Steroid Use and Insulin Dysregulation in Horses.
Updates on preliminary research findings on steroid use and insulin deregulation in horses.
Conversations in Equine Science
Nancy McLean discusses various equine research projects and studies to help bridge the gap between the scientific community, as well as, the general community of horse owners, trainers and enthusiasts.
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Do Horses Get Headaches?
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…
Why My Gelding Chews the Reins: The Cortisol Connection
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…
Get Back On: The Neuroscience of Remounting After a Fall
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…
The Equine Limbic System
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.
Horse Brain Science - Part 3
This is a continuation of our study on Equine Neurology and Ethical Horse Training and Management.
Inside the Horse Brain: How Equine Minds Think, Feel, and React
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…
Horse Brain Science: Rethinking Training with Neuroscience
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.
Equine Hoof Trim Research
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
Trust the Horse: Study Shows Horses Decide When to Wear Blankets
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…