This week’s podcast emphasizes the significance of recognizing and managing toxic plants to prevent equine fatalities. Dr. Chris Mortensen shares a heartbreaking story of a seven-year-old Arabian gelding that died from ingesting oleander, highlighting the vital need for horse owners to identify toxic plants in their horses' environments.
Dr. Mortensen discusses resources and strategies for detecting, removing, and preventing toxic plant exposure, including utilizing the iNaturalist app for plant
identification, engaging local officials or extension services for property inspections, and the importance of pasture management and proper feeding to discourage horses from ingesting harmful plants. The podcast aims to equip horse owners with the knowledge to protect their horses from plant toxicity, which is cited as a significant cause of death in horses worldwide. Dr. Mortensen
underscores the podcast's mission of offering valuable educational content to improve equine health and welfare globally.
Resources
ASPCA Toxic & Non-Toxic Plants List HERE
Website on iNaturalist app for identification HERE

Podcast Timeline
00:00 Welcome and Gratitude: Engaging the Horse Enthusiast Community
00:38 The Dangers of Oleander: A Cautionary Tale for Horse Owners
05:01 Meet Dr. Chris Mortensen: An Introduction to Our Equine Expert
05:18 Understanding Plant Toxicity: The Serious Risks to Horses
06:06 Identifying Toxic Plants: Tools and Resources for Horse Owners
06:51 The Global Impact of Plant Toxicity on Horses
15:02 Why Horses Eat Toxic Plants: Exploring the Reasons Behind the Risk
21:21 Identifying and Managing Toxic Plants: Practical Advice for Horse Owners
27:21 Unlocking Plant Identification with Technology
27:39 Harnessing iNaturalist for Plant and Animal Identification
28:23 Practical Demonstration: Identifying a Toxic Plant
30:43 Understanding Plant Toxicity and Its Impact on Horses
32:32 Symptoms of Toxicity in Horses: What to Watch For
36:27 Strategies for Managing Toxic Plant Risks
40:38 Pasture Management and Preventive Measures
45:44 Concluding Thoughts and Resources
Visit https://madbarn.com/mad-about-horses/ to learn more about the Mad About Horses podcast.
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