For this episode, Jec invites Dr. Geoff Tucker of The Horse's Advocate to chat about equine nutrition. It’s probably our most science-oriented episode yet and it might be challenging for some. I think you will hear that Dr. Tucker’s findings agree with some things Jec and I have aired in other episodes. And what he’s saying echoes also what Dr. Erika Lacher elaborated on in Season One of our show.  

To paint in broad strokes, the message is clear. Just as processed foods and lots of sugar are not good for humans, grain isn’t good for our horses. Listen to Dr. Tucker’s analysis of why this is so. It’s a bit like confirming why having three square meals of donuts is a bad idea.

You can check out his No Grain Challenge.

I bet many of us wish we lived with our horses 100 years ago, with open range and lots of pasture. That’s not an option but there are lots of strategies we can use with nutrition, pasture management, keeping horses in groups, and other elements to can keep your horses AND your wallets healthy. So keep learning, y’all!

We thank Lucerne Farms for their sustaining sponsorship. Lucerne is a forage company based in northern Maine. Forage is chopped hay. It’s decidedly not grain and has been shown to be an excellent option when you can’t have your horse on pasture. Also, Lucerne bales, wrapped in plastic, are pretty much perfect for being on the road with horses. 

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We would like to thank Redmond Equine, Kate’s Real Food and Patagonia WorkWear for their continued support. Buy some rocks from Redmond, check out the new flavor at Kate’s and check out the WorkWear sales. Please follow these brands and buy their stuff as they support us and what we’re doing. Enter our monthly contest to win Patagonia WorkWear item to two lucky listeners.