Mad Barn

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 eas

ier 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.

04/25/2026

🐴 Did You Know?!

Most horses don’t actually need grain to meet their energy needs 👀

For horses at maintenance (not in regular work), high-quality forage alone can often provide all the calories they require. In fact, forage should always be the foundation of the diet, regardless of workload.

Adding grain when it isn’t needed can increase the risk of weight gain, metabolic issues, and digestive upset.

A forage-first approach works with your horse’s natural digestive system by providing steady, fiber-based energy, rather than large spikes from starch and sugar.

The goal is simple:
➡️ Start with forage
➡️ Balance vitamins and minerals
➡️ Only add concentrates if additional calories are truly needed

💬 Not sure if your horse’s diet is balanced for their workload?

Have your horse's diet analyzed by one of our nutritionists:
🇺🇲 https://madbarn.com/analyze-diet/
🇨🇦 https://madbarn.ca/analyze-diet/

🐴 Glandular vs. Squamous Ulcers: What’s the Difference?Gastric ulcers are one of the most common health concerns in hors...
04/24/2026

🐴 Glandular vs. Squamous Ulcers: What’s the Difference?

Gastric ulcers are one of the most common health concerns in horses, affecting up to 93% of some populations. However, not all ulcers develop the same way.

Squamous ulcers form in the upper portion of the stomach, which has limited protection against acid. These ulcers are often associated with management factors such as high grain intake, low forage availability, and periods without feed. 🌾

Glandular ulcers occur in the lower portion of the stomach, where protective mechanisms normally defend against acid. These ulcers are more complex and are often linked to breakdowns in these defenses, with risk factors including stress, illness, NSAID use, and disruptions to normal gastric function.

Because these ulcer types have different causes, they may also require different management and treatment approaches. Supporting stomach health starts with:
• Consistent access to forage
• Minimizing starch and large concentrate meals
• Reducing stress and supporting routine
• Working with your veterinarian for proper diagnosis

Signs such as poor performance, weight loss, changes in behavior, or mild recurrent colic should be evaluated to determine the underlying cause.

📖 Learn more here:
🇺🇸 https://madbarn.com/squamous-vs-glandular-ulcers-in-horses/
🇨🇦 https://madbarn.ca/squamous-vs-glandular-ulcers-in-horses/

04/24/2026

Set up, settled in, and ready to connect 🤎🐎
We’re live at Horse Expo Canada and couldn’t be more excited!

Our team of nutritionists is here all weekend, whether you’ve got questions, want to chat about your horse’s needs, or just want to learn something new. Stop by to stock up on your favorite products or catch one of our talks 🎤

It’s shaping up to be a weekend full of knowledge, connection, and all things horses—and we can’t wait to see you there ✨

04/24/2026

Topline Talk! 🐎✨

We’ve partnered with Farmhouse Chiropractic and owner/founder Dr. Jillian Johnson to bring you an educational series focused on equine topline health.

This week, Dr. Johnson talks about how tack fit can impact topline, as well as the ribs.

Next week, we are going to discuss how growth spurts can impact topline health in young horses.

👉 Drop your topline questions in the comments so we can cover them in the series!

Whisker trimming involves removing a horse’s vibrissae, which are specialized sensory hairs located around the muzzle, e...
04/24/2026

Whisker trimming involves removing a horse’s vibrissae, which are specialized sensory hairs located around the muzzle, eyes, and ears. 🐴✂️

These hairs are connected to nerve endings, playing an important role in how horses interact with their environment. They help detect touch, assess nearby objects, and support navigation, particularly in areas where a horse’s vision is limited.

Although whisker trimming has traditionally been done for cosmetic reasons in some disciplines, it may affect a horse’s ability to judge distance and respond to their surroundings. As awareness of these welfare considerations increases, some organizations and regions have introduced restrictions on the practice.

Leaving whiskers intact can support normal sensory function and contribute to a horse’s comfort and safety in everyday situations.

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

See what combined driver Martha Younger has to say about Mad Barn’s support for her FEI ponies 👀🐴“There are three things...
04/23/2026

See what combined driver Martha Younger has to say about Mad Barn’s support for her FEI ponies 👀🐴

“There are three things that I really appreciate about Mad Barn and their products. The first is that the supplements are well-researched and tested. The second is the excellent communication with the company and their nutritionist. The third, and most important, is the products work and my FEI ponies, broodmares and babies are healthier for it.”
— Martha Younger, FEI Combined Driver

Check out what’s in her Mad Barn lineup 👇
🔹 Omneity – a comprehensive vitamin and mineral supplement to balance a forage-based diet
🔹 3:1 Zn Cu – balances her hay to provide optimal zinc and copper ratios
🔹 Visceral+ – for comprehensive gut support
🔹 W-3 Oil – rich in omega-3 DHA to support performance, recovery, and overall health

We’re proud to support Martha and her ponies with a nutrition program designed to keep everyone, from performance ponies to broodmares and foals, feeling and performing their best. 🙌

04/23/2026

At Mad Barn, we’re proud to support a facility that brings riders, horses, and the wider equestrian community together.

We’re excited to be part of what’s happening at Paso Park and to continue supporting the horses and people who make it all possible.

04/23/2026

The journey continues in the esophagus… 🌾

Once this bite leaves the mouth, it travels down the esophagus, a muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. Through a series of coordinated contractions, the esophagus moves food in one direction only: toward the stomach.

In horses, this process is especially important because their esophagus is designed to prevent backflow. That means food, and anything swallowed can’t easily come back up.

This is why proper chewing and saliva production matter before the swallow. A well-moistened bolus moves more smoothly down the esophagus, helping support safe and efficient transport.

Stay tuned as we follow this bite on its journey into the stomach in the next episode 👀

Want to learn more about your horse's digestive tract? Click the link below for more information!
CA: https://madbarn.ca/horse-digestive-anatomy/
US: https://madbarn.com/horse-digestive-anatomy/

🐴 Choke in horses: What to watch forChoke occurs when feed becomes lodged in the esophagus, preventing normal swallowing...
04/23/2026

🐴 Choke in horses: What to watch for

Choke occurs when feed becomes lodged in the esophagus, preventing normal swallowing. While it can look alarming, it’s important to remember that horses can still breathe during an episode, but it still requires prompt attention.

One of the most recognizable signs is feed material or saliva coming from the nostrils, often accompanied by coughing, repeated swallowing, stretching of the neck, or drooling. Some horses may also appear anxious or uninterested in food.

Choke is commonly linked to rapid eating, dry feeds, and dental issues that prevent proper chewing. Horses that bolt their feed or have poor dentition are at higher risk.

Although many cases resolve on their own, complications such as aspiration pneumonia can occur if feed or saliva enters the lungs. For this reason, it’s important to contact your veterinarian if signs persist.

Understanding the causes and early signs of choke can help you act quickly and reduce the risk of complications.

📖 Learn more about choke in horses:
👉 https://madbarn.com/equine-choke/

Nosebands are a common part of a horse’s bridle, consisting of a strap that encircles the nose and jaw. 🐴👃Depending on t...
04/22/2026

Nosebands are a common part of a horse’s bridle, consisting of a strap that encircles the nose and jaw. 🐴👃

Depending on their design and fit, nosebands can help stabilize the bit and influence how a horse responds to rein pressure. Different styles, such as cavesson, flash, drop, and figure eight, apply pressure in different ways and are often selected based on discipline and training needs.

While some riders use nosebands for tradition or competition requirements, their effect depends largely on how they are adjusted. A loosely fitted noseband may have minimal impact, while tighter adjustments increase pressure on the horse’s nose and jaw.

Because excessive tightness can affect comfort and natural behaviors, proper fit is important. Ensuring appropriate placement and allowing enough room for normal movement can help support horse welfare.‼️

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

🚨 Industry Update: EHM Case Reported at HITS Culpeper (Culpeper, VA)A confirmed case of equine herpesvirus myeloencephal...
04/21/2026

🚨 Industry Update: EHM Case Reported at HITS Culpeper (Culpeper, VA)

A confirmed case of equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM) has been reported at HITS Culpeper, resulting in one horse being euthanized and dozens placed under quarantine.

EHM is the neurologic form of EHV-1, a highly contagious virus that can affect the respiratory system, reproductive tract, and central nervous system. In severe cases, it can lead to incoordination, inability to stand, and death.

Because EHV-1 spreads through direct contact, shared equipment, and even contaminated hands or clothing, outbreaks at competition venues can escalate quickly.

🔒 Biosecurity is critical during outbreaks:
• Isolate new or exposed horses
• Avoid shared equipment and water sources
• Monitor temperatures daily (fever is often the first sign)
• Limit horse movement and travel
• Disinfect hands, clothing, and equipment between horses

These measures are essential to reducing transmission and protecting the broader equine community, especially in high-traffic environments like shows.

🐎Did You Know?!A hay belly isn't always caused by eating too much hay; forage quality and digestibility also play a role...
04/21/2026

🐎Did You Know?!

A hay belly isn't always caused by eating too much hay; forage quality and digestibility also play a role.

🌾 In many cases, it happens when horses consume forage that is very high in fibre but low in digestible nutrients. The fibre takes longer to move through the digestive tract, increasing gut fill and creating that round "hay belly" appearance.

At the same time, the horse may still be lacking protein or calories needed to build muscle, which is why some horses with hay bellies also show visible ribs and a weak topline.

💡Supporting better forage quality and balanced nutrition can help improve both digestive health and body condition.

To learn more about hay belly causes, click the link below:
CA: https://madbarn.ca/hay-belly-in-horses/
US: https://madbarn.com/hay-belly-in-horses/

Address

1465 Strasburg Road
Kitchener, ON
N2R1H2

Telephone

1-833-623-2276

Website

https://madbarn.ca/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Mad Barn posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Mad Barn:

Shortcuts

Share

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?