Many horse owners focus on choosing the best hay, grain, or supplements, but research shows that when you feed can also impact how well your horse utilizes protein and amino acids.

On this episode, co-hosts Dr. Tania Cubitt and Katy Starr and guest Dr. Sara Mastellar, equine nutrition researcher and professor at Ohio State ATI, break down her research on meal frequency and protein metabolism in horses, including:

• The difference between “just feeding protein” vs. ensuring your horse gets the right amino acids
• Why feeding multiple meals a day can improve your horse’s nutrient absorption
• Simple, practical ways to adjust your horse’s feeding routine for better health

As Dr. Mastellar mentions, “Observation is central to good horsemanship.” If you’ve ever wondered whether your feeding schedule is truly working for your horse, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!

🎧 Listen now on Beyond the Barn!

Have a topic idea or feedback to share? We want to connect with you! Email [email protected]

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Connect with Dr. Sara Mastellar on:

• University profile page with email address
• Ohio State – College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences on facebook
• Ohio State ATI Equine Center on facebook

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Scientific references – 

Full list of amino acids - https://thehorse.com/113117/amino-acids-101/

• Mastellar, S. L., E. R. Share, J. K. Suagee-Bedore, K. Bennett-Wimbush, N. R. Liburt, A. Krotky, B. Cassill, K. L. Urschel, and P. A. Harris. 2023. 74 Effects of meal frequency on plasma amino acid concentrations in horses of various body condition scores. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 124:104376. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2023.104376
• Share, E. R., S. L. Mastellar, J. N. Rumble, and M. L. Eastridge. 2025. Feeding and housing management practices of the Ohio horse industry: A survey. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science. Accepted.
• Brown, A. V., E. R. Share, N. Liburt, J. K. Bedore, P. Harris, and S. L. Mastellar. 2024. Effects of Meal Frequency on Heart Rate in Horses American Society of Animal Science Midwest No. PSIV-A-8, Madison, WI.
• Link to “Evaluating Body Composition of Horses” factsheet: https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/as-1024

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*Views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of Standlee Premium Products, LLC.*

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• Love the podcast? Leave a rating and review on Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/.../beyond-the-barn/id1541221306
• Leave a rating on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/3dmftQmwLKDQNueUcCJBZa
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• Find us on Apple, Spotify or Google Podcasts and SUBSCRIBE, so you never miss an episode.

_______________________________

• Check out the Standlee Barn Bulletin Blog
• Find more nutritional resources from Dr. Stephen Duren and Dr. Tania Cubitt at https://www.standleeforage.com/nutrition/ 
• Connect with Standlee on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok

***Complete our short survey by Tuesday, April 8, 2025 to be entered for a chance to win Standlee free product coupons and some fun Standlee swag – https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/btb2025podcast

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On this episode, co-hosts Dr. Tania Cubitt and Katy Starr discuss the importance of feeding horses consistently, including:

• How horses are impacted if the feeding schedule changes
• The risks of quickly or unexpectedly changing a horse’s diet
• The MAIN sign that an inconsistent diet is negatively affecting a horse's gut health

Consistency is key when it comes to feeding horses, from feeding schedule, to the position of how a horse eats, to the ingredients fed. A steady routine helps minimize digestive issues that can disrupt your horse’s health and your wallet. In this episode, we explore why consistency matters and how simple adjustments can prevent costly problems.

Have a topic idea or feedback to share? We want to connect with you! Email [email protected]

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Scientific references – 

• ~2:34 – The Effect of an Irregular Feeding Schedule on Equine Behavior - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335680982_The_Effect_of_an_Irregular_Feeding_Schedule_on_Equine_Behavior
• ~5:21 – Ep. 034: Your Horse’s Digestive System – How It Works & How It Can Fail - https://www.standleeforage.com/podcast/episodes/ep-034-your-horses-digestion-system-how-it-works-how-it-can-fail/
• ~7:48 – Ep. 024: Why Horses Need to Be Fed Differently During Winter - https://www.standleeforage.com/podcast/episodes/ep-024-why-horses-need-to-be-fed-differently-during-winter/
• ~23:19 – Ep. 065: What Can Happen If Horses Don’t Drink Enough Water - https://www.standleeforage.com/podcast/episodes/ep-065-what-can-happen-if-horses-dont-drink-enough-water/

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*Views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of Standlee Premium Products, LLC.*

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• Love the podcast? Leave a rating and review on Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/.../beyond-the-barn/id1541221306
• Leave a rating on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/3dmftQmwLKDQNueUcCJBZa
• Have a topic idea or feedback to share? We want to connect with you! Email [email protected]
• Share our podcast and learn more about our co-hosts at our Beyond the Barn podcast page
• SUBSCRIBE to the Beyond the Barn podcast email to be an exclusive insider!
• Find us on Apple, Spotify or Google Podcasts and SUBSCRIBE, so you never miss an episode.

_______________________________

• Check out the Standlee Barn Bulletin Blog
• Find more nutritional resources from Dr. Stephen Duren and Dr. Tania Cubitt at https://www.standleeforage.com/nutrition/ 
• Connect with Standlee on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok

***Complete our short survey by Tuesday, April 8, 2025 to be entered for a chance to win Standlee free product coupons and some fun Standlee swag – https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/btb2025podcast

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On this episode, co-host Katy Starr and guest Sarah Dean, the incredible artist behind Sarah Dean Arts, discuss her journey as an equine artist, including:

• How her real-life experience with horses brings authenticity to her art
• The struggles she’s faced with marketing her art on social media and how she’s built a thriving following
• How one unfinished painting changed EVERYTHING about her future

From crayons in childhood to oil paintings in her studio today, Sarah’s passion for horses and art has remained the same. The challenges she’s faced along the way have only made her more determined, proving that resilience is just as important as talent.

Have a topic idea or feedback to share? We want to connect with you! Email [email protected]

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*Views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of Standlee Premium Products, LLC.*

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Connect with Sarah on social platforms and her website – 

• Instagram - @sarahdeanarts
• Facebook - @sarahdeanarts
• TikTok - @sarah-dean-art
• YouTube - @sarahdeanarts
• Website

Purchase her (and her horse Cheesecake’s!) favorite Standlee product here

• Love the podcast? Leave a rating and review on Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/.../beyond-the-barn/id1541221306
• Leave a rating on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/3dmftQmwLKDQNueUcCJBZa
• Have a topic idea or feedback to share? We want to connect with you! Email [email protected]
• Share our podcast and learn more about our co-hosts at our Beyond the Barn podcast page
• SUBSCRIBE to the Beyond the Barn podcast email to be an exclusive insider!
• Find us on Apple, Spotify or Google Podcasts and SUBSCRIBE, so you never miss an episode.

_______________________________

• Check out the Standlee Barn Bulletin Blog
• Find more nutritional resources from Dr. Stephen Duren and Dr. Tania Cubitt at https://www.standleeforage.com/nutrition/ 
• Connect with Standlee on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok

On this BONUS episode, co-hosts Dr. Tania Cubitt and Katy Starr discuss the benefits of supplementing a horse’s current diet with high quality hay, including:

• What is a supplement?
• How to improve a horse’s diet by improving the fiber portion, which makes up the majority of what they eat
• What feed changes have the GREATEST impact on horses needing a low sugar and starch diet?

We also introduce the Supplement on Standlee Feed Trial. Tune in to learn more and how to participate for your chance to win a PALLET of Standlee pellets or cubes!

Have a topic idea or feedback to share? We want to connect with you! Email [email protected]

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*Views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of Standlee Premium Products, LLC.*

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Supplement on Standlee Feed Trial Details:

• When you register – You’ll get a Buy 2, Get 1 Free coupon (redemption valid only during trial dates) for pellet and cube products, including Smart Carb and Forage Plus Gastric Support
• Requirements – Submit before and after images and product testimonial after using product for 30 days
• Following submission - Will receive coupon for two free Standlee pellet or cube products and be entered into a grand prize giveaway for a pallet of free Standlee product (limited to any pellet or cube product)
• Trial runs from March 1st through April 30, 2025
• Final testimonial submission due May 31, 2025

This is limited to the first 2,500 participants who sign-up, so go register now! One coupon per person. Coupons have a maximum redemption value of $23.99 per product.

Considerations when participating:

To minimize digestive upset, feeding changes should occur over a 7-14 day period. If your horse is transitioning from a winter season hay diet as their main fiber source to spring pasture, many horses experience transient diarrhea. Standlee recommends consulting with your veterinarian or nutritionist when making changes to your feeding program.

Learn more here and sign-up here: 

https://www.standleeforage.com/promotions/supplement-on-standlee/

• Love the podcast? Leave a rating and review on Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/.../beyond-the-barn/id1541221306
• Leave a rating on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/3dmftQmwLKDQNueUcCJBZa
• Have a topic idea or feedback to share? We want to connect with you! Email [email protected]
• Share our podcast and learn more about our co-hosts at our Beyond the Barn podcast page
• SUBSCRIBE to the Beyond the Barn podcast email to be an exclusive insider!
• Find us on Apple, Spotify or Google Podcasts and SUBSCRIBE, so you never miss an episode.

_______________________________

• Check out the Standlee Barn Bulletin Blog
• Find more nutritional resources from Dr. Stephen Duren and Dr. Tania Cubitt at https://www.standleeforage.com/nutrition/ 
• Connect with Standlee on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok

On this episode, co-host Katy Starr and guest expert Dr. Stephen Duren, PhD, MS, PAS discuss the confusing terminology of NSC, WSC, ESC, sugars, starches, and fructans, including:

• What are sugars, starches, and fructans?
• What are non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) - is it something that can be measured or is it a calculation?
• What feed changes have the GREATEST impact on horses needing a low sugar and starch diet?

We’re breaking it down to better understand how carbohydrates are utilized in the horse’s body and how it matters more for certain horses than others. Dr. Duren also shares what is most often misunderstood by horse owners when it comes to ESC, WSC, and NSC. Don’t miss this episode!

Have a topic idea or feedback to share? We want to connect with you! Email [email protected]

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*Views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of Standlee Premium Products, LLC.*

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Helpful Info – 

NSC = starch + WSC

WSC = ESC + fructans

ESC = sugar

• A hay analysis will come back reporting on starch, ESC, and WSC
• A non-forage feed label will generally report on ESC, which is sugar, but this is still not quite the number for NSC

~18-01 – “Ep. 037: Navigating When to Soak, Steam, Wet or Leave Hay Dry with Dr. Krishona Martinson” – podcast episode on research of soaking or steaming hay to reduce sugars - https://www.standleeforage.com/podcast/episodes/ep-037-navigating-when-to-soak-steam-wet-or-leave-hay-dry-with-dr-krishona-martinson/

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Scientific references – 

1. Longland, A. C., Barfoot, C., & Harris, P. A. (2011).
   Effects of soaking on water-soluble carbohydrate and crude protein content of hay.
   Veterinary Record, 168(23), 618.
2. Moore-Colyer, M., Lumbis, K., Longland, A., Harris, P. (2014).
   The effect of five different wetting treatments on the water-soluble carbohydrate content of mature hays.
   Pferdeheilkunde, 30(2), 180-184.
3. Harris, P. A., Ellis, A. D., Fradinho, M. J., Jansson, A., Julliand, V., Luthersson, N., Santos, A. S., & Vervuert, I. (2017).
   Feeding conserved forage to horses: recent advances and recommendations.
   Animal, 11(6), 958-967. 
4. Geor, R. J. (2009).
   Metabolic predispositions to laminitis in horses and ponies: obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndromes.
   Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 29(2), 105-112.
5. Longland, A. C., Barfoot, C., & Harris, P. A. (2014).
   Effect of variability in forage carbohydrate content on suitability for equids with insulin dysregulation.
   Pferdeheilkunde, 30(2), 121-127.
6. McGowan, C. M., Pinchbeck, G. L., Patterson-Kane, J. C., et al. (2013).
   Equine Metabolic Syndrome: Risk factors and recommendations for dietary management.
   Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 27(6), 1333-1350.
7. Treiber, K. H., Kronfeld, D. S., Geor, R. J. (2006).
   Insulin resistance in equids: possible role in laminitis.
   Journal of Nutrition, 136(7 Suppl), 2094S-2098S.

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• Love the podcast? Leave a rating and review on Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/.../beyond-the-barn/id1541221306
• Leave a rating on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/3dmftQmwLKDQNueUcCJBZa
• Have a topic idea or feedback to share? We want to connect with you! Email [email protected]
• Share our podcast and learn more about our co-hosts at our Beyond the Barn podcast page
• SUBSCRIBE to the Beyond the Barn podcast email to be an exclusive insider!
• Find us on Apple, Spotify or Google Podcasts and SUBSCRIBE, so you never miss an episode.

_______________________________

• Check out the Standlee Barn Bulletin Blog
• Find more nutritional resources from Dr. Stephen Duren and Dr. Tania Cubitt at https://www.standleeforage.com/nutrition/ 
• Connect with Standlee on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok

On this episode, co-hosts Dr. Tania Cubitt and Katy Starr discuss the critical role of vitamin A and vitamin E in horse diets, including:

• How to tell if your horse is deficient in vitamin A or vitamin E
• Which type of vitamin E is more bioavailable to your horse – Natural or synthetic?
• Can an excess of vitamin A or vitamin E in the diet interfere with the absorption of other vitamins?

Learn why choosing the RIGHT vitamin E supplement matters for your horse! Dr. Cubitt breaks down the key differences between synthetic and natural vitamin E supplements, along with which one is best to use and how to use it most effectively for your horse.

Have a topic idea or feedback to share? We want to connect with you! Email [email protected]

_______________________________

*Views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of Standlee Premium Products, LLC.*

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Scientific references – 

~ 17:05 - National Research Council. 2007. Nutrient Requirements of Horses: Sixth Revised Edition. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.

~18:23 – Benefit of vitamin A to help with uveitis - Yadav UC, Kalariya NM, Ramana KV. Emerging role of antioxidants in the protection of uveitis complications. Curr Med Chem. 2011;18(6):931-42. 

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• Love the podcast? Leave a rating and review on Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/.../beyond-the-barn/id1541221306
• Leave a rating on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/3dmftQmwLKDQNueUcCJBZa
• Have a topic idea or feedback to share? We want to connect with you! Email [email protected]
• Share our podcast and learn more about our co-hosts at our Beyond the Barn podcast page
• SUBSCRIBE to the Beyond the Barn podcast email to be an exclusive insider!
• Find us on Apple, Spotify or Google Podcasts and SUBSCRIBE, so you never miss an episode.

_______________________________

• Check out the Standlee Barn Bulletin Blog
• Find more nutritional resources from Dr. Stephen Duren and Dr. Tania Cubitt at https://www.standleeforage.com/nutrition/ 
• Connect with Standlee on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok

On this episode, co-hosts Dr. Tania Cubitt and Katy Starr and guest Dr. Michelle DeBoer discuss using hay nets for horses, based on scientific research, including:

• How do hay nets benefit horses?
• How much hay could potentially be wasted without using hay nets?
• Can hay nets damage your horse’s teeth?

Dr. DeBoer provides an easy-to-understand breakdown of her research on using hay nets for horses and whether or not she recommends using hay nets, based on her scientific study and experiences. This episode is packed with practical tips you won’t want to miss!

Have a topic idea or feedback to share? We want to connect with you! Email [email protected]

____________________________________

Connect with Dr. Michelle DeBoer on:

• Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/equinephd (@equinephd)
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/equine.phd/  (@equine.phd)

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*Views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of Standlee Premium Products, LLC.*

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Scientific references – 

“Effect of hay nets on horse bodyweight, body condition score, hay usage, and dental health in mature adult horses” - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0737080624000583#:~:text=The%20results%20from%20this%20study,over%20a%20one%20year%20period.

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• Love the podcast? Leave a rating and review on Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/.../beyond-the-barn/id1541221306
• Leave a rating on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/3dmftQmwLKDQNueUcCJBZa
• Have a topic idea or feedback to share? We want to connect with you! Email [email protected]
• Share our podcast and learn more about our co-hosts at our Beyond the Barn podcast page
• SUBSCRIBE to the Beyond the Barn podcast email to be an exclusive insider!
• Find us on Apple, Spotify or Google Podcasts and SUBSCRIBE, so you never miss an episode.

_______________________________

• Check out the Standlee Barn Bulletin Blog
• Find more nutritional resources from Dr. Stephen Duren and Dr. Tania Cubitt at https://www.standleeforage.com/nutrition/ 
• Connect with Standlee on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok

On this episode, co-hosts Dr. Tania Cubitt and Katy Starr discuss horse cribbing, including:

• How is cribbing different from other horse stereotypies, like weaving or stall walking?
• Is horse cribbing genetic or a learned behavior?
• What management practices can be implemented to help reduce the likelihood of a horse developing a cribbing habit?

Horse cribbing can be a difficult behavior to manage. Tune in to this new episode to help minimize the chance of your horse developing this nearly unbreakable habit.

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*Views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of Standlee Premium Products, LLC.*

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Reference – 

~13:50 – Cribbing collar example and visual from Ohio State University Extension - https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/anr-89

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• Love the podcast? Leave a rating and review on Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/.../beyond-the-barn/id1541221306
• Leave a rating on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/3dmftQmwLKDQNueUcCJBZa
• Have a topic idea or feedback to share? We want to connect with you! Email [email protected]
• Share our podcast and learn more about our co-hosts at our Beyond the Barn podcast page
• SUBSCRIBE to the Beyond the Barn podcast email to be an exclusive insider!
• Find us on Apple, Spotify or Google Podcasts and SUBSCRIBE, so you never miss an episode.

_______________________________

• Check out the Standlee Barn Bulletin Blog
• Find more nutritional resources from Dr. Stephen Duren and Dr. Tania Cubitt at https://www.standleeforage.com/nutrition/ 
• Connect with Standlee on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok

*** Beyond the Barn is going on a break! See the note below our episode description for more details. ***

On this episode, co-hosts Dr. Tania Cubitt and Katy Starr discuss equine Cushing’s disease in horses, also known as pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), including:

• What type of horses are most likely to get Cushing’s disease
• The difference between equine Cushing’s disease and equine metabolic syndrome (EMS)
• How to properly feed a horse with Cushing’s disease and what to avoid

Tune in as Dr. Cubitt explains how to properly feed and care for a horse with Cushing’s disease. She shares common symptoms of Cushing’s disease in horses and how it’s diagnosed, along with a symptom that often gets missed with our competitive show horses.

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*** We’ve got an exclusive update for our loyal podcast listeners! Standlee is working behind the scenes on a new project to help better support you and the animals you feed. To put a greater focus on this project, we’re hitting pause on the Beyond the Barn podcast for a bit and will see you back here soon!

Be sure to go back and catch up on any past episodes during this break and let us know of any future topics you’d like us to cover. Email [email protected]***

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*Views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of Standlee Premium Products, LLC.*

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Reference – 

~7:14 – Differences between Cushing’s Disease and Equine Metabolic Syndrome - https://www.thelaminitissite.org/articles/is-it-ppid-or-is-it-ems

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• Love the podcast? Leave a rating and review on Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/.../beyond-the-barn/id1541221306
• Leave a rating on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/3dmftQmwLKDQNueUcCJBZa
• Have a topic idea or feedback to share? We want to connect with you! Email [email protected]
• Share our podcast and learn more about our co-hosts at our Beyond the Barn podcast page
• SUBSCRIBE to the Beyond the Barn podcast email to be an exclusive insider!
• Find us on Apple, Spotify or Google Podcasts and SUBSCRIBE, so you never miss an episode.

_______________________________

• Check out the Standlee Barn Bulletin Blog
• Find more nutritional resources from Dr. Stephen Duren and Dr. Tania Cubitt at https://www.standleeforage.com/nutrition/ 
• Connect with Standlee on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok

On this episode, co-host Katy Starr chats with guest expert Dr. Stephen Duren, PhD, MS, PAS about the history of equine nutrition, including:

• The differences between horses used in war, agriculture, and transportation and how they were fed for those uses versus how they are fed now
• How and why the industrial revolution put a halt to equine nutrition research
• What has been the greatest advancement in equine nutrition research that we can apply to our modern horses

This episode takes us on a journey through time to learn just how observant horse owners were, even without the science, to determine what a horse might need to eat in their diet to handle their workloads. While horses provide more recreation and competitive opportunities for us now, they were crucial for survival for generations before us.

Have a topic idea or feedback to share? We want to connect with you! Email [email protected]

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Episode Resources:

National Research Council. 2007. Nutrient Requirements of Horses: Sixth Revised Edition. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.

_______________________________

• Love the podcast? Leave a rating and review on Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/.../beyond-the-barn/id1541221306
• Leave a rating on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/3dmftQmwLKDQNueUcCJBZa
• Have a topic idea or feedback to share? We want to connect with you! Email [email protected]
• Share our podcast and learn more about our co-hosts at our Beyond the Barn podcast page
• SUBSCRIBE to the Beyond the Barn podcast email to be an exclusive insider!
• Find us on Apple, Spotify or Google Podcasts and SUBSCRIBE, so you never miss an episode.

_______________________________

• Check out the Standlee Barn Bulletin Blog
• Find more nutritional resources from Dr. Stephen Duren and Dr. Tania Cubitt at https://www.standleeforage.com/nutrition/ 
• Connect with Standlee on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok