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

This week, I’m joined by Dr. Krishona Martinson from the University of Minnesota, a leading expert in equine forage research. We take a look at her research on hay waste, what causes it, and how horse owners can significantly reduce loss and lower feeding costs.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What research shows about hay waste across feeding methods
• How much hay horse owners typically waste and why
• The real financial impact of waste...

Fat is one of the most misunderstood parts of a horse’s diet, yet it can be a powerful tool for weight gain, health, and performance. In this episode, we break down the most common fat sources for horses, how they differ, and when you should (or shouldn’t) use them. From rice bran and flax to oils, seeds, and supplements, we cut through the confusion so you can make informed feeding decisions.

You’ll learn:

• The fundamental d...

It’s officially Thanksgiving week which means Black Friday deals, holiday chaos, and the perfect time for our annual Favorite Things Episode! 

Whether you’re powering through barn chores, traveling to see family, or braving the holiday madness, this episode is here to keep you company. Jill and Clair are sharing their 2025 favorite equine and barn-life essentials—from tack cleaning must-haves and barn organization tools to cozy clot...

Beet pulp, is it a super feed or a risky choice? Used in rations for decades, beet pulp has recently become controversial and a polarizing topic in the horse world. We break down what beet pulp really is, how it fits into a balanced diet, and what the science says.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
-What beet pulp actually is and why it’s low in sugar despite its name
-Why it’s called a “super fiber” and how it suppor...

Blanket season is here and so are the annual blanketing opinion wars! 
From “my horse never wears one” to “my pony has a full winter wardrobe,” every horse owner has an opinion. But what does the science actually say about blanketing horses?

In this episode of The Scoop & Scale Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Michelle DeBoer from Equine, PhD to uncover the facts behind horse blanketing, coat growth, and thermoregulation.

Dr. De...

We are back with Kai Yun Lai, a certified equine dental professional, to further explore the powerful connection between your horse’s teeth, their diet, and digestion. 

In this episode:

• Why chewing and particle size matter for nutrient absorption
• How dental issues show up in manure & behavior
• Why poor dental health can cause weight loss
• How your horse's dental health is linked to colic, and choke risk
• Nutrition’s role in den...

 In part 1 of our 2 part series on the impact of equine dental health on equine nutrition, we focus on what makes equine teeth unique and why having a qualified equine dental professional as part of your horse's care team is vital to their health and well-being. Our expert guest, Kai Yun Lai, a certified equine dental provider with a master's in equine nutrition, shares invaluable insights on:

• The fascinating evolution...

Trees can be beautiful in the Fall but those pretty leaves and seeds may be toxic to your horse. In this episode of Scoop and Scale, we sit down with Dr. Krishona Martinson, Professor and Equine Extension Specialist at the University of Minnesota, to talk about poisonous plants and how to keep horses safe.

You’ll learn:

• Some common trees, shrubs and pasture plants that are poisonous
• Why some plants are more dangerous than others
• Sy...

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...