Mad Barn

Every horse deserves a balanced diet. On the exterior, we may look like a lot of other supplement companies, but let us assure you, we are not.

Like Mad Barn for science-backed nutrition, expert support, and free tools and education to help your horse feel and perform their best. Our primary purpose is not to convince you to buy products, it’s to advance the practice of equine nutrition by:

- Funding research to better understand how nutrition impacts the health of your horse.

- Developing technology and feeding solutions to make it easier to feed your horse what he or she needs.

- Providing education and support to horse owners and the broader equine community. Nutrition is the cornerstone to equine health, well-being and optimal performance. Our nutritionists are always available to answer your questions or help you formulate a balanced feeding program for free. We fund all of our activities through product sales. So if you feed your horse Mad Barn, thank you for helping us achieve our mission.

02/24/2026

🌞❄️ From Winter Circuit to Summer Goals, We’ve Got Your Horse Covered 🐎

Whether riders are deep into the warm-weather winter circuit or up north already looking ahead to summer competitions, now is the perfect time to pause and check in on your horse’s nutrition.

We recently did a mid-season nutrition review with high-performance athlete Karl Slezak and his string to make sure each horse is thriving through the demands of travel, training, and competition. Every horse is unique, and regular check-ins help us tailor feeding strategies that support energy, recovery, gut health, and overall performance.

Proper nutrition isn’t just a set-and-forget plan. It’s a dynamic process that evolves with the season, workload, and individual horse goals.

💬 Have you reviewed your horse’s diet this season?

📸

02/22/2026

🐴 Breed of the Week: Auxois

Big heart. Big build. Big presence. 💪

This week we’re spotlighting the Auxois, a powerful draft breed with roots in the rolling countryside of eastern France. Known for their substantial bone, broad chest, and calm, steady temperament, Auxois horses were historically bred for heavy farm work, forestry, and pulling large loads with quiet determination.

Despite their impressive size, Auxois are gentle giants, intelligent, willing, and remarkably easy-going. Their strength and balanced movement make them excellent partners for draft work, driving, and even recreational riding for confident handlers.

From the field to the show ring, Auxois horses embody reliability and endurance. And just like any heavy-built equine athlete, they thrive on nutrition that supports muscle condition, joint comfort, and gut health, especially when they’re doing the hard work they were bred for.

Have an Auxois in your barn? Share a photo or story with us below 👇

Want to learn more about this unique breed? Check out this breed guide!
CA: https://madbarn.ca/auxois-horse-breed-profile
US: https://madbarn.com/auxois-horse-breed-profile

02/22/2026

❄️ Winter management goes beyond blanketing and snow removal. Cold weather changes how a horse’s body functions, how much energy they burn, how they drink, and even how their digestive system moves.

When temperatures drop, horses rely more heavily on forage fermentation to generate internal heat. At the same time, water intake often declines, movement may decrease due to footing, and calorie needs increase. This combination creates the perfect storm for winter weight loss, stiffness, and colic if not managed carefully.

Winter also brings subtle challenges that are easy to overlook. Frozen ground can alter movement patterns and strain soft tissues. Packed snow and wet conditions can affect hoof integrity.

Proactive winter care means monitoring body condition regularly, paying close attention to hydration, maintaining safe footing, and adjusting feeding programs before problems arise rather than after.

A little extra attention during the colder months can prevent costly and stressful emergencies later.

Learn more about winter horse management:

https://madbarn.com/winter-safety-for-boarded-horses/
https://madbarn.com/training-horses-in-winter/
https://madbarn.com/feed-horse-in-winter/

02/21/2026

Check out what Daisy's owner has to say about supporting their senior horse with thoughtful, science-backed nutrition 👇

“I’ve been using Mad Barn products for my 23-year-old mare, Daisy, and I truly can’t say enough good things about them. Over the years, I’ve tried several supplements from other companies, but I always find my way back to Mad Barn — the quality and results speak for themselves.

My go-to products are MSM and Vitamin E, which have been incredibly supportive for Daisy as she ages. I love knowing exactly what I’m feeding her and that the products are backed by solid science and transparency.

One of the things I appreciate most is that Mad Barn is a Canadian company, and their customer service is absolutely amazing. Having access to speak directly with an equine nutritionist is such a valuable service. I had the pleasure of chatting with Christine earlier this year, and her advice and suggestions were thoughtful, practical, and truly helpful.

Mad Barn has earned my trust, and I confidently recommend their products to anyone looking to support their horse’s health with high-quality, well-formulated supplements.”

— Sarah, Chambly, Quebec 💙

We’re proud to support horses like Daisy with personalized nutrition guidance to make sure they can feel their best at any stage of life🙌

02/20/2026

🩺 The Vet’s Scoop 🐴✨

📣 This week’s highlight: Individualized Nutrition

“Every horse is an individual; age, workload, metabolism, and health status all influence nutrient requirements. What works for one horse may not work for another.”

— Dr. Fran Rowe, DVM, Veterinary Nutritionist

No two horses have the exact same nutritional needs. Factors like life stage, activity level, management styles, metabolic efficiency, and underlying health conditions all shape what a balanced diet looks like. That’s why feeding programs should be tailored to each horses needs, supporting optimal wellness, performance, and long-term health rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.

02/19/2026

🌾 Supporting Digestive Health with Psyllium 🐴

Healthy digestion is foundational to every aspect of your horse’s wellbeing, and psyllium husk powder delivers soluble fiber that supports multiple digestive processes.

Psyllium helps maintain normal intestinal motility, encouraging the steady movement of digesta through the digestive tract. This contributes to healthy manure consistency, an important indicator of balanced gut function.

Because psyllium supplies fermentable, soluble fiber, it also supports a balanced hindgut microbiome, helping nourish beneficial microbes that play an essential role in fiber fermentation and nutrient utilization.

Incorporating high-quality psyllium into your feeding program can support digestive regularity and microbial diversity, and provide support during changes in routine, environment, or diet.

Learn more about Psyllium here:
🇺🇸 https://madbarn.com/product/psyllium/
🇨🇦https://madbarn.ca/product/psyllium/

02/19/2026

Artificial riding aids, like draw reins, martingales, side reins, and training sticks are tools designed to influence a horse’s frame, balance, or responsiveness, but how and when they’re used matters greatly. 🐴

These aids can help shape correct muscle development and improve communication when used correctly and with a clear training purpose. However, improper or excessive use can restrict movement, create tension, or confuse the horse.

Good use of artificial aids involves understanding biomechanics, timing, and gradual progression, always prioritizing the horse’s comfort and willingness to engage. They should complement, not replace, a strong foundation of basic training.

If a horse shows resistance, confusion, or persistent discomfort, reassess the aid, fit, and training plan, consulting a qualified trainer can help ensure safe, effective use. ⚠️

To learn more, explore the full article below:
🇨🇦 - https://madbarn.ca/artificial-riding-aids-for-horses/
🇺🇸 - https://madbarn.com/artificial-riding-aids-for-horses/

02/18/2026

🐴Tip of the Day!

❄️In winter, aim to feed 2.5-3% of your horse's body weight in forage to support warmth and comfort!

🌾In colder weather horse burn more calories to stay warm, which means their forage needs increase. More hay means more heat from digestion, keeping your horse cozy as the temperature drops.

It's important to prioritize steady access to quality forage and adjust as the temperature and workload change.

To learn more about winter management, check out the link below:
US: https://madbarn.com/training-horses-in-winter/
CA: https://madbarn.ca/training-horses-in-winter/

02/18/2026

🐎 Year of the Fire Horse 🔥

February 17 marks the beginning of the Year of the Fire Horse in the Chinese zodiac. In traditional culture, this year is associated with high energy, courage, independence, and forward momentum, qualities that have powerful parallels in the equestrian world.

Here at Mad Barn, the horse isn’t just a symbol; it’s the reason we exist. We honour the horse for its strength, spirit, and resilience. These are the same qualities that inspire our approach to equine nutrition and care. Whether it’s helping a performance horse shine, supporting digestive health, or educating owners on balanced feeding, we are dedicated to helping every horse feel and perform their best.

From everyday riders to elite competitors, horses are our partners and our passion. Their power, grace, and willingness to move forward unite us as an equestrian community.

In this Year of the Fire Horse, we celebrate every horse that carries a dream, whether down the arena centerline, over the jump, on a trail ride, or as a cherished companion in the barn. 🐴💙

Learn more about the Year of the Horse here:
🇺🇸 https://madbarn.com/2026-year-of-the-horse/
🇨🇦 https://madbarn.ca/2026-year-of-the-horse/

02/18/2026

Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL) for Horses 🐴
Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is a veterinary diagnostic procedure that involves passing a narrow tube or endoscope deep into a horse’s lower airways, flushing a small amount of sterile fluid into the lungs, and then retrieving it for analysis under a microscope. This “lung wash” allows veterinarians to directly sample cells and secretions from the deepest regions of the lower respiratory tract.

Why is BAL performed?
Veterinarians perform a bronchoalveolar lavage when they suspect lower airway disease or other lung issues that could be affecting a horse’s respiratory function. BAL helps diagnose conditions such as equine asthma, exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH), and other forms of lower airway inflammation that might not be apparent through basic examination alone. It’s also useful when horses show signs like persistent coughing, nasal discharge, difficulty breathing, or poor performance, and when monitoring treatment response in chronic respiratory disease.

Benefits of Bronchoalveolar Lavage:
🔹 Provides detailed insight into the types and proportions of cells in the lower airways
🔹 Can help differentiate non-infectious inflammatory disease from other respiratory problems
🔹 Guides targeted treatment plans based on cytology results
🔹 Useful for monitoring progression or resolution of conditions over time

BAL is typically done under standing sedation to keep your horse comfortable and still during the procedure. Afterward, horses are usually given a period of rest and monitored for any mild coughing or fever, though serious complications are rare.

Learn more about bronchoalveolar lavage for horses below:
🇨🇦- https://madbarn.ca/bronchoalveolar-lavage-for-horses/
🇺🇸- https://madbarn.com/bronchoalveolar-lavage-for-horses/

02/17/2026

Stirrups are more than just footrests, they play a key role in helping riders maintain balance, apply aids clearly, and support a secure, effective seat. 🐴👣

The right stirrup design, width, and material influence how a rider’s weight is distributed and how the leg hangs, which affects communication with the horse and overall comfort for both horse and rider.

Signs your stirrups aren’t a good fit can include unstable leg position, grip tension in the lower leg, or difficulty keeping heels down. Choosing the right style and length helps promote a relaxed, balanced posture.

Pairing proper stirrups with correct adjustment and regular checks enhances rider stability and contributes to clearer, kinder cues. ⚠️

To learn more, explore the full article below:
🇨🇦 - https://madbarn.ca/stirrups-for-horses/
🇺🇸 - https://madbarn.com/stirrups-for-horses/

02/15/2026

🌬️🐎 Nutritional Support for Respiratory Health

Coughing, nasal discharge, or exercise intolerance are often signs that your horse’s airways are under stress. Respiratory conditions like equine asthma are common and frequently linked to environmental irritants such as dust, mold, pollen, and ammonia in stable air.

🌾 Why Nutrition and Management Matter
The lungs are constantly exposed to the environment. Supporting immune function, maintaining a healthy body weight, and reducing airborne irritants can all help promote normal airway function and breathing comfort.

💨 Key Nutritional Factors for Respiratory Support
• Low-Dust Forage – Choose clean, mold-free hay and consider soaking or steaming to reduce airborne particles
• Healthy Body Weight – Excess body fat increases the effort required to breathe
• Antioxidants (Vitamin E & Selenium) – Help protect lung cells from oxidative stress caused by allergens
• Zinc, Copper & Manganese – Support normal immune responses and tissue integrity
• Quality Protein – Provides amino acids needed for tissue repair and immune function
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids (DHA) – Support balanced inflammatory responses and lung health

🌱 Feed the Foundation
A balanced, forage-based diet is the starting point for respiratory resilience. Clean hay, appropriate calorie intake, and a well-balanced vitamin and mineral program help support immune function and airway integrity.

🔬 Supplements to Support Respiratory Health
• W-3 Oil – Provides DHA and natural vitamin E to support balanced inflammatory processes and healthy lung function
• NOCR – Supports nitric oxide production, respiratory efficiency, and oxygen utilization

⚠️ Respiratory concerns are multifactorial. Nutrition works best alongside environmental management such as reducing dust exposure, improving ventilation, and maximizing turnout. For a personalized feeding plan, consult with one of Mad Barn’s equine nutritionists.

👉 Learn more:
🇨🇦: madbarn.ca/product-category/respiratory-health/
🇺🇸: madbarn.com/product-category/respiratory-health/

Address

1465 Strasburg Road
Kitchener, ON
N2R1H2

Telephone

1-833-623-2276

Website

https://madbarn.com/, https://madbarn.ca/

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Our Story

Welcome to Mad Barn, we’re a different sort of company, as you may have noted from the name. On the exterior, we may look like a lot of other ‘supplement’ companies out there, but let us assure you, we are not.

Our primary purpose is not to convince you to buy a product, it’s to deepen our understanding of equine nutrition, physiology and ethological need and then share that information with you.

We aim to improve the well being of you and your horse by providing - ‘Crazy Good Nutrition’ at a fair price. And when you decide to give your horse the very best, you can be confident that we are working away in the background to make it even better!

The horse is an integral part of human history - don’t we owe them the very best?