Laminitis in Connemara Ponies: A Deep Dive with Dr. Kieran O’Brien

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Laminitis in Connemara Ponies: A Deep Dive with Dr. Kieran O’Brien
Hosted by Lucinda Kelly | Connemara Pony World Podcast

At this time of year, the risk of laminitis in Connemara ponies is at its highest — but how much do we really understand about this complex condition?

In this episode, host Lucinda Kelly is joined by leading equine vet and Connemara breeder Dr. Kieran O’Brien to take a deep dive into laminitis in Connemaras.

💡 You'll learn:

• What’s really happening inside the hoof during a laminitic episode
• Why native ponies like Connemaras are more susceptible
• The latest thinking on Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) and other underlying causes
• Early warning signs owners often miss
• How to manage grazing, forage, and body condition day to day
• New advances in treatment, pain relief, and long-term care
• Whether laminitis should influence your breeding decisions

Plus, Dr. O’Brien answers real questions from our listeners — from pasture choices to whether it's safe to put a laminitic mare in foal.

This episode is part-funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine under the Equine Technical Support scheme.

Editing and Post-Production: Pam Clingan

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