Mad Barn

💧 Dehydration can happen faster than many horse owners realize.

When horses sweat, they lose more than just water, they also lose essential electrolytes that support normal muscle function, circulation, and temperature regulation. During exercise, hot weather, transport, or illness, these fluid losses can add up quickly if they aren't replaced.

Recognizing signs of dehydration is key to preventing more serious complications like heat stress, poor performance, and delayed recovery. Just as important is having a hydration plan that includes free choice access to clean water, daily salt, appropriate electrolyte supplementation after heavy sweating, and feeding practices that encourage water intake.

Swipe through the infographic to learn some common signs of dehydration and practical ways to help keep your horse hydrated all year long.

📖 Read the full article:
🇨🇦 https://madbarn.ca/dehydration-in-horses/
🇺🇸 https://madbarn.com/dehydration-in-horses/

🩺 The Vet’s Scoop 🐴✨

📣 This week’s highlight: Methionine

“This sulphur-containing amino acid is becoming more deficient as environmental sulphur levels decline due to pollution controls. Methionine is essential for building proteins, such as muscle and hair, and for producing important compounds, including L-carnitine, taurine, and the antioxidant glutathione.”
— Dr. Eleanor Kellon, VMD, Veterinary Nutritionist

Methionine is the second limiting amino acid in most equine diets and plays a critical role in muscle development, hoof quality, and healthy skin and hair. It also serves as a precursor for important compounds involved in energy metabolism, antioxidant defense, and cellular function. Because forage-based diets may not always provide adequate methionine, ensuring sufficient intake can help support your horse's overall health and performance.

📖 Learn more:
🇨🇦 https://madbarn.ca/product/methionine/
🇺🇸 https://madbarn.com/product/methionine/

🏆 How to Warm Up Your Horse at a Show

🐎 A thoughtful warm-up sets the stage for a successful ride. The goal isn't to tire your horse before entering the ring—it's to help them feel physically loose, mentally focused, and ready to perform.

🚶 Start simple and build gradually. Begin with purposeful walking, then progress to trot, canter, and a few discipline-specific exercises. Adjust the length and intensity based on your horse's age, fitness, temperament, soundness, and how they're feeling that day.

👀 Listen to what your horse is telling you. Persistent stiffness, uneven movement, reluctance to go forward, or unusual behavior during warm-up are signs to reassess before competing. A flexible plan that responds to your horse's needs is always better than sticking to a rigid routine.