Scoop & Scale: An Equine Podcast (Mostly) About Nutrition

Equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) is a common concern for horse owners, but not all gastric ulcers are the same. In this episode of Scoop & Scale, we’re joined by Dr. Ben Sykes, an equine internal medicine specialist and leading researcher on equine gastric ulcer disease. Together we discuss squamous gastric disease, glandular gastric disease, and the confusion surrounding so-called hindgut ulcers in horses.

We explore ...

In Part 2 of our conversation on laminitis, we continue our discussion with Dr. François-René Bertin, DVM, MS, FHEA, PhD, DACVIM (LAIM), a Professor and Director of the Nancy Fair Link Laminitis Research Centre at Mississippi State University, focusing on what horse owners can actually do to manage horses at risk of, or actively dealing with, laminitis. We talk about diet, insulin dysregulation, supplements, medications, and hoof c...

Listen to our discussion as we go over Jill's horse's PPID and insulin results. In this short conversation, We sit down to go through Jill’s horse’s actual bloodwork and talk about what the results mean, what they can and can’t tell us, and how they fit into his overall management. 

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

Thanks for riding along wit...

Laminitis is one of the most serious and misunderstood conditions affecting horses. But what actually happens inside the hoof when a horse develops laminitis?

Our guest for this two-part series is Dr. François-René Bertin, DVM, MS, FHEA, PhD, DACVIM (LAIM), a Professor and Director of the Nancy Fair Link Laminitis Research Centre at Mississippi State University. In Part 1 of this two-part series, we take a closer look at what lamini...

If you have an older horse, you’ve probably heard of Cushing’s disease, but how much has changed in what we know about diagnosing and managing it? In this episode, we take a closer look at pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), the condition commonly called Cushing’s in horses, and explore why fall is an especially important time to think about testing.

We discuss:

• The early signs of PPID that are easy to m...

What are amino acids, why do they matter, and does your horse actually need an amino acid supplement? In this episode we break down the science behind amino acids, protein quality, muscle development, and the many claims surrounding equine amino acid supplements.

You’ll learn:

• The difference between essential and non-essential amino acids
• What a limiting amino acid is and why lysine, methionine, and threonine are important
• Wh...

How much salt does your horse really need? Are salt blocks enough? When should you feed electrolytes and do you actually need them if you're already feeding salt? In this episode we answer your biggest questions about horse salt, electrolytes, and hydration, separating fact from fiction with practical, research-backed advice.

In this episode we explore:

• How much salt your horse actually needs
• Salt blocks vs. loose salt vs. electro...

When a wildfire, flood, hurricane, or other disaster threatens your horses, every minute matters. In Part 2 of our disaster preparedness series, we walk through what a real horse evacuation looks like from receiving the first warning to loading horses, navigating chaotic roads, and arriving at an evacuation facility. Joining us is Amy Hausmann, who shares her firsthand experience during California's devastating Tubbs Fire and the l...

Every year, natural disasters force horse owners to make critical decisions with little warning. In Part 1 of this two-part series, we cover the essential steps you can take now to prepare your horses, property, and support network before an emergency happens.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why every horse needs permanent identification and up-to-date records
• Building an emergency support network and connecting w...

Summer means horse shows, trail rides, vacations, and long days on the road with our horses. But are you prepared for the unique challenges that come with trailering horses in hot weather? In this episode we discuss how to keep your horse safe, comfortable, and healthy while traveling during the summer months.

In this episode, we cover:
• Trailer safety and pre-trip checks
• Preventing heat stress during travel
• Hy...

Hay season is here! While most horse owners focus on buying and feeding hay, few have firsthand experience with what it actually takes to grow, harvest, and store quality horse hay. In this episode, Jill shares her journey from boarding barns in Arizona to purchasing hay in Colorado and ultimately becoming a hay producer in Iowa. Along the way, we discuss the realities of hay farming, the challenges of producing quality forage, and...

Seasonal itching, hives, and respiratory issues: equine allergies can be frustrating, confusing, and difficult to manage. In this episode we’re joined by special guest Dr. Rosanna Marsella. Dr. Marsella is a board-certified veterinary dermatologist and professor at the University of Florida. She has authored more than 150 peer-reviewed articles, written several books and contributed to numerous others. She has also served as ...

Ration balancers are one of the most commonly recommended feeds in the horse world but what are they really doing, and does your horse actually need one?

If your horse is living on pasture or hay looking good and maintaining weight, it’s easy to assume their diet is “complete". In reality, many diets fall short in key nutrients that support long-term health, topline, and performance. The effects of these deficiencies may...

Foal nutrition and young horse development set the foundation for a lifetime of health, soundness, and performance.

From birth through weaning and into early training, feeding young horses correctly is critical, but often misunderstood. Nutrition during this stage directly impacts growth, joint health, metabolism, and long-term success.

In this episode, we break down foal nutrition, weanling feeding strategies, and young horse develo...

 Mare nutrition plays a far bigger role in foal development than most horse owners realize and the science is now showing that what happens during pregnancy can influence a foal for life. In this episode, we break down and explore how broodmare diet shapes foal growth, metabolism, and long-term soundness.

From epigenetics and fetal programming to practical feeding strategies for pregnant mares, this conversation connects cuttin...

Spring means more riding and possibly more oxidative stress for your horse. After a winter on hay, many horses may be low in vitamin E, a key antioxidant for overall health.

In this episode, we cover:
-What vitamin E is and why it matters
-Why hay and limited pasture diets can lead to deficiency
-Signs of low vitamin E and related issues
-How to test and supplement correctly
-Choosing the right form, dosing, a...

Equine asthma is one of the most common respiratory conditions affecting horses, yet many owners miss the early warning signs. In this episode  we speak with Dr. Laurent Couëtil, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, about equine asthma in horses, including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Dr. Couëtil, director of the Donald J. McCrosky Equine Sports Medicine Center at Purdue University, shares his expertise on equine re...

Cracks, chips, weak hoof walls, and soft soles are common concerns for horse owners. But do hoof supplements actually work, and does nutrition really improve hoof quality?

In this episode, we break down the biology of hoof growth and explain why strong feet start with a balanced diet, not just another supplement. We cover how hooves grow, the key nutrients involved in building durable hoof horn, and how to determine whether your hor...

In this episode we discuss a challenge many horse owners face: fat or overweight horses. From disciplines where a “round” horse is seen as ideal to the health risks of carrying extra weight, we cover why managing body condition matters.

Our guest, Madeline Boast, MSc, PAS, equine nutritionist and founder of Balanced Bay Nutrition, shares her research on safe weight loss programs for horses and explains how diet, exercise...