In this episode of Talking About Horses, host Patrick King interviews Dr. Claire Tunes, an equine nutritionist, about the complexities of horse nutrition. Dr. Tunes shares her journey into the field, the importance of understanding equine digestion, and how to assess a horse's nutritional needs. The conversation covers the significance of forage in a horse's diet, methods for determining a horse's weight and body condition, and the relationship between nutrition and building top line strength in horses. Dr. Tunes emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to equine nutrition, considering both dietary components and the horse's overall health and fitness. They discuss common mistakes in feeding horses, the role of supplements, and the critical nature of vitamin E in maintaining equine health. The conversation emphasizes the need for proper dietary management and the significance of testing to ensure optimal nutrition for horses. In this conversation, Clair discusses the critical role of sodium and hydration in horse health, emphasizing the importance of proper salt intake to prevent colic and maintain performance. She explains how dehydration can significantly impact a horse's performance and the necessity of electrolytes during strenuous activities. The discussion also covers the relationship between gut health and anxiety in horses, advocating for a holistic approach to managing horse behavior and performance through diet and environmental factors. They also discuss the importance of understanding horse behavior, daily movement, and nutritional requirements. They explore how to restore gut health after illness, the roles of probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics, and the significance of managing inflammation. Clair shares valuable lessons learned in her career and offers practical tips for horse owners to ensure optimal nutrition for their horses.