and nutrition fallacies.

Dec 24, 202231 minSeason 3Ep. 51

Deciphering misinformation in the horse world.

This week Nancy and Kate welcome Dr. Sheryl King to the podcast. Dr. King is an expert on misinformation in the horse industry. Please direct any questions to Kate on the Conversations in Equine Science Instagram account or Nancy on the Conversations in Equine Science Facebook page. We'll pass them onto Dr. Sheree or send her a friendship request via Sheree King at her Facebook page. We'll continue Part 2 next week. Thanks for listening in !

Dec 16, 202228 minSeason 3Ep. 49

The neurological exam of the horse. (Part 2)

Kate and Nancy wrap up their discussion of this interesting paper on the neurological exam of the horse. Reference: Caroline Hahn, (2022). Neurological Examination of Horses, Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice, Volume 38, Issue 2, pp. 155-169. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cveq.2022.05.001

Dec 10, 202241 minSeason 3Ep. 48

Neurological Examinations of Horses (Part 1).

On this week's episode, Nancy and Kate discuss a recent research article on the neurological exam of the horse. Research Reference: Caroline Hahn, DVM, (2022). Neurological Examination of Horses, Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice, Volume 38, Issue 2 pp. 155-169. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0749073922000219

Dec 02, 202239 minSeason 3Ep. 47

What equestrians really think about safety.

This week Kate and Nancy discuss equestrian safety and what a survey of 1,718 respondents reveals. Research reference: Chapman, Meredith, Matthew Thomas, and Kirrilly Thompson. (2020). "What People Really Think About Safety around Horses: The Relationship between Risk Perception, Values and Safety Behaviours" Animals 10, no. 12: 2222. Link: https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10122222

Nov 26, 202239 min

Recurrent Exertional Rhabdomyolysis (RER)

This week Nancy and Kate discuss the tying up syndrome (RER) that appears to affect 8.4% of racehorses. Research Reference: https://www.nzsap.org/system/files/proceedings/trainers-perceptions-impact-different-feeding-and-management-practices-racehorses-they-identified.pdf Wood , LJ, Lancaster, B, Breheny, MR & Rogers, CW 2020, 'Trainers perceptions of the impact of different feeding and management practices on racehorses they identified displaying symptoms of recurrent exertional rhabdomyoly...

Nov 18, 202235 minSeason 3Ep. 46

A look at PSSM.

This week Kate and Nancy delve into the research of Dr. Valberg at Michigan State University. She runs the Equine Neuromuscular Diagnostics Laboratory and is a fervent researcher of equine muscular diseases. You can access her informative webpages here. Research Reference (Open Access): Valberg, SJ, Williams, ZJ, Finno, CJ, Schultz, A, Velez-Irizarry, D, Henry, ML, et al (2022). Type 2 polysaccharide storage myopathy in Quarter Horses is a novel glycogen storage disease causing exertional rhabdo...

Nov 10, 202230 minSeason 3Ep. 45

Hair Whorls in Horses.

This week Nancy and Kate discuss the latest research in equine hair whorls, reactivity and laterality. Research Reference: Mark J. Deesing, Temple Grandin, (2022). Chapter 10 - Behavior genetics of the horse (Equus caballus), Editor(s): Temple Grandin, Genetics and the Behavior of Domestic Animals (Third Edition), Academic Press, pp. 377-433 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780323857529000068#bib153 Previous episode on laterality and cognitive bias: https://spotifyanchor-web.a...

Nov 04, 202234 minSeason 3Ep. 44

Behavior Genetics of The Horse

This episode Kate and Nancy discuss the genetics of behavior and how the environment may also play a role. Research Reference: Mark J. Deesing, Temple Grandin, (2022). Chapter 10 - Behavior genetics of the horse (Equus caballus), Editor(s): Temple Grandin, Genetics and the Behavior of Domestic Animals (Third Edition), Academic Press, pp. 377-433 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780323857529000068...

Oct 28, 202237 minSeason 3Ep. 43

Tack Fit and Use.

This episode Nancy and Kate discuss saddle, girth, bridle and bit fit. Research Reference (Open Access until November 15th, 2022) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0749073922000529?dgcid=author Facebook Link: **NEW RESEARCH REVIEW PUBLISHED** TACK FIT AND USE HILARY CLAYTON AND RUSSELL MACKECHNIE-GUIRE Published in Vet Clinic Equine - Open Access (via Desktop/Laptop) with download available for 50 days https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/authors.elsevier.com/a/1fvdP2gKTT20QH__;!!...

Oct 22, 202237 minSeason 3Ep. 42

Cooling horses with ice blankets.

This week Kate and Nancy discuss a paper that investigated the effects of using an ice blanket for cooling stalled horses in hot temperatures. Research Reference: Ojima Y, Torii S, Maeda Y, Matsuura A.(2022). Effect of Cooling Blanket on the Heat Stress of Horses in Hot and Humid Environments. Animals. Volume 12(19): 2505. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/12/19/2505/htm

Oct 14, 202230 minSeason 3Ep. 41

Improving Rider Fluidity with a Gymnastic Ball.

This week Nancy and Kate discuss a 2021 paper that found a positive correlation between pelvic/hip flexibility (while using a balance ball) and horse-rider interactions of quality and harmony. Research Reference: Uldahl M, Christensen JW, Clayton HM. Relationships between the Rider’s Pelvic Mobility and Balance on a Gymnastic Ball with Equestrian Skills and Effects on Horse Welfare. Animals. 2021; 11(2):453. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11020453...

Oct 07, 202230 minSeason 3Ep. 40

Dietary Iron Unlikely to Cause Insulin Resistance in Horses.

Kate and Nancy discuss dietary iron and insulin resistance. Research Reference: McLean, N.L.; McGilchrist, N.; Nielsen, B.D. Dietary Iron Unlikely to Cause Insulin Resistance in Horses. Animals 2022, 12, 2510. Open Access Link: https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12192510

Sep 30, 202233 minSeason 3Ep. 39

Understanding Horse-Human Interactions.

Nancy and Kate discuss a review that breaks down horse to human interactions. Research Reference: : Merkies, K.; Franzin, O. Enhanced Understanding of Horse–Human Interactions to Optimize Welfare. Animals 2021, 11, 1347 Research Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8151687/pdf/animals-11-01347.pdf Links to past episodes that have references mentioned in the above listed paper. https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/vamR655qAtb Speech Patterns (Baby Talk and Horses) https://spotifyanc...

Sep 24, 202239 minSeason 3Ep. 38

A study on rider weight implications toward certain parameters reflecting horse welfare.

Kate and Nancy discuss a 2020 research article on rider weight and it's influence on equine salivary cortisol, heart rate, heart rate variability, conflict behaviors and gait symmetry. Reference: Christensen JW, Bathellier S, Rhodin M, Palme R, Uldahl M. Increased Rider Weight Did Not Induce Changes in Behavior and Physiological Parameters in Horses. Animals. 2020; 10(1):95. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani1001009

Sep 17, 202225 minSeason 3Ep. 37

Whole Horse Hoofcare!

Nancy and Kate interview Ida Hammer of the Mackinaw Dells 2 Whole Horse Hoofcare Program. Ida talks about her journey into hoof care, equine nutrition and bodywork, and how it's all connected. Website: https://mackinawdells2.com/index.html Virtual Classes: https://mackinawdells2learning.thinkific.com/

Sep 09, 202251 minSeason 3Ep. 36

Feeding the Hoof!

Nancy discusses equine hoof nutrition in preparation for next week's hoof care practitioner interview on improving hoof quality. Research: Burns, Teresa A. (2021). Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice Volume 37, Issue 3 , pp. 669-684. Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0749073921000511#cebib0010...

Sep 03, 202227 minSeason 3Ep. 35

Osteoarthritis in horses.

Brittany Davis joins Nancy as they discuss prevalence, diagnosis and treatment of osteoarthritis in horses. Reference: Raquel Yvonne Arantes Baccarin, Sarah Raphaela Torquato Seidel, Yara Maria Michelacci, Paula Keiko Anadão Tokawa, Tiago Marcelo Oliveira, Osteoarthritis: a common disease that should be avoided in the athletic horse’s life, Animal Frontiers, Volume 12, Issue 3, June 2022, Pages 25–36. https://doi.org/10.1093/af/vfac026...

Aug 26, 202241 minSeason 3Ep. 34

Weight Management in Horses.

While Kate is on hiatus, Nancy discusses horse owners and their perspectives on equine body shape and weight management. This week's research paper reveals owners thoughts, as well as, equine professionals viewpoints on helping owners see the metabolic health dangers of equine obesity. Research reference: https://beva.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/evj.13360

Aug 19, 202224 min

Is the pinch test reliable as an indicator of dehydration in horses.

Kate and Nancy respond to an email from a listener who submitted a research paper for their review/discussion, on the reliability of the pinch test in determining dehydration in horses. Research Reference: PRITCHARD, J. C., BURN, C. C., BARR, A. R. S., & WHAY, H. R. (2008). Validity of indicators of dehydration in working horses: A longitudinal study of changes in skin tent duration, mucous membrane dryness and drinking behaviour. Equine Veterinary Journal, 40(6), pp. 558–564. https://doi.or...

Aug 12, 202227 minSeason 3Ep. 32

Part 2: Veterinary physiotherapy modalities in the treatment of equine back pain.

Nancy and Kate continue their discussion on veterinary physiotherapy and equine back pain. This episode targets modalities of treatment. Research Reference and link: Tabor, Gillian (2022). Veterinary physiotherapy for back pain in the horse . UK-Vet Equine (6):4, pp. 168-174. https://www.magonlinelibrary.com/doi/full/10.12968/ukve.2022.6.4.168...

Aug 05, 202229 minSeason 3Ep. 31

Veterinary physiotherapy for back pain in the horse.

This episode Nancy and Kate talk about the role of a Veterinary Physiotherapist in treating horses. Research Reference: Tabor, Gillian (2022). Veterinary physiotherapy for back pain in the horse . UK-Vet Equine (6):4, pp. 168-174. https://www.magonlinelibrary.com/doi/full/10.12968/ukve.2022.6.4.168 Tune in for Part 2, next week when we discuss modalities of treatment....

Jul 29, 202226 minSeason 3Ep. 30

A look into Equine Uveitis.

This episode Kate and Nancy discuss a research study that reveals risk factors for Equine Uveitis and the proportion of cases that are recurrent. Research Reference: Malalana, F, Ireland, JL, Pinchbeck, GL, McGowan, CM (2022). Risk factors for a first episode of primary uveitis in the UK and proportion of cases that experience recurrence following this first episode. Equine Veterinary Journal; 00: pp. 1-6. Link to open access article: https://beva.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/share/UE9ZNKFTVQYTYPQUTH...

Jul 22, 202224 minSeason 3Ep. 29

Equine Rations

Nancy and Kate discuss the final sections on the Equine Nutrition research paper listed below. How much horses eat and how to figure a ration calculation are some topics covered. Research References: Harris, P. and Shepherd, M. (2021). What Would Be Good for All Veterinarians to Know About Equine Nutrition. Veterinary Clinics of North America, Equine Practice. Volume 37 (1). pp 1-20. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0749073920300663 Link to Brittany Davis and her nutrition coun...

Jul 15, 202233 min
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