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

What does it really mean to be an equine nutritionist, and how can horse owners tell if the advice they’re getting is coming from an appropriately qualified expert? In this episode, Jill and Dr. Clair Thunes are joined by Dr. Rachel Mottet of Legacy Equine Nutrition to discuss the often confusing world of equine nutrition credentials.

In this episode we discuss:

-Why “Equine Nutritionist” is not a protected title ...

Ever found yourself in the feed store (or deep in a late-night Google search) wondering if there’s a better horse feed out there for your equine partner? With so many options and so much marketing jargon, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. In this episode, we take you through how to read and understand horse feed labels, so you can cut through the noise and make confident, informed choices for your horse’s nutrition.

What You’...

In this episode of Scoop & Scale, we explore the practical and nutritional role of hay pellets and cubes in the equine diet. Typically associated with senior horses with poor teeth or as a carrier for supplements, these hay alternatives have so many more uses and benefits. This is especially true during hay shortages, evacuations, or when managing specific health issues like equine asthma or free fecal water syndrome.  In this ...

Is short grass really sweeter? Is tall grass actually safer for
metabolic horses? Or have we been grazing on myths?  In this powerful,
research-backed episode, we sit down with Dr. Michelle DeBoer of
Equine, PhD, the voice behind the viral post that ignited over 1,500
likes, 400+ comments, and 1,200 shares—and shook up everything we
thought we knew about grass height, NSC (non-structural
carbohydrates), and ...

Lately, we've noticed a growing number of horse owners online seeking advice on how to feed “forage-based” diets. But are they already doing this without realizing? 

In this episode, we dig into:

- what constitutes a forage-based diet and how to know if you are feeding one
- why terms such as “forage-based”, “grain-free” and “carb-free” when it comes to equine diets can be misleading
- why using the wrong language can le...

In our last episode, we explored how horses manage their body temperature and what happens when they experience heat stress. Now, we're diving into how to adjust their diet during hot weather! In this episode we discuss:

• hay adjustments to reduce metabolic heat, 
• the impact of high-protein diets on hydration, 
• whether or not your horse needs a biotic,
• and so much more!

Plus, we'll cover crucial summer nutrients like c...

Join us as we dive into how horses handle hot weather and the internal changes they undergo when stressed by the heat. We answer critical questions about horse physiology in high temperatures. We'll explore why horses get hot, how they regulate their body temperature, and what happens when they can't. Other important topics discussed include:

• sources of heat stress, 
• natural cooling strategies, 
• signs of overheating and ...

In this episode, cover the secrets of equine coat health, from shedding season struggles to the crucial nutrients found in spring pastures. Discover why vitamin E levels matter, even when they seem "normal," and how to choose the right fats and oils, including the benefits of omega-3s over corn and soy oil. We'll also explore the importance of trace minerals like copper, zinc, and manganese, and how to ensure your ho...

In this episode, we explore the frustrating condition known as Free Fecal Water Syndrome (FFWS) in horses. If you’ve ever dealt with your horse passing brown liquid before or after manure, you know this condition and how challenging it can be. Join us as we welcome back Dr. Phoebe Smith DVM, DACVIM, (an internal medicine specialist), to help us understand what FFWS is, how it's diagnosed, and effective management strategies. S...

Welcome to part 2. We're revisiting the complex world of muscle myopathies, specifically focusing on Myofibrillar Myopathy (MFM) in both Arabian and Warmblood horses. If you missed our previous episodes on PSSM Type 1 and the initial breakdown of other muscle myopathies, we highly recommend you go back and catch up. In this episode Dr. Katie Young returns to help us navigate the nuances of MFM-ER in Arabians, characterized by ...

Join Jill and Clair as they delve into the complexities of equine muscle myopathies, specifically focusing on what was once known as PSSM Type 2. In this multi-part series, they are joined by Dr. Katie Young, a leading equine nutritionist with Kentucky Equine Research. 

Together, they: 

- define all the relevant terminology

- unpack the differences between PSSM Type 2, Recurrent Exertional Rhabdomyolysis (RER), and Myofibrillar Myopat...

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 muz...

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 li...

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 ...

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 f...

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 athleti...

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 share...

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 ...

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...