Platinum Performance® Podcast

An inside look into Pomponio Ranch, the enigmatic and highly regarded show jumping program behind Karl Cook, one of the top riders in the world and a member of Team USA in Paris. From a behind-the-scenes look at competing on the grounds of Versailles, to the Pomponio team’s extreme attention to detail, hear Karl’s thoughts on his horses, the world of show jumping and the experience of a lifetime: the 2024 Olympics.

With such a high prevalence, particularly in performance horses, understanding the causes, risk factors, diagnostics, treatments and preventive approaches to Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome is key for both riders and veterinarians. Join us as board-certified equine veterinary internal medicine specialist, Dr. Amy Polkes, takes us deep into ulcers and how she and fellow veterinarians tackle this challenge on the daily.

Veterinary experts Dr. Piper Norton, Dr. Ben Buchanan, and Dr. Jerome Kotzur delve into the intriguing world of equine anhidrosis, a condition that hampers horses' ability to sweat, especially in humid climates. They discuss the anatomy of sweat glands, potential genetic factors, and the necessity of early intervention. The trio also highlights the importance of a holistic management strategy, addressing the role of the microbiome and new treatment advancements. Their insights connect research in human physiology to better equine health practices.

Taylor Flury, a talented equestrian rider, discusses her journey in the hunter jumper world, focusing on breeding and training young horses for success. She emphasizes holistic horse care, building strong foundations, and pursuing world championship success with her horses. Taylor's passion for horse development shines through in this insightful conversation.

Head into the world of cutting with long-time Team Platinum rider, member of the NCHA Open Riders Hall of Fame and $4 million (and counting) competitor, Grant Setnicka. Join us to explore how he creates elite cutting horses and get an inside look at his journey to the top.

Karen Polle wears numerous hats. Born in Japan but raised in New York City, she brings together extreme dedication, high-level academics (Yale and Stanford), elite athletic ability and a tight-knit partnership with her stable of outstanding equine competitors. She’s impressive, humble and with a story totally her own.

How research has moved on from the microbiome to the metabolome, metatranscriptome and exfoliome, revealing it’s not necessarily what bacteria are present in the gut, but how they’re contributing to each horse’s individual GI function and overall health that really matters. Featuring renowned equine veterinarian and researcher, Canaan Whitfield-Cargile, DVM, PhD, DACVS, DACVSMR, University of Georgia.

Join equine veterinarian and world-wide sleep expert, Dr. Christine Fuchs of Germany, as she shifts the paradigm on what we thought we knew about our horses’ sleep. Hear Dr. Fuchs detail the impact of poor-quality sleep — including diminished performance — and what is currently known regarding narcolepsy in horses.

Is there more to know about this nuanced condition? Equine veterinarian, Matt Durham, DVM, DACVSMR, and Certified Journeyman Farrier, Lee Olson of Olsen Equine, take us on a journey through navicular syndrome, its indicators, current treatments, the importance of mechanics and the structures involved.

Join the trio of board-certified equine surgeons, Drs. Wade Walker, Troy Herthel and Katie Garrett, as they discuss how state-of-the-art imaging technologies are being utilized in tandem to provide equine veterinarians a tool to more accurately and thoroughly diagnose cases.