In this episode, Dr. Chris Mortensen explores the topic of keeping horses calm, sharing personal stories from his early years at the Del Mar racetrack, and delving into various aspects of horse behavior and safety.
He highlights the importance of understanding horse psychology, the genetic and environmental factors affecting horse temperament, and statistical data on equestrian-related injuries. The discussion covers effective training techniques, welfare considerations, and the potential benefits and limitations of calming supplements like tryptophan, magnesium, and alpha-casozepine.
Dr. Mortensen emphasizes the significance of positive reinforcement, consistent handling, and safety precautions to build a strong, calm relationship with
horses.
Podcast Timeline 
00:00 Introduction and Gratitude
00:45 Personal Experiences with Horses
03:21 Understanding Horse Behavior
03:57 The Importance of Keeping Horses Calm
12:04 Equestrian Injury Statistics
21:24 Factors Influencing Horse Calmness
31:17 Approaching Horses: The Left Side Tradition
33:39 The Importance of Horse Welfare
34:47 Exploring Calming Supplements
36:26 Tryptophan: A Closer Look
40:50 Magnesium's Effects on Horses
48:20 Alpha Casozepine: Promising Results
53:06 Final Thoughts on Calming Horses

Visit https://madbarn.com/mad-about-horses/ to learn more about the Mad About Horses podcast.
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