Stall and Stable: Ideas for Happy Horsekeeping

We're just poppin in to your earbuds to talk about horse welfare and behavior from a birdseye view. Why is it important, how science has delivered important knowledge about behavior to the equine industry, and Helena's notes from her graduate studies at Penn. Listen in!

There are six primary behavior motivators for horses: 1) Food 2) Water 3) Safety 4) Comfort 5) Companionship 6) Reproduction To understand why a horse does something (good, bad, or indifferent), it is important to first think of the behavior as belonging to one of these six categories. When you identify which of the six motivators are influencing your horse in any given moment, it becomes much, much easier to meet their needs. And, when you meet their needs, they become much more cooperative. And yes, we want cooperation, not control. Listen in!

Helena is back for a very quick recap and update on her evolving role in the equine industry. As she completes year one of her master's program at PennVet, rest assured that her passion for making the world a better place for horses has not waned–not one, single bit. For new listeners, this episode provides a brief background on Helena's career before horses, during horses, and today, which currently consists of being a full-time graduate student along with a few select equine behavior clients. Horse behavior is, and will be, the focus of her profession from here on out. So, listen in once more!

In this final episode of the Stall and Stable Show, Helena shares her purpose for wrapping up the podcast with a reading of her graduate school application essay, lots of thank yous, and one last interesting conversation with Stacy from Triple Crown Nutrition. Remember, all of the previous Stall and Stable episodes will remain available for download - some for free, others through the Stall and Stable FULL BOARD subscription on Apple Podcasts. Many thanks to our wonderful sponsor, AMERICAN STALLS, for making this show possible, and for leading the way in quality and service in the equine industry!

Wendy Murdoch comes back to the show to talk about how equine behavior, environment, and biomechanics work to settle an anxious horse. How does gravity play a role in a confident horse? And what would you do if you were dragged to a bougie party and then dumped by your date? Listen in to this super interesting discussion with one of the industry's most knowledgeable and experienced professionals in biomechanics and behavior! This episode is brought to you by AMERICAN STALLS, makers of luxury stall components and accessories.

We are back with our regular Triple Crown Nutrition Spotlight, answering listener questions with Triple Crown Feed specialist, Stacy Andersen. This month features the answer to a query submitted by Shannon, who had a follow-up question to our discussion about feeding the insulin resistant horse. There is a lot to keep track of when you're keeping a horse with a chronic health condition. Your veterinarian should always be the first place you go for advice, but with some insight from the folks at Triple Crown Nutrition, you'll have more information to work with as you partner with your vet on a plan to keep your horse healthy. Listen in!

Are you interested in ways to keep your horse mentally and emotionally healthy? If your horse spends more than an hour or two in a stall, you will be interested in learning about today's guest: Marlow Morrison, inventor of the Snuffle Pasture, a unique product for stabled horses that creates relaxation and supports emotional wellness in equines of all kinds. Listen in! This episode is brought to you by: AMERICAN STALLS, makers of luxury stall components and accessories. From beautiful European stallfronts, to brick paver, brass bridle hooks, and much more.

Temple Grandin is a world-renowned animal behaviorist and professor of animal science at Colorado State University. She blazed many trails toward the humane treatment of livestock, and is the author of more than 60 scientific papers on animal behavior. Dr. Grandin also has autism, and has done as much for neurodivergent people as she has for animal welfare. There's a brand new, inspirational documentary about her that was created by today's guests: John Festervand, Development Director at Colorado State, and John Barnhardt, Emmy Award-winning cinematographer. In this episode they discuss the making of the documentary, called "An Open Door", and offer a sneak peak into the life and work of an incredible woman. LISTEN IN!

It's another Triple Crown Nutrition Spotlight episode, and this time, Helena and Stacy talk about how to choose a feed for those easy keepers, horses with metabolic issues, and other situations where low sugar / low starch diets are necessary for healthy horsekeeping. Plus, Helena shares an update on what's happening at Hoo Too! There's a brand new barn being built, the Hoo Crew is adapting to "summer in the South", and Helena prepares for graduate school at UPenn. What?! Lots to digest here, people, so listen in! (Pun very much intended!) This episode is made possible with the help of American Stalls, makers of premium quality barn components and accessories.

When I put out a call on Faceblast for a freelance professional to come out and give me a hand with my horses, Maria Falgione and her husband Ral Ayers came rollin up my driveway. I looked at Buck and said, "Well, you never know what you're gonna get, but you gotta keep tryin'". And from the minute Maria and Ral said "hello", the four of us were instant friends. Funny how that works. What I was not prepared for, was just how talented, kind, and genuine these two people were, and how much fun they brought to our new adventure in Aiken. And so, in this episode, I introduce you to my new co-host… Maria. To get a really good idea of what she brings to our show, Maria shares a funny story about how she used Facebook to get her first ride at the race track, and then how she and Ral eventually landed in Aiken. There's always something new at Stall and Stable, and this episode is no different… so listen in! This episode is brought to you by American Stalls, makers of premium quality stable components and acessories.

We are back with another Triple Crown Nutrition episode. Today we answer three listener questions about equine nutrition: 1) What's the most exciting research happening in equine nutrition right now, 2) How can owners best manage feed times and exercise in sport horses, and 3) Once a horse is in good weight (or overweight), how do we manage the change in feed to accomodate their new weight. This episode is brought to you by AMERICAN STALLS, makers of premium quality stable components and accessories.

Wendy Murdoch joins Helena in this episode to talk about the biomechanics of the horse and rider partnership, her scientific background, the Feldenkrais Method that she employs to help riders find their best balance, and much more. Listen in! This episode is brought to you by: AMERICAN STALLS, makers of premium stall components and barn accessories.

If you're running a boarding or training business and struggling to stay afloat, you need to listen to this episode. If you're a professional competitor, you need to listen to this episode. If you're an equine chiropractor, hoofcare provider, veterinarian, or hauler, you need to listen to this episode. If you are NOT a business person but you are in the equine industry, this episode will inspire you to make a change and get the kind of help that can turn a tough job into a much, much easier one. Horse people have a unique skillset that does not typically include business planning or crunching numbers, that's why a bookkeeper who understands your profession can lead to the way to your salvation. For real! Listen in... This episode is brought to you by AMERICAN STALLS, makers of fine quality stable components and accessories.

We have a powerhouse episode this week, featuring our monthly Triple Crown Nutrition Spotlight, where we answer questions submitted by listeners about how to best feed their horses. Plus, an exclusive audio excerpt from the life-changing book, HORSE BRAIN, HUMAN BRAIN-The Neuroscience of Horsemanship, by Janet Jones, PhD. Yes, listeners, feeding your horse can be fun! And, if you have ever asked yourself, "Why does my horse do that?", you will be so relieved to know that science has some very helpful answers for you... so listen in! This episode is possible with the support of AMERICAN STALLS, makers of premium quality stall accessories and components.

In this episode, Helena shares some big news from Hoo Too in South Carolina, and we welcome back equine nutrition specialist from Triple Crown, Stacy Andersen, to answer listener questions about flax allergies, anti-inflammatory ingredients, healthy versus unhealthy manure, and much more. Do your horse a big favor today and listen in! This episode is made possible with the support of our sponsor, American Stalls.

In this second episode of our new Triple Crown Nutrition Series, Helena is joined by Dr. Clair Thunes, a Ph.D. and equine nutrition expert, to answer questions submitted by our listeners. Deciding what to feed our horses can be daunting. Some horse owners rely on their trainers for guidance, others rely on the barn manager, or even random tidbits from the Internet. Thankfully, there are people and companies for whom equine nutrition is a speciality. In this episode we discuss feed bag labels and how to interpret them, which supplements are necessary in winter, why salt is important, and more. LISTEN IN! This episode is made possible with the support of American Stalls and Triple Crown Nutrition.

This episode features an in-depth, personal conversation with Tik Maynard, an elite-level eventer, trainer, clinician, and author. Tik's balanced and artful approach to horsemanship is changing the way trainers prepare sport horses for their work, in many different disciplines. His first book, "IN THE MIDDLE ARE THE HORSEMEN", is a favorite among horse owners across the globe. In this episode, Tik talks with Helena about competing in this year's Road to the Horse colt-starting contest (a somewhat unusual goal for an eventer), what he expects to get out of the experience, his competitive career, his horses, the growth of Liberty training, and how all of it will fit into the pages of his next book. Listen in! This episode is brought to you by: AMERICAN STALLS Feature photo credit: Shannon Brinkman

Deciding what to feed our horses can be daunting. Some horse owners rely on their trainers for guidance, others rely on the barn manager, or even random tidbits from the Internet. Thankfully, there are people and companies for whom equine nutrition is a speciality. In this first episode of our new Triple Crown Nutrition Series, Helena is joined by Stacy Andersen, Nutrition Consultant with Triple Crown, to answer some key questions about feeding forage. It's a Q&A session that can help make those feed decisions a lot easier for everyone, so listen in!

Understanding is the key to success and contentment with horses, no matter what you do with them. If you're a backyarder who treasures the minutiae of horsekeeping, or a champion reiner, understanding the nature of all horses, as well as the unique temperament and experiences of the individual horse, makes a huge difference in how well a horse feels and performs in our care. In this episode, Helena shares some insights from her first 30 days at Hoo Too with Brody, Clarabelle, and Siouxsie. There's also an interesting discussion with horse behaviorist and author, Mary Ann Simonds, whose new book, A Horse By Nature: Managing Emotional and Mental Stress in Horses for Improved Welfare, offers insight to the everyday behaviors of domestic horses that can help us enjoy their company while ensuring that their welfare remains front and center. There's some really good stuff in this episode, so listen in! This episode is brought to you by: AMERICAN STALLS

Wowie! We are finally here, in our southern home for the winter. Helena, Buck, Siouxsie, Brody, Clarabelle, Jack, Lola, and Cheeto. We drove 18 hours with a trailer full of hay and a truck full of cats to land safely at our farm in Aiken, South Carolina. Well, technically, we are in Windsor, a little hamlet within the Aiken community. It took a lot of planning to get here, and there are already so many interesting observations, so listen in! This episode is brought to you by: AMERICAN STALLS - premium quality stable components and accessories.

In this episode, brought to you by our friends at American Stalls, Helena chats with Hannah Ely, proprietor of the Cornish Ranch Track Livery in Cornwall, England. The Cornish Ranch has an interesting track system that includes lots and lots of hay, water buckets that are full of delightful suprises, and an approach to horsekeeping that honors the horses's freedom of choice, as well as their deep-seated nomadic tendencies. This is one conversation that may open your mind and inspire you to try something new for your herd. Listen in!

A new, totally tricked out software program for barn owners that's unlike anything else on the market today. EC Pro put out a press release, and it piqued Helena's interest. After digging in to the features of the program, a lightbulb went off in her mind as she realized the potential of this platform to revolutionize the boarding business. EC Pro isn't just an app that tracks horses, vaccines, and tasks, instead it is an enterprise-wide customer relationship management (CRM) tool that can digitize a ton of administrative work in every barn across America. If you are serious about running a boarding, training, or other equine service business, you'll be interested to hear this episode's discussion with the folks at EC Pro. Listen in! This episode is sponsored by AMERICAN STALLS, makers of exceptional quality barn components and accessories.

This episode is brought to you by: AMERICAN STALLS, makers of premium quality stall components and barn accessories. Do you know how much water your horse drinks each day? Can you be sure they are getting enough? One of the primary causes of equine colic is an insufficiently hydrated digestive system. What if we could monitor exactly how much water our horses drink and ensure they always have fresh water when they need it most? Well, apparently now we can. My guests today are Kelly and Dan Munro, the brilliant duo behind the popular Lighthoof Mud Management Panels. The Munros have a new solution to the old problem of too much time and stress around making sure horses have adequate water. Kelly, Dan, and Helena discuss their new high-tech product, the Cascada Automatic Waterer, and how it's different than any other automatic waterer brought to market thus far. If your horses eat or sleep indoors, this is an episode you won't want to miss, so listen in!

In search of something that can help keep your horses cool during extreme heat events, but that isn't quite as dramatic as installing an A/C unit in your barn? Consider a mist cooling system! This episode's guest is Bashil Patel with Mistcooling, Inc., a Texas-based manufacturer of a product that can drop the ambient air temperature by 10-20 degrees - in or out of your barn. This is a system that leverages a simple physical process... evaporation. Bashil explains how mist cooling works, and how you can use it in your barn. Listen in! If your barn is your Happy Place, make it even happier with American Stalls!

No part of a horse barn is arbitrary. At least, it shouldn't be. Every square inch of the space in which you keep your horses has a purpose, including the spaces where nothing exists - like doors. In this episode, Helena covers some of American Stalls' most frequently asked questions about barn entry doors, and shares some key installation tips so these big, beautiful doors function as well as they look. Pretty is as pretty does they say, so listen in! This episode's content was provided by AMERICAN STALLS.

"Any training can be done poorly and cause problems … it is not R+ that is causing the problem. It is the lack of understanding of how to properly apply the science." -Shawna Karrasch In this episode, Helena is joined by the equine clicker OG, Shawna Karrasch, to discuss the recent trend of horse training experts on social media (often with thousands of followers), who scoff at positive reinforcement (aka clicker) training. It is clear that these particular experts are missing at least one of the three KEY elements required for success with R+, and it's the missing element, or elements, that is the source of their trouble. If you struggle with clicker training, or if you have dabbled in it with poor results, this episode may change your perspective (and help create a more cooperative horse). Listen in! This episode is brought to you by American Stalls and Barn Pros.

In this episode, we are talking simplicity, and how it can help you streamline your barn work and your business. There are several ways to simplify your workflow. Today we're going to discuss three key strategies that will help you streamline, free up energy, and remov blocking entities in your barn. Joining Helena as co-host once again, is Buck Harris. As a small business champion in his industry, Buck works with entrepreneurs of all kinds; he and Helena often work together to help business owners figure out where they are stuck, and make suggestions for how they can move forward, all while taking into consideration the small business budget and typically scant resources. It is possible! Plus we welcome Sara Zwolenick, developer of the Barn Book, a genius product in its powerful simplicity. Listen in! This episode is made possible with the support of AMERICAN STALLS

This episode is available to Stall and Stable Full Board Subscribers.

The road we travel to success with horses can be a long and arduous one. And when we turn a corner, it feels like we are getting closer to success. This is part 2 of 'Turning the Corner with Tik', a success story that follows Helena's journey with Siouxise. From struggling as a DIY horse trainer, to finding confidence as both a leader and a friend to horses, when you surround yourself with people who share your values as a horseman and a human being, magical things happen. Listen in! This podcast is made possible with the generous support of AMERICAN STALLS.

The road we travel to success with horses can be a long and arduous one. Sometimes it is full of twists and turns, and when we turn a corner, it feels like we're actually getting closer to success. In this special 2-part episode, Buck Harris once again serves as host, helping Helena share her experiences with Siouxsie, and explain how turning a corner on their journey together represents a very special kind of success. In part 1 of this episode, Buck takes us back to the beginning of Siouxsie's journey to learn how Helena managed the ups and the downs of their early partnership, and how a random call from Horse and Rider Books changed everything. Listen in!

Here we are again, discussing why horses are dying on the track, either racing or preparing to race in some of the biggest events in the equine world. With all of the money, effort, and time invested in these horses, why does the national spotlight keep finding something awful to shine on at the racetrack? In this episode, I welcome back our favorite veterinarian, Dr. Madison Seamans, to talk about why it is just so darn hard to find the root cause (or causes) of racehorse deaths. It's a fascinating conversation, and one that may open your mind, so listen in! This episode is proudly brought to you by: AMERICAN STALLS, makers of premium quality barn components and accessories.

What if you could buy a barn kit that has everything you ever wanted included? Quality wood, fittings, fasteners, and engineering all combined into one easy package that gets shipped to your farm sounds a little good to be true. But it's not. In fact, that is exactly what BarnPros specializes in, and this episode explores the hows and whys of this innovative business that has horse people everywhere excited at the possibility of finally bringing their horses home. Listen in!

Who's coming to visit us at Hoo Toooooo? Better yet, who wants to be neighbors? In this episode, Helena chats with Aiken real estate expert, Barb Gould Uskup, about what the market is like for horse properties in South Carolina right now. Get the scoop, get some advice, and get shopping. Listen in! This episode is brought to you by our friends at American Stalls; makers of premium quality stall components and accessories.

Outfitting today's stable is not as simple as it once was. That's because the options for comfort and safety have just about tripled in the last decade. Innovative products make our lives as horsekeepers easier and more gratifying than ever, and today's episode features a discussion about some of my favorite items from American Stalls. Listen in!

In this special episode hosted by Horse Husband Extraordinaire, Buck Harris, you'll learn about Helena's history with horses and how it all lead to an exciting new chapter in her horsekeeping life. Where did the Harrises settle for a winter retreat? Is there room for all three horses? What does the barn look like? Is it really necessary to leave Hoo Hollow behind for a few months every year? Gah! So many questions... Listen in! This episode is brought to you with the support of American Stalls, makers of premium quality barn components and accessories.

You've heard Helena talk about how important fencing is to the safety of our horses, as well as for helping to keep our sanity in tact. We keep our horses in human environments; thankfully, new research is helping us design those environments to better suit our horses' needs. But, even as our farms evolve, one feature will remain the same no matter what–perimeter fencing. Whatever happens inside the boundaries of your property depends on a your unique setup. The key to safety and sanity is keeping the horses INSIDE those boundaries. In this episode, Helena discusses the pros and cons of the most common fence materials used to enclose a property's perimeter. Listen in! This episode is brought to you by our friends at AMERICAN STALLS.

We horsepeople are always up for a good story, and our life with horses are never short on tall tales. But the best stories are those told by old pros. And I say that with great respect and admiration for today's guest. Dr. Madison Seamans is back, and he has a great story to share with us about a mare named Whiskey who could certainly hold her liquor! Treating horses out in the field is what equine veterinarians do most often. Dr. Seamans' insight about what goes into keeping our horses comfortable during treatment is fascinating and often funny… so listen in! This episode is brought to you by our friends at American Stalls.

Am I the drama? Is it me? Oh, god, what if I AM the drama? We all want a drama-free barn, and some barns advertise themselves as just that. But, we know better. When you work with animals things are gonna get emotional from time to time. And when you work with big animals, big emotions are part and parcel of living, loving, and working with them. So, how do we reduce the drama in our horse lives? Well, if you work in a barn or even volunteer your time at the place you keep your horses, there are some things to keep in mind that will make you a great member of any barn staff. A solid team is the key to a drama-free barn… so listen in!

We asked the Stall and Stable Facebook community to see what they would do with $150,000 cash. The answers came rolling in - most with hope and optimism, some with a bit of grumbling. In this episode, Helena shares those answers with you, and provides insight about some of the more common responses and misconceptions. It is interesting that so many farm owners have no idea just what $150,000 will (and won't) buy. Listen in!

Did you know that most farm disasters are preventable? The old adage that "horses are horses" and therefore just ripe for catastrophe is more myth than fact. While it's true that keeping large flight animals in containers designed for human convenience presents many challenges, the problem isn't with horses. It's with our lack of knowledge. My guest today, Dr. Rebecca Husted, is changing that by taking her knowledge and expertise in large animal rescue operations and sharing it with the horse world. This is an episode you don't want to miss, so listen in! This episode is brought to you by: American Stalls

Brought to you by: AMERICAN STALLS In this episode of the Stall and Stable Show, Helena talks with beloved equine veterinarian, Dr. Madison Seamans. The conversation covers everything from what its like treating horses in the mountains of New Mexico, to natural selection, differences in horsekeeping between urban and rural environments, and advances in science that can help reduce the number of breakdowns of racing thoroughbreds. Dr. Seamans is that unique combination of super intelligent, wise, kind, and humble professional. These qualities make him not only a trusted veterinarian, but a great teacher and storyteller. His devotion to improving the lives of horses and the people who love them is part of his greater purpose. So listen in to this episode, where you will learn, laugh, and enjoy the magic of Madison!

Brought to you by: Sabrina Hayes grew up riding and showing Quarter Horses. She currently has a small herd of broodmares, a yearling, and a pony that she keeps at home near Billings, Montana. Her goal is to raise quality, versatile Quarter Horses to be competitive in the all-around Western and English events at stock breed shows (AQHA and NSBA). When she's not keeping a close eye on her mares and foals, Sabrina works as a veterinary assistant to help support her farm. Listen in as host Tara Tibbets chats with Sabrina about how backyard breeding can responsibly produce fantastic horses.

Brought to you by: American Stalls This episode takes listeners through Helena's journey with Clarabelle; from the day of the accident to the day this episode airs. From a seemingly small cut on a cannon bone, to three surgeries and over 30 days in the hospital, find out why distal limb wounds are a risk no horse owner should take on, and what, exactly, happened that turned a simple cut into a big mess. Listen in!

Brought to you by In this second episode of Stall and Stable West, guest host Tara Tibbets shares the details of her farm in North Texas, and how her barn setup works for her three horses and her lifestyle. Combining a long family history in ranch-style horsekeeping with a modern take on life with horses in a suburban area, you'll understand why Tara is perfectly suited for sharing her ideas for happy horsekeeping. Listen in!

Brought to you by: American Stalls The way we keep horses is changing. As technology and research discover more things about horses that help us humans understand their needs better, our farms, barns, and methods need to shift a bit in order to leverage this new information so we keep our horses happy and sound far longer than in another time in history. Positive reinforcement training is more than just shaping behaviors - it's rooted in the principle that our work with horses must center around what is best for the horse. Today's guest is Jessie Hillegas, warmblood breeder, R+ trainer, and owner of Edgewood Stable in Williamsport, PA. Jessie is also a driving force behind Shawna Karrasch Equine - the gold standard in positive reinforcement training for horses. Helena and Jessie talk about how Jessie keeps her high-level horses safe and happy while still ensuring their innate needs as horses are met. Listen in!

Brought to you by: American Stalls Investing in your farm is usually a multi-step process that often happens after your business has been up and running for a while. But finding the cash reserves to buy that manure spreader, upgrade your fencing, or install new footing in your arena, is a real challenge for most small business owners. That's where #microloans come in. Today's guest is financing expert and Stall and Stable consultant, Buck Harris. Buck and Helena explain the SBA's microloan program, the pros and cons of the program, and what these loans are best used for. Think footing, fencing, equipment, marketing, and even staff...so listen in!!

Brought to you by: Barn Pros Well, America is a BIG country. Keeping horses in New England is not the same as keeping horses in Texas or California, or Montana. There are best practices and baselines wherever you live, of course, but we'd be silly not to talk about ideas for happy horsekeeping in specific areas of this big country of ours. So, we're adding a new series called Stall and Stable West, featuring Horse Radio Network host, foxhunter, hunter/jumper competitor, and horsekeeper extraordinaire, Tara Tibbets. Listen in to find out what this series is all about and perhaps learn a thing or two about horsekeeping in the West!

Brought to you by American Stalls The topic of value in a boarding barn has been coming up a lot lately. What makes a place worth a certain amount and, outside of the cost to the proprietor, what should influence what one charges for board? Beauty is the eye of the beholder, of course, but there are certain, definable features that make boarding facilities attractive to horse owners. In this episode, Helena talks with pro rider, 3* eventer, and business owner, Bevin O'Reilly Dugan, proprietor of O'Reilly Equestrian in southern Vermont. Bevin and Helena discuss features of boarding barns that provide the most value. Listen in!

In my travels this summer, I visited several big barns and even more smaller ones. There are at least a hundred new tips I can share with you today, but I'll start with just ten of my most important takeaways. If you want horses to be your livelihood, there are best practices that will help ensure you do that, and you do it well. In all fairness to the horses, we owe it to them to make their homes safe, comfortable and as as low stress as possible - for them and for us. So listen in for ten tips that will keep your horses safe and you sane!

In this first episode back from our summer break, we answer listener questions about stall components, materials, and matting for run-in sheds. Listen in!