Advertise on podcast: Conversations in Equine Science

In this episode Nancy McLean reviews a Tnibar (2025) literature review with seven equine studies showing 2.5% polyacrylamide hydrogel (IPAAG) provides long‑lasting, biocompatible intra‑articular relief for osteoarthritis, often reducing or resolving lameness from one month up to 24 months in many horses. The episode summarizes study outcomes, notes rapid onset in some horses (as early as one week), typical post‑injection management (about one week stall rest with hand‑walking), and highlights effects on joint capsule elasticity and viscous supplementation that may protect articular surfaces. Nancy contrasts 2.5% IPAAG with 4% products, explaining that 4% differs in manufacturing, contains silver ions, and currently has less published evidence and unclear safety compared with 2.5% IPAAG.

This episode reviews cases of steroid-induced laminitis and examines recent research and owner-reported experiences using SGLT2 inhibitors (most commonly ertugliflozin) as an off-label treatment for equine metabolic syndrome and hyperinsulinemia-associated laminitis. An online survey of 342 owners found most horses treated with SGLT2Is showed improved quality of life and reduced pain, with many horses spared from euthanasia; common initial side effects included increased drinking and urination, weight loss, and dullness, which were often dose-dependent or resolved over time. Key takeaways: SGLT2Is show promise as a rescue option for laminitis when combined with strict dietary management and good hoof care, but long-term safety, availability, cost, and further research remain important considerations. Research  https://beva.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/eve.14071 https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C14&as_vis=1&q=sundra+et+al+2025+Horseowner&btnG=#d=gs_qabs&t=1787417730062&u=%23p%3DSFYkeG9TZt4J Humble Hoof Podcast Episode https://open.spotify.com/episode/4CvEegebGNduL7hNJDAlFc?si=UWRrM3TuRJuXyg0Rxx_vSA&utm_source=copy-link

Updates on preliminary research findings on steroid use and insulin deregulation in horses.

This episode explores whether horses can experience headaches by examining cervical spine pain, common signs like head rubbing or altered carriage, and how musculoskeletal and nervous system issues contribute to discomfort. Nancy reviews diagnostic options, treatment and rehabilitation strategies, and the need for improved imaging and physiotherapy to restore performance and well-being. Research Link: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/11/2/422

In this episode Nancy McLean answers listener emails about geldings that chew lead ropes and reins, she explains how cortisol and the HPA axis relate to stress-driven behaviors, and describes how consistent training, handler calmness, routines, turnout, and nutrition can help horses down-regulate stress. The episode also summarizes research on cortisol sampling methods (plasma, saliva, hair) for short- and long-term stress assessment, and closes with a brief update on a new world screwworm outbreak, what has been done historically to eradicate it, and practical steps owners should take if they suspect infestation. Research: https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0472/13/12/2219 https://assets.cureus.com/uploads/review_article/pdf/413141/20251106-69309-xadaoe.pdf

In this episode Nancy McLean explores a listener question about whether to remount after a fall, using Dr. Stephen Peters’ research and a review by McBride et al. to explain how equine learning, myelination, and long-term potentiation shape behavior. Nancy explains how automaticity, basal ganglia consolidation, and dopamine-driven rewards can help overwrite fearful responses, and she shares a real-life example of calmly remounting to reinforce positive patterns. Key takeaway: when horse and rider are uninjured, a calm remount and rewarded repetition can help redirect the horse’s neural pathways and prevent lasting fear responses.

The core of the equine brain’s emotional center, Nancy describes how the neurological processes of the limbic system take place. She also highlights the reward prediction error (RPE) and the impact it has on equine learning.

This is a continuation of our study on Equine Neurology and Ethical Horse Training and Management.

In this episode Nancy McLean explores Dr. Stephen Peters' book Horse Brain Science, comparing human and equine brain anatomy and function. She explains brain size and cortical folding, then walks through the four main lobes (frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital), the amygdala and hippocampus, and the brainstem. The episode connects these brain differences to horse behavior and training—why punishment fails, how pressure and removal or positive rewards work, and how understanding sensory processing, memory, and fear responses can improve ethical horsemanship.

This episode introduces equine neurobiology through the work of Dr. Stephen Peters, explaining core concepts like neurons, neurotransmitters, neuroplasticity, and how sensory processing affects learning and behavior. It shows how applying neuroscience can reduce stress, build trust, and improve training and welfare, and previews a follow-up episode on brain anatomy.

In this episode Nancy talks about using a grinder for hoof trimming. Ida Hammer teaches online and in person Hoofcare classes. Check her website out at www.mackinawdells2.com

This episode reviews a 2019 study where 23 horses were trained to use symbols to indicate whether they wanted a blanket put on, left on, or removed. Researchers tested horse choices across a range of temperatures, wind, rain, and seasons to see how weather and individual factors influenced blanket preference. Key findings: horses overwhelmingly chose blankets at very low temperatures (below −10°C/14°F) and tended to reject blankets above about 10°C/50°F, with most preferring no blanket around 20°C/68°F. Wind, precipitation, clipping, age, and individual variation also affected choices. The episode emphasizes observing each horse and adjusting blanketing to weather and the horse’s needs.

In this episode Nancy McLean checks into recent equine herpes cases and focuses on new research linking corticosteroid (triamcinolone) joint injections to insulin spikes and severe laminitis. They review the case of Fiona, a competitive mare who developed fatal laminitis after sacroiliac injections, and summarize ongoing studies at NC State funded by the Chromatic Fund. The researchers are comparing single high-dose versus repeated low-dose steroid protocols, finding undiagnosed insulin dysregulation in many sport horses and recommending insulin testing before steroid treatments. The clinical study is expected to conclude by spring 2026.

This episode breaks down the current EHV-1 (EHM) outbreak in the U.S., covering clinical signs, transmission, and incubation periods. Listeners will learn about vaccine limitations, why quarantine and low-stress management matter, and practical biosecurity measures—cleaning, disinfectants (70% alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine), and when to avoid bleach on dirty surfaces. Advice emphasizes keeping horses home when possible, monitoring for fever and limb swelling, and consulting your veterinarian for case-specific guidance.

Hosts Nancy McLean and Kate Acton discuss a 2025 study on how owner–veterinarian interactions affect recognition and management of pain in horses, using owners’ stories and vets’ perspectives to highlight subtle behavioral signs and practical decisions. The episode emphasizes the importance of knowing each horse’s normal behavior, keeping compassionate communication open with veterinary teams, planning for aging horses, and making welfare-focused choices. Research Link: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/animal-welfare/article/owners-everyday-interactions-with-their-horse-painrelated-issues-and-those-of-veterinary-concern/8709217EEB13EFA934E783A03204E973?utm_campaign=shareaholic&utm_medium=email_this&utm_source=email