Beyond the Barn

On this episode, host Katy Starr chats with Mike Toberer, founder of Mountain Mule Packers and Mission Mules about:
 

• Unique differences between horses and mules on tough terrain
• The worst mistake new packers make and how to avoid it
• How their efforts in the Hurricane Helene response changed their purpose

From his early days navigating the Sierra Nevada Mountains to training elite military teams and delivering life-saving supplies after Hurricane Helene, Mike shares how mules do more than carry gear, they carry purpose.

🎧 Listen now on the Beyond the Barn podcast

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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Other related podcast episodes – 

• Ep. 080: Why Every Horse Owner Needs an Emergency Disaster Plan: Expert Tips with Dr. Briana Hamamoto
• Ep. 066: Learning How to Hunt with Mules with Clay Newcomb
• Ep. 030: Donkeys, Mules and Hinnies, Oh My! How Their Nutrition Is Different

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Connect with Mike and the Mountain Mule Packer/Mission Mules team – 

• Facebook - @mountainmulepackersranch  | @missionmules
• Instagram - @mountainmulepackers  | @missionmules
• TikTok - @mountainmulepackerranch  | @mountainmule
• YouTube - @MissionMules

Website - 

https://missionmules.org/  |  https://mountainmulepackers.com/

• 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 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.

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• Check out the Standlee Barn Bulletin Blog
• Find more nutritional resources from our PhD equine nutritionists at https://www.standleeforage.com/nutrition/
• Connect with Standlee on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok

On this Part 2 episode, co-hosts Dr. Tania Cubitt and Katy Starr continue their conversation with Dr. Erica Macon, assistant professor of equine science at Texas A&M University, diving deeper into practical nutrition and management for horses with PPID and insulin dysregulation, including:

• The results of Dr. Macon’s study on Standlee pelleted forage and insulin response
• Whether feeding one pound of ration balancer at once could trigger a laminitic episode
• Why feeding lean metabolic horses is more complex than it seems
• What recent research says about seasonal spikes in insulin and winter laminitis risks

They also discuss the importance of building a trusted horse care team, realistic timelines for results, and how small management shifts can make a big difference in long-term health.

🎧 Listen now on the Beyond the Barn podcast, to take a smarter, more proactive approach to horse care.

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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Nutritional resources from past episodes – 

• Ep. 095: Metabolic Horses Aren’t Always Fat - Here’s What No One Tells You - Part 1
• Ep. 088: NSC, Sugars, Starches, Fructans – Are They Good or Bad for Horses?
• Ep. 084: How to Help Your Horse with Cushing’s Disease
• Ep. 057: How to Prevent and Manage Laminitis
• Ep. 006: Successful Strategies to Help Limit NSC (aka Sugars and Starches) in Horse Diets
• Ep. 005: Are Horses Carbohydrate Sensitive?

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Connect with Dr. Erica Macon via email at [email protected] or visit her university page at https://animalscience.tamu.edu/people/macon-erica/

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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 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 our PhD equine nutritionists at https://www.standleeforage.com/nutrition/
• Connect with Standlee on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok

On this Part 1 episode, co-hosts Dr. Tania Cubitt and Katy Starr have a conversation with Dr. Erica Macon, assistant professor of equine science at Texas A&M University, to talk about the challenges of managing equine metabolic disorders, including:

• Why horses that appear lean can still be at risk for metabolic issues
• The differences between insulin resistance and insulin dysregulation
• Common misconceptions about “low NSC” feeds
• How subtle signs like a cresty neck can indicate underlying problems

And be sure to tune in to Part 2, which will release June 17th, where Dr. Macon shares the results of how Standlee pelleted forage impacts insulin levels in metabolic horses, potential feed management ideas that could help metabolic horses, and we discuss how and why horses might get laminitis in the winter.

🎧 Listen now on the Beyond the Barn podcast!

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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Nutritional resources from past episodes – 

• Ep. 088: NSC, Sugars, Starches, Fructans – Are They Good or Bad for Horses?
• Ep. 084: How to Help Your Horse with Cushing’s Disease
• Ep. 057: How to Prevent and Manage Laminitis
• Ep. 006: Successful Strategies to Help Limit NSC (aka Sugars and Starches) in Horse Diets
• Ep. 005: Are Horses Carbohydrate Sensitive?

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Connect with Dr. Erica Macon via email at [email protected] or visit her university page at https://animalscience.tamu.edu/people/macon-erica/

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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 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 our PhD equine nutritionists at https://www.standleeforage.com/nutrition/
• Connect with Standlee on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok

When something’s wrong with your horse, how quickly would you catch it?

On this episode, co-hosts Dr. Tania Cubitt and Katy Starr break down the vital signs of a healthy horse and how understanding your horse’s “normal” can help you recognize subtle changes before they become serious (or expensive) problems.

They cover:

• What’s considered normal for a horse’s temperature, pulse, and respiration
• How travel, exercise, stress, and seasonal changes can affect vital signs
• What signs suggest your horse might be in distress, even if they “look fine”
• Why being proactive with horse care helps you avoid costly emergencies

Don’t wait for a health scare to start paying attention. Learn how to stay one step ahead and become your horse’s strongest advocate!

🎧 Listen now on the Beyond the Barn podcast, to take a smarter, more proactive approach to horse care.

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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Nutritional Resources – 

~7:32 – “Can You Identify Normal Horse Vital Signs?” blog post with helpful infographic

~23:14 – “Ep. 065: What Can Happen If Horses Don’t Drink Enough Water” podcast episode

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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 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 our PhD equine nutritionists at https://www.standleeforage.com/nutrition/
• Connect with Standlee on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok

When it comes to horse nutrition, understanding energy is key to building a healthier, more resilient equine partner.

On this episode, co-hosts Dr. Tania Cubitt and Katy Starr discuss important insights into horse energy needs, including:

• What “energy” actually means for horses and why it’s different than you might think
• How carbohydrates, fats, and fiber each contribute differently to a horse’s energy supply
• How to match energy intake to your horse’s work level and body condition

Whether you're feeding a top competitor or a trail partner, this conversation will give you more confidence in what and how you're feeding your horse.

🎧 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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*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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Supporting Resources – 

• ~19:30 – Discussing lower critical temperature in horses, knowing how much extra digestible energy is needed in the diet to keep warm in the colder temperatures and then also in windy and rainy conditions - Ep. 024: Why Horses Need to Be Fed Differently During Winter podcast episode
• ~20:21 – National Research Council. 2007. Nutrient Requirements of Horses: Sixth Revised Edition. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/11653.

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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 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 our PhD equine nutritionists at https://www.standleeforage.com/nutrition/
• Connect with Standlee on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok

What if the key to solving your horse’s lingering hoof issues isn’t a different supplement or shoe, but a completely different way of looking at their feet?

On this episode, co-hosts Dr. Tania Cubitt and Katy Starr and guest Dr. Sammy Pittman, a veterinarian, farrier, and equine podiatry expert, discuss how the environment, biomechanics, and nutrition all play a role in horse hoof soundness, including:

• What’s really happening when horse hooves chip, crack, or flare
• Why "fixing" conformation can sometimes do more harm than good
• How over-supplementing might be hurting your horse more than helping

Whether you're managing a high-level performance horse or a trail riding horse, this episode is packed with practical takeaways to help you support soundness and build stronger hooves - from the inside out.

🎧 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. Sammy Pittman on:

• Facebook - @innovativeequinepodiatry
• Instagram - @innovativeequinepodiatry
• TikTok - @innovative.equine
• Websites

1. Innovative Equine Podiatry and Veterinary Services
2. Creative Equine Solutions, LLC
3. Horse Science AnatomyWorks

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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 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 our PhD equine nutritionists at https://www.standleeforage.com/nutrition/
• Connect with Standlee on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok

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
• 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 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 our PhD equine nutritionists 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.*

_______________________________

• 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 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 our PhD equine nutritionists 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 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 our PhD equine nutritionists 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 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 our PhD equine nutritionists at https://www.standleeforage.com/nutrition/
• Connect with Standlee on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok