Scoop & Scale: An Equine Podcast (Mostly) About Nutrition (Dr. Clair Thunes and Jill Jackson )

Welcome to the first episode of the Scoop & Scale podcast! We're excited to start off  with a topic we know horse owners will eat up: Alfalfa! We'll cover why to feed it, or not, and common questions we often hear about this popular legume. 

 Learn about:

• Which horses might benefit from alfalfa.
• The differences and similarities between alfalfa hay, cubes, and pellets.
• And why eating a little alfalfa before riding or exercise might be good for your horse.
• And more!

About Us

Clair Thunes, PhD, is an equine nutritionist, busy Pony Club mom, and a dressage and eventing enthusiast. She also owns Clarity Equine Nutrition, an independent consulting company based in Gilbert, Arizona. Her services include working with owners and veterinarians to create diets for individual horses, ranging from retired pasture pets to Olympic athletes. She also  formulates feeds and supplements for companies, and there's a good chance you've scooped something she helped develop into your horse's bucket. Clair taught equine nutrition and physiology as an adjunct professor at the University of California, Davis, and is a highly sought after speaker. 

Michelle Anderson is a lifelong horsewoman who spent two decades writing for and editing well-known equine magazines and websites. In 2022, she started Cadence Marketing + Media to support equine-related brands and delivery quality educational content to horse owners. Her clients include equine veterinary hospitals, trainers, boarding stables, and businesses offering professional services for the horse industry. Her own herd lives at home, in Bend, Oregon, and includes an aspiring FEI dressage mare, a fiery Arabian-cross trail horse, and a retired Quarter Horse gelding Michelle bred, raised, and (her husband points out) has been feeding for the past 20-plus years. Michelle's goal is to educate owners so they can best care for the horses they love.

Thanks for riding along with us!

Does it seem like you've been hearing a lot recently about vitamin E in equine diets?  That's for a good reason. This antioxidant is essential for horses' muscle and neurologic health. Fresh grass provides a natural source of vitamin E, but we all know year-round pasture access isn't always an option. And now researchers are discovering genetic reasons some horses require additional supplementation. In this episode we discuss the different types of vitamin E and their bioavailability, signs of deficiency, related diseases, testing, and how to know if your horse needs supplementation.

About Your Hosts

Clair Thunes, PhD, is an equine nutritionist, busy Pony Club mom, and a dressage and eventing enthusiast. She also owns Clarity Equine Nutrition, an independent consulting company based in Gilbert, Arizona. She also works with owners and veterinarians to create diets for individual horses, ranging from retired pasture pets to Olympic athletes. Her services also include formulating feeds and supplements for companies, and there's a good chance you've scooped something she helped develop into your horse's bucket. Clair taught equine nutrition and physiology as an adjunct professor at the University of California, Davis, is a highly sought after speaker. 

Michelle Anderson is a lifelong horsewoman who spent two decades writing for and editing equine magazines and websites. In 2022, she started Cadence Marketing + Media, in Bend, Oregon, to support equine-related brands and delivery quality educational content to horse owners. Her clients include equine veterinary hospitals, trainers, boarding stables, and businesses offering professional services for the industry. Her own herd lives at home and includes an aspiring FEI dressage mare, a fiery Arabian-cross trail horse, and a retired Quarter Horse gelding Michelle bred, raised, and (her husband points out) has been feeding for the past 20-plus years. Michelle's goal is to educate owners so they can best care for the horses they love. 

Thanks for riding along with us!

It's Kentucky Derby time and the beginning of Triple Crown season, a five-week stretch when horse-related searches online surge and the general public's interest in horses peaks. In honor of the horses, we took this episode as an opportunity to talk about feeding Thoroughbreds as they transition from life on the track to their second careers and beyond.

You'll learn about:

•  How racehorses are fed and how that might differ from other horses.
• Why horses newly off the track still need a lot more calories than you might imagine.
• Why people in general consider Thoroughbreds "hard keepers" when it comes to feeding them.
• Getting off-track Thoroughbreds (OTTB) to eat forage-first diets.
• And the role gut health plays in the OTTB diet.

About Us

Clair Thunes, PhD, is an equine nutritionist, busy Pony Club mom, and a dressage and eventing enthusiast. She also owns Clarity Equine Nutrition, an independent consulting company based in Gilbert, Arizona. She works with owners and veterinarians to create diets for individual horses, ranging from retired pasture pets to Olympic athletes. Her services also include formulating feeds and supplements for companies, and there's a good chance you've scooped something she helped develop into your horse's bucket. Clair taught equine nutrition and physiology as an adjunct professor at the University of California, Davis, is a highly sought after speaker. 

Michelle Anderson is a lifelong horsewoman who spent two decades writing for and editing equine magazines and websites. In 2022, she started Cadence Marketing + Media, in Bend, Oregon, to support equine-related brands and delivery quality educational content to horse owners. Her clients include equine veterinary hospitals, trainers, boarding stables, and businesses offering professional services for the industry. Her own herd lives at home and includes an aspiring FEI dressage mare, a fiery Arabian-cross trail horse, and a retired Quarter Horse gelding Michelle bred, raised, and (her husband points out) has been feeding for the past 20-plus years. Michelle's goal is to educate owners so they can best care for the horses they love. 

Thanks for riding along with us!

Hay, equine nutrition gets complicated quicky! So, to keep things simple, we're taking a step back and covering the basics. In this episode, we discuss why forage is the most important part of a horse's diet. 

Forage comes in several forms. Most commonly, horses consume forage as baled hay or grass pastures. But beet pulp, alfalfa pellets, hay cubes, and even some complete bagged feeds count as forage.

Join our conversation to:

• Find out how much forage a horse should eat each day;
• Learn how many times a day horses should get hay servings;
•  Get tips for feeding horses who can no longer chew hay;
• And more!

About Us

Clair Thunes, PhD, is an equine nutritionist, busy Pony Club mom, and a dressage and eventing enthusiast. She also owns Clarity Equine Nutrition, an independent consulting company based in Gilbert, Arizona. She works with owners and veterinarians to create diets for individual horses, ranging from retired pasture pets to Olympic athletes. Her services also include formulating feeds and supplements for companies, and there's a good chance you've scooped something she helped develop into your horse's bucket. Clair taught equine nutrition and physiology as an adjunct professor at the University of California, Davis, is a highly sought after speaker. 

Michelle Anderson is a lifelong horseperson who spent two decades writing for and editing equine magazines and websites. In 2022, she started Cadence Marketing + Media, in Bend, Oregon, to support equine-related brands and delivery quality educational content to horse owners. Her clients include equine veterinary hospitals, trainers, boarding stables, and businesses offering professional services for the industry. Her own herd lives at home and includes an aspiring FEI dressage mare, a fiery Arabian-cross trail horse, and a retired Quarter Horse gelding Michelle bred, raised, and (her husband points out) has been feeding for the past 20-plus years. Michelle's goal is to educate owners so they can best care for the horses they love. 

Thanks for riding along with us!

Have you stood in your feed store staring at shelves of bagged horse  feed and felt overwhelmed by the options?

You are not alone! 

In this episode we cover:

• The differences between ration balancers, concentrates (aka performance or "life stage" feeds," complete feeds, and bagged whole grains.
• How to properly weigh and measure feed.
• The reasons you should read the manufacturer's feeding instructions and plan your horse's diet accordingly.
• Why not all senior feeds are the same.
• Considerations for metabolic horses.
• And more!

About Us

Clair Thunes, PhD, is an equine nutritionist, busy Pony Club mom, and a dressage and eventing enthusiast. She also owns Clarity Equine Nutrition, an independent consulting company based in Gilbert, Arizona. She works with owners and veterinarians to create diets for individual horses, ranging from retired pasture pets to Olympic athletes. Her services also include formulating feeds and supplements for companies, and there's a good chance you've scooped something she helped develop into your horse's bucket. Clair taught equine nutrition and physiology as an adjunct professor at the University of California, Davis, is a highly sought after speaker. 

Michelle Anderson is a lifelong horsewoman who spent two decades writing for and editing equine magazines and websites. In 2022, she started Cadence Marketing + Media, in Bend, Oregon, to support equine-related brands and delivery quality educational content to horse owners. Her clients include equine veterinary hospitals, trainers, boarding stables, and businesses offering professional services for the industry. Her own herd lives at home and includes an aspiring FEI dressage mare, a fiery Arabian-cross trail horse, and a retired Quarter Horse gelding Michelle bred, raised, and (her husband points out) has been feeding for the past 20-plus years. Michelle's goal is to educate owners so they can best care for the horses they love. 

Thanks for riding along with us!

It's hot outside! As the U.S. faces extreme heat advisories across the country, ensuring your horses stay hydrated is critical to support their natural evaporative cooling systems (that's sweating). In addition to water consumption, electrolytes are an important part of the cooling equation. But knowing if your horse is getting enough, or selecting the right kind to feed, is often confusing. 
 
In this episode, Dr. Clair Thunes explains how electrolytes work and why and when horses need them (and it's not just during hot weather and summer exercise!).  Michelle shares how Clair's advice changed how she incorporated salt into her horses’ diets.
 
 Plus! Michelle Asks Clair for Free Advice
 
Feed prices keep going up, and Michelle's looking to save some money. Can whole flaxseeds replace stabilized ground flax in her horses' diets? Clair weighs in.

About Us

Clair Thunes, PhD, is an equine nutritionist, busy Pony Club mom, and a dressage and eventing enthusiast. She also owns Clarity Equine Nutrition, an independent consulting company based in Gilbert, Arizona. She works with owners and veterinarians to create diets for individual horses, ranging from retired pasture pets to Olympic athletes. Her services also include formulating feeds and supplements for companies, and there's a good chance you've scooped something she helped develop into your horse's bucket. Clair taught equine nutrition and physiology as an adjunct professor at the University of California, Davis, is a highly sought after speaker. 

Michelle Anderson is a lifelong horseperson  who spent more than two decades writing for and editing equine magazines and websites. In 2022, she started Cadence Marketing + Media, in Bend, Oregon, to support equine-related brands and delivery quality educational content to horse owners. Her clients include equine veterinary hospitals, trainers, boarding stables, and businesses offering professional services for the industry. Her own herd lives at home and includes an aspiring FEI dressage mare, a fiery Arabian-cross trail horse, and a retired Quarter Horse gelding Michelle bred, raised, and (her husband points out) has been feeding for the past 20-plus years. Michelle's goal is to educate owners so they can best care for the horses they love. 

Thanks for riding along with us!

Join us for a walk down the supplement aisle as we discuss what horses might—and might not—need added to their diets. 

It seems like there's a supplement for just about anything your horse might need. In this episode, we cover:  

• The difference between food supplements and health supplements;
• The types of supplements you might find (hoof, digestive, calming, joint, coat, calories, etc.); and
• Why you might, or might not, need to add supplements to your horse's ration.

Plus, Clair gives Michelle advice about transitioning her horses to a new load of hay.

Thanks for riding along with us!

In this episode internal medicine specialist Laura Javsicas, VMD, Dipl. ACVIM, of Rhinebeck Equine, in New York, joins us to discuss pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID, or more commonly “equine Cushing’s disease”). This syndrome results from an enlargement of the middle lobe of the pituitary gland, which leads to elevated levels of cortisol and other hormones. An abnormally shaggy coat is a telltale sign. Horses with PPID are also at a higher risk for laminitis. PPID is mostly identified in horses during their teen years and beyond, although onset can be earlier than we horse owners might recognize. Most researchers believe up to 30% of horses will develop the disease.  

Listen as we cover:  

• What is an equine internal medicine specialist? 
• What is PPID? 
• Clinical signs and how to catch PPID early. 
• How veterinarians test for the disease. 
• Treatment options. 
• Management strategies.
• And how an equine nutritionist can help. 

Thanks for riding along with us!

Thanks for riding along with us!

Thanks for riding along with us!

Proper hay and feed storage saves money, keeps horses safe, and gives rodents one less reason to move into our barns during the cold winter months. In this episode, equine nutritionist Dr. Clair Thunes and horse owner Michelle Anderson discuss hay and feed storage strategies, health risks related to horses accidentally accessing and gorging on feed (spoiler alert, it's laminitis!), ways to keep rodents out of your bins, and how to know when feed has spoiled or "gone off."

Thanks for riding along with us!

In this episode, Clair and Michelle get more than a little nerdy about equine supplements! They are joined by Dr. Lydia Gray to talk about supplement regulations and how new products come to market.

Dr. Gray spent 16 years at SmartPak, where she served as Staff Veterinarian and Medical and Research Director. She has also worked in equine welfare and rescue. She's now an independent consultant and helps equine-related organizations with things like strategic planning, product labeling, and research and development … plus she does writing and speaking … and judges and competes in dressage and combined driving. That’s all to say she’s very busy! We are thankful she took time to have this conversation with us!

Thanks for riding along with us!

With Thanksgiving behind us we are now in the Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa Countdown. To keep you company while you slowly lose your mind, we decided to do our favorite things episode.  Michelle and Clair share a few products that bring them delight, everything from hoof picks to hay balls to saddles and masterclasses!  Whether you are buying a gift for yourself or your trainer, there is something for everyone.

***We received no compensation and have no affiliation with any of the products mentioned.... they don't even  know we are talking about them yet!

https://ifeednaturally.com/
https://www.thehaypillow.com/
https://hooftrimmersupply.com/products/heller-red
https://coloradonaturalbalms.com/
https://ultimatehoofpick.com/
https://eqclusive.com/en-us/collections/haas
https://equiformancebands.com/
https://www.jilliankreinbringinspired.com/
https://redhorseproducts.com/shop/hoof-care/artimud/
https://www.aviarsaddles.com/
https://enviroequine.com/product/equine-show-ring-ready-shampoo/
https://eqclusive.com/en-us/collections/haas

Thanks for riding along with us!

How and what we feed horses with equine asthma matters. Barn air quality is also  a major factor in equine respiratory health, especially during the winter months when horses spend more time inside.  Dr. Clair and Michelle talk about the importance of lower respiratory system health in performance horses and ways to support horse's with respiratory allergies and/or compromised lungs through nutrition and management. Respiratory health is a major performance in all horses, and management early in horse's lives can help them avoid complications as they age. This episode will be of particular interest to horse owners of horses with equine asthma, heaves, COPD and RAO.  Ride along as we discuss tips and tricks to managing these conditions. 

Thanks for riding along with us!

Equine ration balancers are multipurpose horse feeds that pack big benefits in small portions. As the name implies, they are meant to “balance” horse diets by providing essential nutrients hay and forage might lack. Ration balancers are typically lower calorie than other concentrates but still designed to meet horses’ basic vitamin, mineral, and protein requirements, which is essential for health. This makes them an especially good option for easy keepers or a solid nutritional foundation you can build on for horses that need more energy from their feed and forage.
Like a ration balancer, this episode is packed with good stuff! Dr. Clair and Michelle discuss:
• The difference between a rational balancer and a basic multivitamin-and-mineral supplement.
• How ration balancers can ensure your horses get the nutrition they need to support their soundness, and performance.
• Why ration balancers can cut down on chore time and streamline your feed room, even if you care for horses of different ages and activity levels.
• How to use ration balancers in combination with other feeds and forages.
• Understanding ration balancer pricing and serving size (hint: the bag is more expensive, but you get a lot more servings!).
• What vitamins, minerals, proteins, and electrolytes you might find in them.
• Why they might be the right choice for easy keepers and horses with gastric ulcers, equine metabolic syndrome, insulin dysregulation, and pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction.
Join us and find out if ration balancers are right for your horse.

Thanks for riding along with us!

You see a sweet old horse on the bag, and the name clearly says “senior” in it. So that’s the right feed for your aged equine, right? Not necessarily. The horse feed industry doesn’t have a standard for what makes a senior feed a senior feed. And, in fact, some products marketed as senior feeds are Dr. Clair’s favorite recommendations for horses requiring high-fat, high-fiber diets to maintain or gain weight. That’s also why Michelle gives a senior feed to a growing 2-year-old, a 7-year-old in full training, and a picky 21-year-old retiree.
In this episode, we talk about:
• What defines a “senior” horse.
• Causes of weight loss in older horses and how senior feeds might help maintain body condition.
• Why senior feeds might not be the right choice for easy-keeping horses with age-related metabolic conditions (like equine metabolic syndrome and insulin dysregulation) that cause weight gain and laminitis.
• The difference between a complete feed and a concentrate.
• The benefits of fat and fiber as calorie sources.
• Why senior feeds might be good for horses with dental issues or prone to choke.
• And more!
Do you have questions about feeding seniors, or feeding senior feeds to younger horses? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com 

Thanks for riding along with us!

Who doesn’t love a horse with a shiny haircoat and long, full mane and tail? While some horses are more genetically blessed than others in the hair growth and shine department, all healthy manes and tails and glowing coats start with a balanced diet. Grooming can help, of course, but no amount of elbow grease can correct poor nutrition.

In this episode, Clair and Michelle cover:
• How minerals, including copper, bring out a horse’s shine;
• Why amino acids are important for growing high-quality hair;
• The role of vitamins, specifically vitamin E and biotin, in coat quality; and
• The dietary fats horses need to really bloom.

Do you have questions about helping your horse shine this spring? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com.

Thanks for riding along with us!

Getting a new horse is exciting! But, for the horse, a new owner can mean lots of change and stress. As herd animals that prefer routine, horses become stressed when moving to a new home with new horses, people, and expectations. Dietary changes during transitions can also cause stress. Combined, these changes increase a horse’s risk of serious health issues, such as gastric ulcers and colic. That’s why taking steps to reduce both dietary and other stress when getting a new horse is important.

In this episode, Dr. Clair and Michelle cover:

-Discussing a horse’s diet with the seller.

-Safely changing feed schedules.

-What to do when you’re unable to source the horse’s same hay and grain.

-Turnout.

-Ways to manage stress.

Do you have questions about feeding your new horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com

Thanks for riding along with us!

When we refer to “topline,” we’re talking about the entire upper line of the horse’s body. That includes how the neck ties into the shoulder and the development of the back muscles under the saddle area, across the loin, and over the rump. When horses lack musculature over those areas, they are said to “have a poor topline.” Many things can cause poor topline, including incorrect training, an ill-fitting saddle, old age, lameness, or diseases like pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID, or equine Cushing’s). If your horse is struggling to develop a nice topline despite good health (talk to you veterinarian!), proper training, and a well-fitting saddle, perhaps his or her diet needs another look.

In this episode, Michelle and Dr. Clair cover: 

• What is topline?
• How to support topline development through nutrition.
• Understanding protein quality and its role in topline development.
• And other factors that might affect topline.

Do you have questions about feeding your new horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com

Thanks for riding along with us!

As the cold and snowy winter turns into a bright green spring, we all dream about turning our horses out on a picturesque landscape to graze, but should we?  Is it safe?  The fear of fat ponies, laminitis and other metabolic diseases haunt us.  Dr. Clair and Michelle discuss the importance of being proactive and cautious when transitioning from winter to spring. 
In this episode we discuss:
-sugar content
-pasture management
-grazing muzzles and so much more!

 Do you have questions about feeding your new horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com

Thanks for riding along with us!

While forages can be assessed visually, the only way to accurately know the nutrient content of your forage is to have it tested by a lab. This is easier and cheaper to do than many people realize and is worth considering if you buy large quantities of forage at a time. In this episode we talk about hay analysis with Cassy Streeter, NIR Services Manager from Equi-Analytical.   Equi-Analytical Laboratory Services specialize in the most modern techniques for determining the nutrient content of forage and feed for horse owners.

In this episode we discuss:
-the reasons to test your forage.
-how to test your forage.
-analysis results and so much more!

You can learn more about Equi-Analytical and the services they offer at 
https://equi-analytical.com/   

Cassy Streeter Bio:
Cassy Streeter grew up in Syracuse, New York and started working at a horse boarding facility as a teenager. After graduating from Cornell with a B.S. in Animal Science in 2006, she worked in various lab tech positions before returning to Cornell's Animal Science Department to complete her M.S. studying the genetics of Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) and Equine Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) in the Arabian horse.  Cassy started as an Associate NIR Network Administrator at Dairy One in March 2011 and supervised daily NIR production activities. After moving into her role as NIR Services Manager in 2019, Cassy assumed oversight of the Dairy One NIR Affiliate Network which is currently comprised of more than 30 members in 16 different countries. She is a senior member of the internal QA team and manages several NIR projects, including implementation of on-farm NIR technology.
It is a poorly kept secret at Dairy One that Cassy is a "horse person".  She is an avid horse racing fan and participates in carriage driving shows. She also stays active in the agricultural community by serving as the President of the Sigma Alpha Alumni Chapter of Cornell University. She is currently taking a break from horse ownership but is always on the lookout for her next retired Standardbred. 

Thanks for riding along with us!

Horse show season is here! And, while showing is mostly fun, the travel and work intensity competition requires can cause stress for horses and humans. We know stress impacts horses’ digestive health and immune systems, which can set them up for colic, gastric ulcers, and diarrhea. In this episode, Dr. Clair and Michelle discuss ways to prepare and manage your horse during travel to horse shows, clinics, trail rides, or wherever the summer leads you.  In this episode we talk about:

Why travel is stressful for horses;
The importance of hydration and how to keep your horse drinking;
How stress affects horses’ gastrointestinal microbiomes;
The role of stomach buffers and preventive treatments in avoiding gastric ulcers;
How forage can help;

And more!

Thanks for riding along with us!

Do you have an easy keeper? Dr. Laura Javsicas, a board-certified internal medicine specialist with Rhinebeck Equine, in New York, joins Clair and Michelle to talk about insulin resistance and dysregulation in horses. 

In this episode, you'll learn about:
Insulin’s relationship to equine metabolic syndrome and pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID, or equine Cushing’s).
The link between insulin response and laminitis.
The clinical signs of insulin dysregulation and resistance in horses.
How veterinarians test for insulin dysregulation.
Treatment and management of horses with metabolic issues.

Do you have questions about IR or ID? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com.

Thanks for riding along with us!

As we start our second season of the podcast, Dr. Clair takes time to answer listener questions.  In this episode Dr. Clair answers questions about:

-the difference between dry milled flax and flax oil;
-feeding instructions on feed bags;
-adjusting feed based on exercise;
-and more!
 
If you have questions about feeding your horse, please email us at info@scoopandscale.com  

NRC Equine Nutrition Calculator - https://webassets.nationalacademies.org/nrh/ 

Thanks for riding along with us!

Temperatures are starting to rise across the country!  We start to think about ways of keeping our horses cool in the summer months.  Switching turn out times to overnight hours, hanging fans and adding electrolytes are some of the common things that people do.  Horses rely heavily on sweating to keep cool.  In this episode, we talk to Dr. Samantha Brooks from the University of Florida where she heads up the Brooks Equine Genetics Lab.  In this episode we talk about:

How horses cool themselves;
What is happening when their cooling systems don't work;
What is anhidrosis;
Is this a permanent condition;
Best practices to help keep horses sweating and cool;
The state of equine research funding in the US;

And so much more!

To learn more about Dr. Samantha Brooks and the Brooks Equine Genetic Lab http://www.ufequinegenetics.org/home.html 

Do you have questions about feeding your horse?  Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com 

Thanks for riding along with us!

Fly management is a crucial aspect of horse barn management this time of year. Flies—here we're talking about stable flies, horse flies, gnats, mosquitoes, and more—​are a nuisance to horses and humans alike. They cause our horses discomfort, stress, and even the spread of diseases, such as Potomac horse fever, West Nile virus, pigeon fever, and vesicular stomatitis. And many horses exhibit signs of insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH), and allergic reaction to the saliva of biting flies that results in hives and severe itching. Effective fly management involves a combination of methods, including eliminating breeding sites, using insecticides and repellents, and providing alternative attractants for flies. It's a constant struggle!

In this episode Dr. Clair and Michelle talk about:

-Using fly traps and tape;
-Effective manure management;
-Nutrition strategies that might help horses cope;
-Applying insecticide and repellent sprays and ointments; and
-Water bucket and feed tub management to limit insect breeding grounds.

Join us as we discuss implementing a multifaceted approach to fly management!

Thanks for riding along with us!

Equine feed labels and hay analysis results are full of abbreviations such  as ADF, NDF, CP, NSC, and WSC and together they make up an alphabet soup. Ever wonder what they all mean and whether they are important to your horse? And what about gas? Has your horse ever passed gas while being ridden? In this episode Dr Clair and Michelle answer some, listener questions, topics including:

-How much hay to feed your retired pasture horse;
-What might be causing excessive flatulence;
-Is feeding a balancer alone enough for a horse working moderately hard;
-And so much more!

If you have questions about feeding your horse, please email us at info@scoopandscale.com   

Thanks for riding along with us!

Wonder what goes on behind-the-scenes and what it takes to get horses to major international competitions?  In this episode Dr. Clair and Michelle are joined by Max Corcoran, a freelance groom, equestrian event organizer, and former longtime member of the O’Connor Event Team.  Max shares what it’s like to manage horses on the U.S. Equestrian Team as they travel to international competitions. 

You will learn about:

• The role of an elite professional groom.
• Essentials she always packs for the horses under her care.
• The importance of nutrition for elite equine athletes and the challenges of shipping feed to other countries.
• How horses are transported internationally.
• Paperwork, paperwork, paperwork (we bet that isn’t what comes to mind when you think about grooms!).
• The thing she always forgets (and her riders really need!).
• And more!

Thanks for riding along with us!

In part 2 of our 2 part series Behind the Scenes at the Summer Games

Dr. Clair talks to Dr Joe Pagan owner and President of Kentucky Equine Research (KER). In addition to doing equine nutrition and exercise physiology related research work, KER have also sourced the feed for the last 7 Summer Games. 

They discuss: 
- how teams coordinate getting the feed their horses need to the games; 
- how you find enough carrots and other behind the scenes Games related stories; - the ground breaking research KER has done over the past 30 years; 
- what Dr Pagan wishes all horse owners would keep in mind when feeding their horses;

And so much more.

 Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com 

Thanks for riding along with us!

Maintaining optimal weight and peak performance in horses, especially those used for high-intensity athletic activities, can be a delicate and ongoing challenge for even the most experienced equestrian. Throughout the various seasons and demands of the competition calendar, a horse's nutritional and exercise needs are in constant flux, requiring vigilant monitoring and adjustment to ensure they retain their competitive edge. Factors like changes in training load, seasonal shifts in forage quality, and the stresses of travel and competition can all contribute to weight loss and performance deficits. It can be difficult to strike the perfect balance. Even when a horse is maintaining their weight, these stressors can lead to subtle changes in muscle tone, energy levels, and overall attitude that impact performance.

In this episode we discuss these factors and others that may contribute to loss of weight and performance in our competition horses and share steps you can take to keep your equine athlete in top form.

If you have questions about feeding your horse, please email us at info@scoopandscale.com 

Thanks for riding along with us!

With more and more knowledge of the importance of gastrointestinal health on our horse's entire health, an ever increasing number of feeds and supplements on the market claim to support gut health. Prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics have become commonly utilized ingredients but what exactly are they and does your horse need them? 

In this episode we discuss:

- what prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics are and the difference between them;
- what they actually do;
- when horses might need them in their diet;
- reasons why they don't always work;
- how to pick a quality gut health feeds and supplements;

And so much more!

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com  

Thanks for riding along with us!

Many horses are fed hay at some point during the year. Whether only in winter when pastures are sparse or year round due to lack of pasture access, hay is a vital source of nutrition for your horse and a major investment for you. This is the time of year when many owners are making decisions on the type of hay they will feed for the next year and are filling their hay barns. But what type of hay is right for your horse, how do you tell if it's good quality and what are the differences between the different types? In this episode we discuss:

-Different types of grass hay and their different nutritional properties;
-How legume hays like alfalfa differ from grass hay;
-Which horses benefit from legume versus grass hays;
-How maturity at cutting impacts the hay's nutritional value;
-What happens when hay is baled when it is too wet;
-Hays you should avoid feeding;
-Pros and cons of large versus small bales;

And so much more!

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com   

Thanks for riding along with us!

Feed labels are the informational panels found on the backs of feed bags or seen in to the bottom seem. These labels provide a wealth of important details about the contents and composition of the feed, allowing horse owners to make informed decisions about how the feed might meet the nutritional needs of their horse. While the majority of these labels share a lot of information about the specifics of the feed such as the ingredients included and the amounts of various nutrients such as protein, fat, fiber, they also omit some surprising things.

In this episode we discuss:
-the legally required label information;
-who decides what must be on a label;
-how to use ingredients lists to understand the feed;
- what nutrients are guaranteed and how to use this information;
-the measurements units often used on feeds;
-feeding directions why they can make or break whether a feed will work for your horse;
-answer listener feed label questions;
-and so much more!

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com 

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Feeding senior horses especially over the winter can be a challenge as many lose condition over these colder months.  Some senior horses require different approaches to feeding to ensure their needs are met as what worked in their younger years may not work any more. Chewing can become a challenge requiring frequent dental care and the possibility of needing alternative feed forms. Additionally some senior horses may benefit from supplements like joint support or digestive aids due to arthritic changes and less efficient digestion. By understanding these needs, paying close attention to their diet, overall health and living situation we can help senior horses live happy and fulfilling lives.

In this episode we discuss:
When does a horse become a senior horse;
What is any special nutrient requirements senior horses have;
What senior feeds are and when they may be necessary;
Other alternative feed forms that may benefit senior horses;
Dental needs and limitations senior horses;
How pain may impact your senior horse's body condition;
If and when to use blankets with your senior horse;
And so much more!

 Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com  

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In this episode we delve into one of the most pressing concerns for horse owners: managing equine gastric ulcers. Many owners reach out to Dr. Clair for help managing their horses diagnosed with equine gastric ulcers, especially chronic and recurrent cases.  In this episode we are joined by guest Dr. Phoebe Smith DVM DACVIM, Veterinarian and Internal Medicine Specialist at Riviera Equine Internal Medicine and Consulting in California. Dr. Phoebe helps us to understand this complex condition while Dr. Clair shares her personal experiences and frustrations of managing ulcers after facing them firsthand with her own horses. Join us as we explore the symptoms, causes, and effective management strategies for equine gastric ulcers. Whether you're a seasoned equestrian or a new horse owner, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you navigate this tricky condition.

In this episode we cover
- signs that your horse might have gastric ulcers;
- why scoping is the ultimate diagnostic;
- squamous vs glandular gastric ulcers;
- drugs commonly used to treat gastric ulcers and why one size does not fit all;
- important considerations on when and how to give these drugs;
- how to tell that it's ok to stop treating;
And so much more!

Tune in and empower yourself with knowledge to better support your equine companion!

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com  

Thanks for riding along with us!

Gastric ulcers can be a frustrating and costly burden for horse owners to manage, which is why any experienced equestrian who has had to deal with this debilitating condition is highly motivated to prevent them from reoccurring. For those who have been fortunate enough to avoid this affliction thus far it makes sense to take steps to try to avoid having your horse having them. As an equine nutritionist a large number of my clients are people whose horse has been diagnosed with gastric ulcers and in particular recurring ulcers. Often they are looking for a supplement that can offer support but while supplements may help the bigger picture requires a more extensive review of how their horse is being managed.

In this episode dive deeper into:
- why forage intake is key to gastric health
- different types of forage and how to use them to reduce ulcer risk
- why high starch grains are not ideal for horses at risk of gastric ulcers
- gastric buffers and how best to use them
- ingredients aimed at coating the stomach lining or making it more robust
- management issues that can be a big deal but are often overlooked
-and so much more!

Through a multipronged approach targeting diet, management, and supplementation, owners can significantly reduce the risk of their beloved horses having to deal with this all-too-common ailment, allowing them to maintain peak performance and overall well being.

 Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com

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Although often considered a solution for overweight equines, the truth is, slow feeders can offer enrichment to all horses. By helping to mimic more natural grazing behaviours these feeders can be a tool to help combat boredom as well as to help manage calorie intake. Making horses work a little harder for their food has many benefits but not all enrichment needs to involve food. In this episode we take a good look at the following:

- slow feed nets
- slow feeders that do not require nets
-  things to consider when introducing slow feeders
- how to get your barn owner on-board with slow feeders
- how to slow the consumption of grain
- the benefits of track systems
- stall toys

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Pre-Vent Feeders - https://www.mypre-ventfeeders.com/  

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It is Thanksgiving week, Black Friday Sale Week and the beginning of the Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa Countdown. To keep you company while you slowly lose your mind, we decided to do our favorite things episode.  Jill and Clair share a few products that bring them delight, everything from horse treats, organization and more!  Whether you are buying a gift for yourself or a horse friend, there is something for everyone.
***We received no compensation and have no affiliation with any of the products mentioned***

Canadian mints https://a.co/d/6yEkKt9

The Organized Barn & Trailer https://organizedbarn.com/ 

Tags 4 Nags - use code SCOOPANDSCALE10 at checkout between 25th Nov and 2nd Dec for a 10% discount.

https://tags4nags.co.uk/

https://www.etsy.com/shop/Tags4Nags 

Disc Cones - https://a.co/d/eKV82Pd 

                   - https://a.co/d/6wlXEOz

The Bedding Blocker - use code SCOOP for $5 off each item purchased

https://www.beddingblocker.com/

Charles Owen Kylo - https://www.charlesowen.com/products/kylo

Mountain Horse Veganza Ladies Winter Tall Boots https://mountainhorseusa.com/product/veganza-ladies-winter-tall-boot-mountain-horse/ 

Original MagicBrush https://www.magicbrush.com/en/product/magicbrush-brush-set-jellyfish/993169/947701 

Halter Ego - https://shophalterego.com/ 

Lumiere Equestrian - https://www.lumiereequestrian.com/en-us 

32 Degrees - https://www.32degrees.com/

Ororo Vest - https://www.ororowear.com/collections/heated-vest?srsltid=AfmBOoooF3qaUMWfL4lNvF4toXosjF1ww8ct2kZj2BnY-l2G4rnLkjri 

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Protein is perhaps one of the more misunderstood nutrients in the horse's diet and one that is associated with several feeding myths. Involved in every cell in the horse's body, it is certainly of vital importance and yet it's not really protein that horses need but the amino acids they contain. Join us for this episode where we take a deep dive into all things related to protein including:

• What protein is
• What amino acids are and why some are essential
• Why protein on product labels is titled "crude protein"
• Why amino acid balance is important
• What constitutes quality protein
• Common sources of quality protein in the equine diet
• What can happen if your horse is not getting enough protein
• Protein supplement and how to feed them
• The downsides to feeding too much protein
• And so much more!

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com

Thanks for riding along with us!

Body condition scoring is an objective technique used to determine whether a horse is in optimal condition or not. When a horse's body condition is less than or more than optimal it suggests that the dietary calorie intake needs to be adjusted. Once you know if your horse's condition is optimal, knowing its weight is important so that you can determine how to feed commercial feeds and supplements correctly. Various methods exist for estimating body weight when a scale is not available. But how accurate are these methods, and how do we know if this weight is actually a good one or not? In this episode we talk about:

• Why guessing your horse's weight is not a good idea
• How to use a weight tape and whether they are accurate
• Body weight calculations and whether they are better than weight tapes
• What condition scoring is and how to do it
• How to use body condition to determine whether your horse's current weight is ideal
• Considerations around breed, conformation and discipline when determining ideal body condition

For instructions on body condition scoring click HERE
For a video on body condition scoring click HERE
For a video on how to take weight measurements click HERE

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com  

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With your horse's estimated body weight and condition score in hand you now have what you need to move on towards assessing their diet. In this episode we discuss:

• how to determine what your horse's minimum forage intake should be each day
• how to determine their actual forage intake
• the importance of weighing everything that you are feeding your horse
• how to use the feeding directions on bagged feed along with body weight and condition to determine if you are feeding the correct kind of concentrate feed
• the kinds of changes to consider making if things aren't what they should be
• and so much more!

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com  

Thanks for riding along with us!

Severe winter weather always raises concerns among horse owners regarding the management of various cold weather challenges and the proper care of their horses.  What counts as severe depends on where you live but no matter the location the biggest concerns tend to relate colic risk and weight loss. In this episode we discuss:

• how to keep your horses hydrated when their water is freezing
• whether feeding more hay or grain is best to maintain body condition in cold weather
• the importance of salt for hydration
• why horses are at greater risk for impaction colic when temperatures freeze
• How your horse can use their diet to keep warm
• Why blankets can help reduce your feed bill
• Plus tips on how to make winter barn chores more manageable
• and so much more!

Do you have questions about your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com 

Thanks for riding along with us!

Winter months can be tough on hooves! Whether you're battling mud, snow, freezing temperatures, or dealing with hoof conditions like laminitis and thrush, we've got you covered. Join us for an expert-led discussion featuring Dr. Sammy Pittman, DVM an equine podiatry specialist, as we explore practical tips and solutions for winter hoof care. Whether your version of winter is warm and wet or snow and ice, Dr. Pittman shares practical advice on how to keep your horse's hooves in great shape this winter. Tune in and listen as we discuss the following:

• What happens to hooves in wet conditions
• Thrush, how it develops and how to treat it
• The risks of obesity to hoof health
• Winter laminitis and how it differs from laminitis at other times of year
• Hoof sealants and dressings
• How to stop snow balls in your horse's hooves
• The pros and cons of pulling shoes in winter
• And so much more!

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com  

Dr.  Sammy Pittman

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/innovativeequinepodiatry 

Innovative Equine Podiatry https://www.innovativeequinepodiatry.org/ 

https://www.horsescience.com/contact-8

https://www.facebook.com/horsescienceanatomyworks 

https://shopmyces.com/

Products 

Pitty Putty https://shopmyces.com/collections/hoof-care/products/iepvs-pitty-putty

Kera-Prep https://shopmyces.com/collections/hoof-care/products/kera-prep-hoof-hardener

HydroHoof https://redhorseproducts.com/shop/hoof-care/hydrohoof/  

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Proper nutrition is critical for successful horse reproduction. Mares require a balanced diet with adequate energy, protein, vitamins and minerals to support optimal reproductive function. During pregnancy, nutritional demands increase although not as much as many people believe. The greatest nutritional demands are during lactation. Research shows that the mare's diet during conception can impact the future health and athletic ability of her foal.  Stallions also require a balanced diet to fuel reproductive exertions and maintain optimal fertility. In fact there may be ways to improve semen quality through nutrition. In this episode we discuss:

-Ideal body condition in the mare for increasing chances of conception

-How to improve semen quality in stallions 

-How energy and other nutrient requirements change during pregnancy

-Which dietary nutrients are linked to developmental orthopedic conditions in foals

-How nutrient demands increase during lactation and how to meet them

-Best hays for broodmares

-And so much more!

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com  

Thanks for riding along with us!

Whether the result of heavy rain or snow melt, this time of year many horse facilities are struggling with mud. In this episode we explore practical tips and expert insights on managing mud and manure on your horse property. From improving facility drainage and minimizing mud in high-traffic areas to creating clean, dry spaces where your horses can eat and relax, we've got you covered.

This week’s special guest Alayne Blickle from Horses for Clean Water joins Dr. Clair and Jill and shares her expertise on mud and manure management as well as advice on protecting waterways. We cover topics including:

• what mud actually is
• why mud is not your horse's friend
• things to do when you already have mud in high traffic areas
• common mud mitigation mistakes
• where to put your manure pile
• how to ensure that your manure pile is not polluting waterways
• how to manage drainage on your facility 
• how to create mud free shelters and eating areas
• how your horse's diet may be contributing to environmental pollution
• And so much more!

To learn more about Alayne Blickle and Horses for Clean Water:

Website https://horsesforcleanwater.com/  

Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/HorsesForCleanWater 

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/horsesforcleanwater/?hl=en   

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Tying-up is a muscle condition in horses that has long plagued owners. From random one off episodes on warm sunny days to recurrent ones during exercise tying-up can result from many causes. Some, like Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy (PSSM1) are the result of a genetic condition that affects muscle metabolism, leading to muscle stiffness and pain. In this episode we discuss:

- what defines recurrent tying-up

- causes and symptoms of tying-up

-breeds affected by PSSM 1

-how to test for PSSM 1

-appropriate feeding programs for horses with PPSM 1

-management and exercise requirement for horses with PSSM1

-and so much more!

To learn more about the United States Pony Club HERE  

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com   

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Having pasture for horses is considered by many to be the horse's ideal living situation. But it's not as simple as just putting your horse in the pasture and walking away if you want not only your horse to thrive but your pasture to as well.  Quality pasture takes active management and is a constant balance of gazing, resting, weeding, mucking and more. If you are thinking of creating healthy thriving pastures or feel like you are losing the war against weeds, tune in.

In this episode we are joined by Laura Kenny, Equine Educator at Penn State Extension.  Laura shares her expertise in pasture management as we discuss:

-continuous and rotational grazing styles

-overgrazing what it is and how to avoid it

-pasture manure management

-how and when to overseed

-weed management

-and so much more!

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com    

Links discussed in the show:

Pasture Evaluation Disc https://extension.psu.edu/pasture-evaluation-equine-pasture-evaluation-disc 

Bag test https://extension.psu.edu/are-my-forages-dead-or-dormant 

Penn State Extension Equine Pasture and Environment Management https://extension.psu.edu/animals-and-livestock/equine/pasture-and-environment-management?tab=default 

To learn more about rotation grazing https://extension.psu.edu/how-to-make-rotational-grazing-work-on-your-horse-farm 

Thanks for riding along with us!

Grazing muzzles are extremely valuable tools when needing to regulate a horse’s pasture intake. However, many horse owners feel guilty about the prospect of turning their horse out in a grazing muzzle. In this episode Jill and Clair explain the benefits of grazing muzzles and why they can improve your horse's quality of life. 

We dive into:

- how much grazing muzzles reduce grass consumption 
- choosing the right type of muzzle 
- proper fitting techniques,
- how to introduce it positively to your horse
- common challenges, unexpected benefits and so much more!

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com   

Links discussed in the show:

Facebook Group Slow Feed Solutions, Grazing Muzzles & More

Thinline - use code sands10 for 10% off your order of any grazing muzzle or muzzle accessories

GG Equine - use code SCOOP15 for 15% off muzzles and muzzle accessories. One use per customer. Code expires 5/31/25

Tough1 - https://www.tough1.com/training/muzzles.html 

Thanks for riding along with us!