Mad Barn

Every horse deserves a balanced diet. On the exterior, we may look like a lot of other supplement companies, but let us assure you, we are not.

Like Mad Barn for science-backed nutrition, expert support, and free tools and education to help your horse feel and perform their best. Our primary purpose is not to convince you to buy products, it’s to advance the practice of equine nutrition by:

- Funding research to better understand how nutrition impacts the health of your horse.

- Developing technology and feeding solutions to make it easier to feed your horse what he or she needs.

- Providing education and support to horse owners and the broader equine community. Nutrition is the cornerstone to equine health, well-being and optimal performance. Our nutritionists are always available to answer your questions or help you formulate a balanced feeding program for free. We fund all of our activities through product sales. So if you feed your horse Mad Barn, thank you for helping us achieve our mission.

04/08/2026

What makes polocrosse so special? 💙🐎

For Lilly Poe, it’s all about the community and the bond she shares with her horses. And honestly, it’s easy to see why.

Polocrosse is a fast-paced team sport that combines elements of polo and lacrosse. Played on horseback, riders use a netted racquet to catch, carry, and pass the ball while working together to score goals. With quick turns, speed, and constant action, it takes trust, communication, and a strong connection between horse and rider to succeed.

That’s what makes Lilly’s answer so meaningful, because in a sport built on teamwork, both on and off the field, those relationships are everything. 🤝

We’d also like to send a huge congratulations to Lilly on being selected to play in the World Cup match for Team USA! 🇺🇸🎉
Wishing you the best of luck, we’ll be cheering you on every step of the way!

Want to learn more about polocrosse? Check out the article below!
CA: https://madbarn.ca/equestrian-polocrosse/
US: https://madbarn.com/equestrian-polocrosse/

04/08/2026

Refusals and runouts are common challenges in show jumping and eventing, where a horse may stop in front of a fence or move sideways to avoid it. These behaviors can affect performance, confidence, and safety for both horse and rider.

These responses often reflect an underlying issue rather than disobedience alone. Factors such as discomfort or pain, poor balance, unclear rider cues, or being asked to perform beyond the horse’s current skill level can all contribute. In some cases, previous negative experiences may also reduce a horse’s willingness to jump.

Evaluating both the horse’s physical condition and the training approach can help identify what’s contributing to the behavior and guide appropriate adjustments.
Working with experienced trainers and veterinarians can support safe, effective solutions while helping build confidence and consistency over fences.

To learn more, explore the full article by checking out the first comment below 👇

04/07/2026

What fuels success in Polocrosse? ⚡🐎

If you’ve never heard of polocrosse, think of it as a fast-paced blend of polo and lacrosse, played on horseback. Riders use a netted racquet to catch, carry, and pass a ball while working as a team to score between goal posts. With quick turns, bursts of speed, and constant action, it’s a sport that demands agility, stamina, and a strong partnership between horse and rider.

That level of performance doesn’t happen without the right nutrition. 🥕💧
Polocrosse horses need support for endurance, recovery, and hydration to keep up with the intensity of play.

🎥 In this video, Lisa Poe of the Willow Pond Polocrosse Club shares how she supports her horses with:
✔️ Omneity for balanced vitamin & mineral support
✔️ W-3 Oil as a source of “cool calories” to help maintain condition
✔️ Performance XL Electrolytes to support hydration and recovery

When nutrition is dialed in, horses can stay focused, recover efficiently, and perform at their best.

👉 Want to learn more about polocrosse? Check out the article below!
CA: https://madbarn.ca/equestrian-polocrosse/
US: https://madbarn.com/equestrian-polocrosse/

04/07/2026

🐎 Did You Know?!

Bucking is rarely simply “bad behavior.” In most cases, it is a horse’s way of signaling that something is wrong.

⚡ Bucking is a natural equine behavior and can occur during play or moments of excess energy. However, when it happens under saddle or during handling, it often indicates discomfort, confusion, fear, or pain.

Physical factors such as pain, ill-fitting tack, or equipment issues are common contributors. Bucking may also occur when a horse is experiencing stress, uncertainty, or unclear cues from the rider.

💙 Because bucking often reflects an underlying concern, identifying the root cause through careful observation, equipment checks, and professional evaluation is key to keeping horses comfortable and riders safe.

To learn more about why horses buck, check out the link below:
🇨🇦 https://madbarn.ca/why-horses-buck/
🇺🇸 https://madbarn.com/why-horses-buck/

04/06/2026

A strong partnership starts long before you step into the ring.🐴

From consistent flatwork to daily routines, the foundation you build with your horse shapes everything that follows. Creating trust, balance, and communication are essential to helping you accomplish your goals.🙌

Sean Jobin takes a holistic approach to his program, supporting his horses at home, undersaddle, and in the show ring. Mad Barn is proud to support Sean’s string of horses with nutrition that helps them feel and perform at their best, every step of the way.💙

After a successful season in Florida, Sean and his horses are gearing up for the summer show circuit as they transition into the next phase of the season.

Mad Barn is working alongside Sean to ensure each horse’s nutrition program continues to meet their needs, so they don’t miss a beat in the show ring.🤩

📸:

04/06/2026

🐴💡Tip Of The Day!

If your senior horse is losing weight or struggling to chew hay, try soaked hay cubes or soft feeds.

As horses age, dental wear and reduced digestive efficiency can make it harder for them to break down long-stem hay and absorb nutrients effectively.

Tips to try include:
✔️ Soaking forage to make it easier to chew
✔️ Feeding a highly digestible fibre to help maintain weight
✔️ Feeding a highly digestible protein source to help will muscle mass loss

Making small feeding adjustments can help your senior horse stay comfortable, maintain weight, and get the nutrients they need!

To learn more about how to feed a senior horse, click the link below:
CA: https://madbarn.ca/fr/nourrir-un-cheval-age/
US: https://madbarn.com/how-to-feed-a-senior-horse/

04/05/2026

🐎 Did You Know?!

A horse can lose over 10 litres of fluid per hour through sweat during intense exercise.

Without proper hydration and electrolyte replacement, this fluid loss can quickly lead to dehydration.

Signs of dehydration in horses may include:
💧 Dry or tacky gums
💧 Skin that remains tented after a pinch test
💧 Reduced appetite or lethargy

Providing constant access to clean water and balanced electrolytes helps support hydration, performance, and overall health.

To learn more about dehydration in horses and how to prevent it, check out the link below:
CA: https://madbarn.ca/dehydration-in-horses/
US: https://madbarn.ca/dehydration-in-horses/

04/04/2026

🐴 Is your horse carrying extra weight?

Obesity is a growing concern in horses and can increase the risk of conditions such as laminitis, metabolic disorders, and joint strain. Managing body condition starts with identifying and addressing excess calorie intake.

The first step is to remove unnecessary calories from the diet, such as high-calorie concentrates or unrestricted access to rich pasture. From there, rationing hay may be necessary, while still ensuring horses receive at least 1.5% of their body weight in forage daily to support digestive health.

Rationing forage can be challenging, especially when trying to balance intake with adequate access throughout the day. Strategies such as slow-feed hay nets, selecting more mature, lower-energy forage, or using automatic feeding systems like Nordic Auto Feeds can help extend feeding time and reduce calorie intake without compromising gut health.

The goal is to support safe, gradual weight loss while maintaining consistent forage intake and digestive function.

💬 Have you managed weight loss in a horse? What strategies have worked best for you?

04/04/2026

🐴 Breed of the Week: Dutch Warmblood 🇳🇱

Looking for the ultimate sport horse? Meet the Dutch Warmblood, a modern powerhouse bred for performance, athleticism, and rideability. 💥

Originally developed in the Netherlands from the Groninger and Gelderlander, this breed evolved from farm and carriage horses into one of the world’s top competitors in equestrian sport. Today, Dutch Warmbloods are managed by the KWPN (Royal Warmblood Studbook of the Netherlands), known for its strict breeding standards and focus on excellence.

Standing around 16.2 hands, these horses are recognized for their elegant, rectangular build, strong topline, and powerful, expressive movement. Their gaits are rhythmic, balanced, and full of impulsion, exactly what you want in the show ring.

Their temperament is just as impressive, intelligent, willing, and cooperative, making them a favorite among both amateur and professional riders.

Through specialized breeding programs, the KWPN has become a global leader in producing elite sport horses tailored for specific disciplines, helping riders reach the highest levels of competition.

Whether you're aiming for the podium or a reliable partner in the barn, the Dutch Warmblood delivers the perfect balance of power, trainability, and heart. ❤️

Have you worked with a Dutch Warmblood? Tell us about your experiences in the comments!

Want to learn more about this incredible breed? Check out our breed guide:
CA: https://madbarn.ca/dutch-warmblood-breed-profile/
US: https://madbarn.com/dutch-warmblood-breed-profile/

04/04/2026

🐴 Tip Of The Day!

Small changes can signal gut dysfunction!

⚠️ Digestive issues in horses do not always start with obvious symptoms. Subtle changes in eating habits, manure consistency, abdominal comfort, or behaviour can signal that the gastrointestinal tract is under stress.

The equine digestive system is complex and sensitive, where even small changes in diet and management can impact gut function.

💚 Monitoring what is normal for your horse and responding early to changes can help prevent more serious complications.

To learn more about warning signs of gut problems in horses, click the link below:
CA: https://madbarn.ca/signs-of-gut-problems-in-horses/
US: https://madbarn.com/signs-of-gut-problems-in-horses/

04/03/2026

Choosing a horse trainer is an important decision that can influence your horse’s development, behavior, and overall experience under saddle. 🐴🎓

Before selecting a trainer, it’s helpful to clearly define your goals, whether that’s improving performance, addressing behavioral challenges, or building foundational skills. Your horse’s age, experience level, and temperament should also guide your decision, as not all trainers specialize in the same discipline or training stages.

Understanding how different trainers apply learning theory, including timing, pressure and release, and reinforcement, can help you find an approach that aligns with your values and your horse’s needs.

Look for a trainer who communicates clearly, has relevant experience, and handles both horses and riders with respect. A good fit supports not only skill development, but also confidence and long-term progress for both horse and rider. 🤝

To learn more, check out the link in the first comment below👇

04/01/2026

How does Visceral+ support the entire gut? 🤔🐴

Our founder & CEO, Scott Cieslar, breaks down how Visceral+ goes beyond stomach support to help maintain a healthy hindgut too, because true digestive health starts with a whole-system approach.

Curious how it works? 👇
Learn more about Visceral+:
🇨🇦 https://madbarn.ca/product/visceral/
🇺🇸 https://madbarn.com/product/visceral/

Address

1465 Strasburg Road
Kitchener, ON
N2R1H2

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1-833-623-2276

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https://madbarn.com/, https://madbarn.ca/

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Our Story

Welcome to Mad Barn, we’re a different sort of company, as you may have noted from the name. On the exterior, we may look like a lot of other ‘supplement’ companies out there, but let us assure you, we are not.

Our primary purpose is not to convince you to buy a product, it’s to deepen our understanding of equine nutrition, physiology and ethological need and then share that information with you.

We aim to improve the well being of you and your horse by providing - ‘Crazy Good Nutrition’ at a fair price. And when you decide to give your horse the very best, you can be confident that we are working away in the background to make it even better!

The horse is an integral part of human history - don’t we owe them the very best?

04/08/2026

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