Trees can be beautiful in the Fall but those pretty leaves and seeds may be toxic to your horse. In this episode of Scoop and Scale, we sit down with Dr. Krishona Martinson, Professor and Equine Extension Specialist at the University of Minnesota, to talk about poisonous plants and how to keep horses safe.

You’ll learn:

• Some common trees, shrubs and pasture plants that are poisonous
• Why some plants are more dangerous than others
• Symptoms to watch for if your horse ingests something toxic  
• What to do if you suspect poisoning
• How to manage your pastures reduce risks
• What to do if there are toxic weeds in your hay 
• Practical steps you can take to prevent exposure in everyday settings

A must-listen for horse owners who want peace of mind heading into fall and all year round. 

To learn more about Dr. Krishona Martinson click HERE

 UMN Equine Extension Program Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/UMNExtEquine  

 UMN Equine Extension website: https://extension.umn.edu/horse/horse-pastures-and-facilities#plants-that-can-be-harmful-in-the-pasture-1241413 

 UMN Equine Extension YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgKrdVlbGmFtwWDqlI_h87Q  

UMN Poisonous Plant Poster https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16G3KaV2jP/ 

UMN Poisonous Plant Book: https://bookstores.umn.edu/product/book/plants-poisonous-or-harmful-horses-midwest-book-2020-edition 

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

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What does it really mean to be an equine nutritionist, and how can horse owners tell if the advice they’re getting is coming from an appropriately qualified expert? In this episode, Jill and Dr. Clair Thunes are joined by Dr. Rachel Mottet of Legacy Equine Nutrition to discuss the often confusing world of equine nutrition credentials.

In this episode we discuss:

-Why “Equine Nutritionist” is not a protected title and what that means for horse owners
-The difference between formal degrees (BS, MS, PhD) and non-credentialed programs
-Why some PhDs believe the term “equine nutritionist” should be reserved for doctoral-level professionals
-What to ask before hiring someone to evaluate your horse’s diet
-The role of certified equine nutrition advisors and how they differ from nutritionists
-How to spot red flags when seeking nutrition advice online 
-Practical steps to ensure you and your horse gets expert, evidence-based nutritional guidance

If you’ve ever wondered how to separate expertise from opinion in equine nutrition, this episode will give you the tools to make informed decisions for your horse’s health.

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

Thanks for riding along with us!

Ever found yourself in the feed store (or deep in a late-night Google search) wondering if there’s a better horse feed out there for your equine partner? With so many options and so much marketing jargon, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. In this episode, we take you through how to read and understand horse feed labels, so you can cut through the noise and make confident, informed choices for your horse’s nutrition.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- Why a feed's name can be misleading
- How to find and understand the feed's purpose statement 
- What the guaranteed analysis really tells you 
- Why reading an ingredient list beyond the first few items is important
- Why feeding rate and bag weight can drastically change the real cost per day
- Common marketing buzzwords and product names designed to sway your decision (and how to look past them).

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear framework to evaluate your horse feed so you can confidently answer the question: Is this the right feed for my horse? 

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

Thanks for riding along with us!

In this episode of Scoop & Scale, we explore the practical and nutritional role of hay pellets and cubes in the equine diet. Typically associated with senior horses with poor teeth or as a carrier for supplements, these hay alternatives have so many more uses and benefits. This is especially true during hay shortages, evacuations, or when managing specific health issues like equine asthma or free fecal water syndrome.  In this episode we discuss:

- When pellets or cubes are necessary alternatives to hay
- The difference between hay pellets and hay cubes
- Why hay pellets may offer better digestibility and nutrient absorption than hay
- Common myths around "processed" feed and fiber content
- Practical tips on feeding during emergencies and ways to improve feeding time     

If you're rethinking your forage options or just want a deeper
understanding of hay pellets and cubes, this episode will give you the
insight and confidence to feed smarter.

Mentioned in this episode:

Ep. 38: Body Weight, Condition Scoring and Equine Nutrition
https://scoopandscale.com/ep-38-body-weight-condition-scoring-and-equine-nutrition/ 

Ep. 49: Beyond Diarrhea: Identifying and Managing Free Fecal Water
Syndrome (FFWS) in Horses
https://scoopandscale.com/ep-49-beyond-diarrhea-identifying-and-managing-free-fecal-water-syndrome-ffws-in-horses/ 

Pre-Vent Feeder https://youtu.be/VVUMjg5ENc4?si=i4HghUJKBy99QBbq

iFeed Automatic Feeder https://ifeednaturally.com/ 

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

Thanks for riding along with us!

Is short grass really sweeter? Is tall grass actually safer for
metabolic horses? Or have we been grazing on myths?  In this powerful,
research-backed episode, we sit down with Dr. Michelle DeBoer of
Equine, PhD, the voice behind the viral post that ignited over 1,500
likes, 400+ comments, and 1,200 shares—and shook up everything we
thought we knew about grass height, NSC (non-structural
carbohydrates), and sugar intake in horses.

We dive into:
-What current research really says about grass height and NSC levels
-How time of day, weather, and pasture management impact sugar content
-Why warm- vs. cool-season grasses behave differently
-Why maturity doesn't always mean "safe" when it comes to NSC
-Why forage testing and horse-specific data matter more than social media myths
-How the equine research system works—and why more support is desperately needed

Whether you're managing a pony with metabolic issues, a performance horse on
turnout, or just want to feed smarter with science, this episode will
challenge what you know and empower you to make more informed decisions.

Don’t miss the original post that inspired this episode:
Tall Tales About Short Grass – Evaluating the Role of Grass Height & NSC Levels
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16sC8Xeqoo/

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

Thanks for riding along with us!

Lately, we've noticed a growing number of horse owners online seeking advice on how to feed “forage-based” diets. But are they already doing this without realizing? 

In this episode, we dig into:

- what constitutes a forage-based diet and how to know if you are feeding one
- why terms such as “forage-based”, “grain-free” and “carb-free” when it comes to equine diets can be misleading
- why using the wrong language can lead you to make unnecessary changes to your horse's diets, waste your time and potentially cause you unnecessary stress 
- how using these terms incorrectly opens the door for misinformation and falling prey to misleading marketing

When it comes to equine nutrition, details matter. This includes how, and what words are used to describe our horse's diets. If you've ever felt confused by some of these nutrition buzzwords, or just want to make sure you aren't being misled, this episode is for you. 

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

Thanks for riding along with us!

In our last episode, we explored how horses manage their body temperature and what happens when they experience heat stress. Now, we're diving into how to adjust their diet during hot weather! In this episode we discuss:

• hay adjustments to reduce metabolic heat, 
• the impact of high-protein diets on hydration, 
• whether or not your horse needs a biotic,
• and so much more!

Plus, we'll cover crucial summer nutrients like chromium, the difference between salt and electrolytes, and how to manage electrolyte needs. We'll also share tips for safe feed storage and the importance of keeping those feed tubs clean!

Kemin Chromium for Horses https://www.kemin.com/na/en-us/markets/animal/products/kemtrace-chromium/horse#KTCRFINDNOW 

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

Thanks for riding along with us!

Join us as we dive into how horses handle hot weather and the internal changes they undergo when stressed by the heat. We answer critical questions about horse physiology in high temperatures. We'll explore why horses get hot, how they regulate their body temperature, and what happens when they can't. Other important topics discussed include:

• sources of heat stress, 
• natural cooling strategies, 
• signs of overheating and what to do, 
• how heat stress negatively impacts your horse's gut,
• inflammatory and immune response to heat stress,
• just how much electrolyte your horse is losing when he sweats,
• how exercise compounds heat stress,

This episode is crucial for understanding how heat negatively impacts your horse even when everything looks just fine.  

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

Thanks for riding along with us!

In this episode, cover the secrets of equine coat health, from shedding season struggles to the crucial nutrients found in spring pastures. Discover why vitamin E levels matter, even when they seem "normal," and how to choose the right fats and oils, including the benefits of omega-3s over corn and soy oil. We'll also explore the importance of trace minerals like copper, zinc, and manganese, and how to ensure your horse is getting the most bioavailable forms. Plus, get practical tips on effective washing techniques, debunking biotin myths, and addressing issues like sunburn, hives, and tail rubbing. Whether you're battling summer bleaching or simply aiming for a gleaming coat, this episode has the expert advice you need.

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

Thanks for riding along with us!

In this episode, we explore the frustrating condition known as Free Fecal Water Syndrome (FFWS) in horses. If you’ve ever dealt with your horse passing brown liquid before or after manure, you know this condition and how challenging it can be. Join us as we welcome back Dr. Phoebe Smith DVM, DACVIM, (an internal medicine specialist), to help us understand what FFWS is, how it's diagnosed, and effective management strategies. Specifically we discuss:

• the differences between FFWS, loose manure, and diarrhea, 
• the various potential causes of this condition, from diet changes to individual horse variability
• common myths around breeds that are more at risk
• when you need to consider calling your vet
• typical diagnostic approaches, and treatment strategies
• dietary changes and supplements that might be beneficial
• whether this condition requires treatment if your horse is otherwise happy and healthy.

You can find more information about Dr. Phoebe Smith and Riviera Equine Internal Medicine & Consulting HERE

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

Thanks for riding along with us!