Mad Barn

02/08/2026

✨Breed of the Week: Caspian Horse

🇮🇷The Caspian Horse is a rare Iranian breed with roots tracing back to ancient Persia.

Despite standing at less than 12 hands high, Caspians are considered small horses rather than ponies because of their proportions and resemblance to full-sized horse breeds.

🐎The Caspian's conformation is similar to other hot-blooded breeds like the Thoroughbred, with slim bodies, refined heads, and long legs.

Known for their great work ethic, Caspian's are often more sensitive than ponies, making them a better match for experienced youth riders.

🏛️ Historically, Caspian's were used as pack animals, but today they shine in a variety of equestrian disciplines, including:
-Dressage
-Driving
-Jumping
-Eventing

💬Have you ever seen or ridden one of these small but mighty horses? Tells us about it in the comments

To learn more about the Caspian horse click the link below:

CA:https://madbarn.ca/caspian-horse-breed-guide/
US:https://madbarn.com/caspian-horse-breed-guide/

02/07/2026

Supporting hoof health even into retirement 🐴🤩

“Since Jesse’s retirement due to navicular, we have really struggled with major cracking in his hooves. Once we started him on Omneity, his feet have done a complete 180!! No cracking, no chipping and they look so much better!
Absolutely no regrets and would recommend to anyone!”
— Andrea R 💙

Nutrition plays a key role in supporting hoof health. For this reason, Omneity was formulated not only to help balance the horse’s diet, but also to support overall hoof health. We’re glad to see Jesse’s hooves thriving in retirement👏

Interested in supporting your horse’s hoof health?

Comment below or send us a direct message to chat with one of our nutritionists💬

02/06/2026

Did you miss the NO Laminitis! Conference?

You can still check out the recorded presentation! 🎥

Tune in to the recording and hear from Mad Barn nutritionists Dr. Priska Darani and Dr. Eleanor Kellon as they share expert insights from the conference.👏

Did you miss our 2025 NO Laminitis! Conference? You can now access all 25 hours of the presentations and Q&A via video recordings here: https://www.nolaminitis.org/conference-video-subscribe.php.

WHO WILL BENEFIT? The horses in your care with PPID and/or Insulin Resistance!

These recordings provide the latest in research and successful treatment and management for metabolic horses, ponies, donkeys and mules presented by Drs. Kellon, Bowker, Gustafson and 9 other top-level equine researchers and professionals. Speakers and topics here: https://www.nolaminitis.org/guest-speakers.php

This information is for owners, veterinarians, hoof professionals and other equine practitioners.

Subscribe before February 15 and get access to the recordings via a dedicated on-demand link for six months.

A very special thanks to our wonderful Benefactors, who made this conference possible:

DIAMOND
Custom Equine Nutrition, LLC (Vermont Blend)
Equine Balanced Support
California Trace
Forageplus
Soft Ride Equine Comfort Boots
Hay Chix

PLATINUM
Auburn Labs (APF)
Progressive Hoof Care Practitioners
Mad Barn
Black Horse Spirit
Eleanor Kellon Vmd

GOLD
Triple Crown Feed
Anderson Feed Company (Stabul)
Equi-Analytical
Pure Sole Hoof Products
New England Equine Balance
Great Plains Forage
Jeannean Mercuri - The Hoof Fairy
HorseTech, Inc.
Gutzbusta Slow Feed Hay Nets USA
Nanci Ochi and Dot
SURE FOOT Equine
Fat Pony Feeders
EasyCare Inc. Protective Hoofwear
Hygain
Wandilla Farm and Equine Services
Nutra Horse
Equine Digit Support System, Inc.
Yank Gulch Equine

02/06/2026

🩺 The Vet’s Scoop 🐴✨

📣 This week’s highlight: Energy Sources in the Equine Diet

“Not all calories are created equal. Fat, fiber, and starch provide energy in different ways, and choosing the right source can make a big difference in behavior, performance, and condition.”

— Dr. Fran Rowe, DVM, Veterinary Nutritionist

When it comes to feeding horses, it’s not just about how much energy they get, it’s about where that energy comes from. Fiber-based calories support steady hindgut fermentation, fats provide cool, concentrated fuel, and starch delivers quick energy but may not suit every horse. Understanding these differences can help you tailor a diet for better temperament, athletic output, and healthy body condition.

02/06/2026

See what FEI dressage rider Denielle Gallagher ( ) has to say about Mad Barn's support for her top mount Come Back De Massa🤩

“Mad Barn has been a game-changer for Come Back. From w-3 Oil to AminoTrace+, Electrolytes, Visceral + Spirulina and MSM, every supplement supports his strength, energy, and recovery. I love what these products do for him and our performance!! “- Denielle Gallagher, FEI Dressage Rider🇨🇦

Check out what is in their Mad Barn Lineup👀

🔹 AminoTrace+ – supplies high quality vitamins, minerals and amino acids to balance the diet
🔹 Visceral+ – for comprehensive gut support
🔹 W-3 Oil – rich in omega-3 DHA to support performance & recovery
🔹 Spirulina – for skin and immune health
🔹 MSM – to support joint comfort and mobility
🔹 Performance XL – to maintain electrolyte balance post-exercise

We’re proud to support Denielle and Come Back with the nutrition program that allows them to perform at their best. 🙌

📸: Cealy Tetley

02/05/2026

Walking or trotting up and down inclines engages different muscle groups, improving strength, balance, and overall conditioning in horses. 🐴⛰️

Hill work naturally encourages horses to lift their backs and engage their hindquarters, which supports stronger topline development, joint stability, and more expressive movement.

Starting gradually, choosing safe footing, and adjusting the intensity helps horses build strength without overexertion. Beginners and fit horses alike benefit from varied terrain when incorporated thoughtfully into a training plan.

Watch for signs of fatigue, uneven stride, or reluctance. Slowing down or modifying the session can help prevent strain and support consistent, positive progress. ⚠️

To learn more, explore the full article below:
🇨🇦 - https://madbarn.ca/hill-work-for-horses/
🇺🇸 - https://madbarn.com/hill-work-for-horses/

02/04/2026

✨Tip of the Day!

A sudden onset or increase in cribbing may signal gastric discomfort!

Oral stereotypies like cribbing and wood-chewing have been linked to gastric ulcers, likely because both are influenced by stress and feeding management.

While cribbing itself doesn't always indicate gastrointestinal disease, a new or intensifying behaviour may warrant a closer look at ulcer-risk factors such as...
🌾 Limited forage access
⏰ Inconsistent turnout
⚡High-stress environments
🍽️ Regular feeding schedules

In horses, behaviour and digestive health are often more connected than they appear.

To learn more about warning signs of gut problems in horses,check out the link below:

CA: https://madbarn.ca/signs-of-gut-problems-in-horses/
US: https://madbarn.com/signs-of-gut-problems-in-horses/

02/04/2026

🐴❄️ Winter brings more than colder temperatures for horses. As weather conditions change, so do daily routines, forage intake, and drinking habits. Many horses naturally reduce water consumption in cold weather, especially when water is icy or partially frozen. Over time, this can increase the risk of dehydration and digestive upset.

Snow may appear to provide hydration, but it does not come close to meeting a horse’s daily water requirements. Waiting until clinical signs appear often means dehydration has already begun to affect gut health and overall comfort.

The good news is that winter dehydration is largely preventable. Simple management strategies such as monitoring water intake, offering warmer water, and adjusting feeding practices can play a meaningful role in supporting hydration and digestive function throughout the colder months.

👉 Swipe through to learn how much water horses really need in winter and practical ways to encourage consistent drinking when it matters most.

📚 Learn more about winter horse care:
https://madbarn.com/feed-horse-in-winter/

https://madbarn.com/winter-safety-for-boarded-horses/

02/03/2026

A properly fitted girth keeps the saddle secure and helps distribute pressure evenly, supporting your horse’s comfort, balance, and performance under saddle. 🤝

Girths come in different shapes, materials, and designs. Each can influence how pressure is applied across the horse’s barrel, shoulders, and sternum. A girth that’s too tight, too loose, or poorly shaped can lead to pinching, shifting, or resistance.

Signs of girth-related discomfort may include flinching during tightening, head-tossing, short strides, or reluctance to move forward. Paying attention to these cues and checking fit regularly helps prevent soreness and supports clearer communication with your aids.

Choosing the right girth, along with proper saddle fit and correct adjustment, contributes to a more comfortable, confident ride. 🤩

To learn more, explore the full article below:
🇨🇦 - https://madbarn.ca/girths-for-horses/
🇺🇸 - https://madbarn.com/girths-for-horses/

02/01/2026

🏇✨ Breed of the Week: The Trakehner Horse ✨🏇

Elegant, athletic, and steeped in history, the Trakehner is one of the world’s most refined warmblood breeds. Originating in East Prussia, this breed was carefully developed using Thoroughbred and Arabian bloodlines to create a horse known for stamina, intelligence, and exceptional rideability.

Trakehners are admired for their light, uphill build, expressive movement, and famously elastic trot, making them standouts in dressage, show jumping, and eventing, including success at the Olympic level. 🥇 Their willing temperament and strong work ethic also make them rewarding partners for dedicated riders across disciplines.

With their high athletic demands, Trakehners thrive with thoughtful management, quality forage, and precision nutrition to support muscle development, joint health, and long-term soundness. When cared for correctly, these horses combine beauty and performance in a truly timeless package. 🌿💪

Have you ever worked with a Trakehner? Tell us about your experience in the comments!

Want to learn more about this wonderful breed! Check out our breed guide:
CA: https://madbarn.ca/trakehner-horse-breed-guide/

US:https://madbarn.com/trakehner-horse-breed-guide/

01/31/2026

Targeted nutrition support can make a meaningful difference💞✨

“I’ve had my gelding for 2 years now. I struggled to maintain his proper muscle, coat health, recovery, and weight. I bought all the supplements you can imagine that were recommended to me, but still was stumped. The manager of the barn I board at, aka our ‘barn fairy’ 🧚 (we love her), recommended Mad Barn to me. I was skeptical at first. I went through the process and was worried about my results without a hay analysis. Mad Barn employee, Haley, was my consultant. I told her my struggles, budget, and limitation. Haley sent me a detailed email within 48 hours. It included charts, suggestions, products, and science to back everything up. She gave me a detailed summary of every product I should drop, add, or keep and why. The charts made it very easy to follow along. They did suggest me a couple of their products, but by no means just pushed their own brand. They care about your horses health, not just the sales they make, which speaks wonders for their brand. I’m a person who thinks the ‘why’ is very important and Haley eased those thoughts. My products arrived quickly with no trouble and were extremely affordable compared to all these other performance products on the market. Within only 22 days (a REMARKABLE amount of time) my horse gained muscle, maintained a good weight, improved with injury and workout recovery, and got a beautiful gleaming coat. No other management changed besides what Mad Barn suggested. I have never experienced such quick and impactful results in such a short amount of time. I absolutely love Mad Barn and have been telling everyone about them.” — Lauren Hoffman, Mississippi, USA 💙

At Mad Barn, our goal is to provide clear, science-backed guidance that helps owners make confident nutrition decisions, whether you’re working through performance goals, recovery concerns, or simply trying to support overall health.

Interested in building a customized nutrition program for your horse? Send us a direct message to chat with one of our nutritionists💬