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

Although often considered a solution for overweight equines, the truth is, slow feeders can offer enrichment to all horses. By helping to mimic more natural grazing behaviours these feeders can be a tool to help combat boredom as well as to help manage calorie intake. Making horses work a little harder for their food has many benefits but not all enrichment needs to involve food. In this episode we take a good look at the following:

- slow feed nets
- slow feeders that do not require nets
-  things to consider when introducing slow feeders
- how to get your barn owner on-board with slow feeders
- how to slow the consumption of grain
- the benefits of track systems
- stall toys

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Gastric ulcers can be a frustrating and costly burden for horse owners to manage, which is why any experienced equestrian who has had to deal with this debilitating condition is highly motivated to prevent them from reoccurring. For those who have been fortunate enough to avoid this affliction thus far it makes sense to take steps to try to avoid having your horse having them. As an equine nutritionist a large number of my clients are people whose horse has been diagnosed with gastric ulcers and in particular recurring ulcers. Often they are looking for a supplement that can offer support but while supplements may help the bigger picture requires a more extensive review of how their horse is being managed.

In this episode dive deeper into:
- why forage intake is key to gastric health
- different types of forage and how to use them to reduce ulcer risk
- why high starch grains are not ideal for horses at risk of gastric ulcers
- gastric buffers and how best to use them
- ingredients aimed at coating the stomach lining or making it more robust
- management issues that can be a big deal but are often overlooked
-and so much more!

Through a multipronged approach targeting diet, management, and supplementation, owners can significantly reduce the risk of their beloved horses having to deal with this all-too-common ailment, allowing them to maintain peak performance and overall well being.

 Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at [email protected]

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In this episode we delve into one of the most pressing concerns for horse owners: managing equine gastric ulcers. Many owners reach out to Dr. Clair for help managing their horses diagnosed with equine gastric ulcers, especially chronic and recurrent cases.  In this episode we are joined by guest Dr. Phoebe Smith DVM DACVIM, Veterinarian and Internal Medicine Specialist at Riviera Equine Internal Medicine and Consulting in California. Dr. Phoebe helps us to understand this complex condition while Dr. Clair shares her personal experiences and frustrations of managing ulcers after facing them firsthand with her own horses. Join us as we explore the symptoms, causes, and effective management strategies for equine gastric ulcers. Whether you're a seasoned equestrian or a new horse owner, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you navigate this tricky condition.

In this episode we cover
- signs that your horse might have gastric ulcers;
- why scoping is the ultimate diagnostic;
- squamous vs glandular gastric ulcers;
- drugs commonly used to treat gastric ulcers and why one size does not fit all;
- important considerations on when and how to give these drugs;
- how to tell that it's ok to stop treating;
And so much more!

Tune in and empower yourself with knowledge to better support your equine companion!

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at [email protected]  

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Feeding senior horses especially over the winter can be a challenge as many lose condition over these colder months.  Some senior horses require different approaches to feeding to ensure their needs are met as what worked in their younger years may not work any more. Chewing can become a challenge requiring frequent dental care and the possibility of needing alternative feed forms. Additionally some senior horses may benefit from supplements like joint support or digestive aids due to arthritic changes and less efficient digestion. By understanding these needs, paying close attention to their diet, overall health and living situation we can help senior horses live happy and fulfilling lives.

In this episode we discuss:
When does a horse become a senior horse;
What is any special nutrient requirements senior horses have;
What senior feeds are and when they may be necessary;
Other alternative feed forms that may benefit senior horses;
Dental needs and limitations senior horses;
How pain may impact your senior horse's body condition;
If and when to use blankets with your senior horse;
And so much more!

 Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at [email protected]  

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Feed labels are the informational panels found on the backs of feed bags or seen in to the bottom seem. These labels provide a wealth of important details about the contents and composition of the feed, allowing horse owners to make informed decisions about how the feed might meet the nutritional needs of their horse. While the majority of these labels share a lot of information about the specifics of the feed such as the ingredients included and the amounts of various nutrients such as protein, fat, fiber, they also omit some surprising things.

In this episode we discuss:
-the legally required label information;
-who decides what must be on a label;
-how to use ingredients lists to understand the feed;
- what nutrients are guaranteed and how to use this information;
-the measurements units often used on feeds;
-feeding directions why they can make or break whether a feed will work for your horse;
-answer listener feed label questions;
-and so much more!

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at [email protected] 

Thanks for riding along with us!

Many horses are fed hay at some point during the year. Whether only in winter when pastures are sparse or year round due to lack of pasture access, hay is a vital source of nutrition for your horse and a major investment for you. This is the time of year when many owners are making decisions on the type of hay they will feed for the next year and are filling their hay barns. But what type of hay is right for your horse, how do you tell if it's good quality and what are the differences between the different types? In this episode we discuss:

-Different types of grass hay and their different nutritional properties;
-How legume hays like alfalfa differ from grass hay;
-Which horses benefit from legume versus grass hays;
-How maturity at cutting impacts the hay's nutritional value;
-What happens when hay is baled when it is too wet;
-Hays you should avoid feeding;
-Pros and cons of large versus small bales;

And so much more!

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at [email protected]   

Thanks for riding along with us!

With more and more knowledge of the importance of gastrointestinal health on our horse's entire health, an ever increasing number of feeds and supplements on the market claim to support gut health. Prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics have become commonly utilized ingredients but what exactly are they and does your horse need them? 

In this episode we discuss:

- what prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics are and the difference between them;
- what they actually do;
- when horses might need them in their diet;
- reasons why they don't always work;
- how to pick a quality gut health feeds and supplements;

And so much more!

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at [email protected]  

Thanks for riding along with us!

Maintaining optimal weight and peak performance in horses, especially those used for high-intensity athletic activities, can be a delicate and ongoing challenge for even the most experienced equestrian. Throughout the various seasons and demands of the competition calendar, a horse's nutritional and exercise needs are in constant flux, requiring vigilant monitoring and adjustment to ensure they retain their competitive edge. Factors like changes in training load, seasonal shifts in forage quality, and the stresses of travel and competition can all contribute to weight loss and performance deficits. It can be difficult to strike the perfect balance. Even when a horse is maintaining their weight, these stressors can lead to subtle changes in muscle tone, energy levels, and overall attitude that impact performance.

In this episode we discuss these factors and others that may contribute to loss of weight and performance in our competition horses and share steps you can take to keep your equine athlete in top form.

If you have questions about feeding your horse, please email us at [email protected] 

Thanks for riding along with us!

In part 2 of our 2 part series Behind the Scenes at the Summer Games

Dr. Clair talks to Dr Joe Pagan owner and President of Kentucky Equine Research (KER). In addition to doing equine nutrition and exercise physiology related research work, KER have also sourced the feed for the last 7 Summer Games. 

They discuss: 
- how teams coordinate getting the feed their horses need to the games; 
- how you find enough carrots and other behind the scenes Games related stories; - the ground breaking research KER has done over the past 30 years; 
- what Dr Pagan wishes all horse owners would keep in mind when feeding their horses;

And so much more.

 Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at [email protected] 

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Wonder what goes on behind-the-scenes and what it takes to get horses to major international competitions?  In this episode Dr. Clair and Michelle are joined by Max Corcoran, a freelance groom, equestrian event organizer, and former longtime member of the O’Connor Event Team.  Max shares what it’s like to manage horses on the U.S. Equestrian Team as they travel to international competitions. 

You will learn about:

• The role of an elite professional groom.
• Essentials she always packs for the horses under her care.
• The importance of nutrition for elite equine athletes and the challenges of shipping feed to other countries.
• How horses are transported internationally.
• Paperwork, paperwork, paperwork (we bet that isn’t what comes to mind when you think about grooms!).
• The thing she always forgets (and her riders really need!).
• And more!

Thanks for riding along with us!