Fat is one of the most misunderstood parts of a horse’s diet, yet it can be a powerful tool for weight gain, health, and performance. In this episode, we break down the most common fat sources for horses, how they differ, and when you should (or shouldn’t) use them. From rice bran and flax to oils, seeds, and supplements, we cut through the confusion so you can make informed feeding decisions.

You’ll learn:

• The fundamental differences between different kinds of fat
• How omega-3 and omega-6 fats impact health and inflammation
• Which fat sources offer the best balance
• Pros and cons of rice bran, flax, chia, canola, coconut, hemp, and more
• Why some horses benefit from EPA/DHA sources like fish oil
• How to choose the right fat based on your horse’s needs

A clear, practical guide to feeding fat the right way. Let’s dive in.

Link to the article from Kentucky Equine Research discussed in the show https://ker.com/published/type-of-polyunsaturated-fatty-acid-supplementation-affects-red-blood-cell-fatty-acid-composition-in-exercised-thoroughbreds/?highlight=omega%203%20  

For 10% of Kentucky Equine Research supplements click here https://shop.ker.com/scoop or the use discount code SCOOP at check out

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com

Thanks for riding along with us!

It’s officially Thanksgiving week which means Black Friday deals, holiday chaos, and the perfect time for our annual Favorite Things Episode! 

Whether you’re powering through barn chores, traveling to see family, or braving the holiday madness, this episode is here to keep you company. Jill and Clair are sharing their 2025 favorite equine and barn-life essentials—from tack cleaning must-haves and barn organization tools to cozy clothing and practical gear that actually makes life with horses easier.

Looking for gift ideas for your barn friends? Want to treat yourself to something that sparks a little joy? There’s truly something for everyone. 

Tune in and discover a few new favorites to brighten your winter season! 

 No sponsorships, no commissions, no affiliations - just products we genuinely love and use. 

 
Rompf Evelyn breech 

Duluth Trading Women's Flexpedition Lined Straight Leg Pants 

Epona Tacknology Sponge

Extend-A-Reach
Promo code: scoopandscale20
20% off entire order
Minimum purchase of $50.00
Can’t combine with other discounts
Active from Nov 24 to Dec 1 (1 week)

Hemlock Lifeguard Hat 

Chamois Butt'r  

Flexzilla Garden Hose 

Arma Air Motion Brushing Boots
Promo code: SCOOP15 for 15% off order 
Valid until December 8th, 2025

Carr & Day & Martin Canter Mane & Tail and Dreamcoat

SmartMesh Ultimate Fly Sheet 

Flexineb  

Emily Cole Illustrations Calendar 

Harbor Freight HAUL-MASTER Magnetic Trailer Alignment Kit

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com

Thanks for riding along with us!

Beet pulp, is it a super feed or a risky choice? Used in rations for decades, beet pulp has recently become controversial and a polarizing topic in the horse world. We break down what beet pulp really is, how it fits into a balanced diet, and what the science says.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
-What beet pulp actually is and why it’s low in sugar despite its name
-Why it’s called a “super fiber” and how it supports gut health
-Whether you should soak beet pulp 
-How much beet pulp is safe to feed and what horses can benefit from beet pulp
-How beet pulp impacts calcium–phosphorus ratios and whether it causes “big head disease”
-Whether you should be concerned about  aluminum and glyphosate levels

Beet pulp doesn’t have to be confusing or controversial. Tune in as we separate fact from fiction and bring clarity to this long-debated feed ingredient.

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com

Thanks for riding along with us!

Blanket season is here and so are the annual blanketing opinion wars! 
From “my horse never wears one” to “my pony has a full winter wardrobe,” every horse owner has an opinion. But what does the science actually say about blanketing horses?

In this episode of The Scoop & Scale Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Michelle DeBoer from Equine, PhD to uncover the facts behind horse blanketing, coat growth, and thermoregulation.

Dr. DeBoer’s research reveals surprising truths about how horses handle cold, when blanketing truly helps, and why no one-size-fits-all rule exists.

 You’ll learn:

• What really triggers a horse’s winter coat to grow
• How breed, body condition, and climate affect coat thickness
• Whether blanketing can actually prevent coat growth
• Why wind and rain matter more than temperature alone
• How blanketing impacts hay intake and weight management
• When blankets help… and when they might hurt

Tune in to get practical guidance to help you make smarter blanketing decisions this winter.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168159116302192 

Reference: “Horses can learn to use symbols to communicate their preferences,” Applied Animal Behaviour Science, November 2016

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com

Thanks for riding along with us!

We are back with Kai Yun Lai, a certified equine dental professional, to further explore the powerful connection between your horse’s teeth, their diet, and digestion. 

In this episode:

• Why chewing and particle size matter for nutrient absorption
• How dental issues show up in manure & behavior
• Why poor dental health can cause weight loss
• How your horse's dental health is linked to colic, and choke risk
• Nutrition’s role in dental health, how the different things you feed and how you feed them impact your horse's teeth

Whether your horse is dropping weight, resisting the bit, just not thriving, or you want to understand the full impact of your feeding decisions on dental health, this episode examines the links between nutrition and dental health. 

To learn more about or to contact Kai Yun Lai click HERE

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com

Thanks for riding along with us!

 In part 1 of our 2 part series on the impact of equine dental health on equine nutrition, we focus on what makes equine teeth unique and why having a qualified equine dental professional as part of your horse's care team is vital to their health and well-being. Our expert guest, Kai Yun Lai, a certified equine dental provider with a master's in equine nutrition, shares invaluable insights on:

• The fascinating evolution of horse teeth over millions of years.
• How your horse's teeth change over their lifetime.
• The important roles that the different types of teeth play. 
• Common dental problems and signs horse owners should watch out for.
• The link between poor dental health and emergencies like choke and colic.
• Why annual dental checks should occur at least annually, and what a routine appointment entails.
• Key differences between equine dentists and veterinarians and what they're legally allowed to do.

Don't miss this essential episode to ensure your horse's optimal health and well-being through proper dental care. 

To learn more about or to contact Kai Yun Lai click HERE

Evolution of the Horse  Information and Graphics

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com

Thanks for riding along with us!

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 info@scoopandscale.com

Thanks for riding along with us!

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 info@scoopandscale.com

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 info@scoopandscale.com

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 info@scoopandscale.com

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 info@scoopandscale.com

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 info@scoopandscale.com

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 info@scoopandscale.com

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 info@scoopandscale.com

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 info@scoopandscale.com

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 info@scoopandscale.com

Thanks for riding along with us!

Welcome to part 2. We're revisiting the complex world of muscle myopathies, specifically focusing on Myofibrillar Myopathy (MFM) in both Arabian and Warmblood horses. If you missed our previous episodes on PSSM Type 1 and the initial breakdown of other muscle myopathies, we highly recommend you go back and catch up. In this episode Dr. Katie Young returns to help us navigate the nuances of MFM-ER in Arabians, characterized by elevated muscle enzymes and desmin aggregates, and MFM-WB in Warmbloods, which presents with performance issues without elevated enzymes. Specifically, we discuss:

• Diagnostic differences between conditions,
• The progressive nature of MFM in Warmbloods, and what it means for diagnosing younger horses versus older horses. 
• What we think the metabolic issues are that cause these conditions and how these differ significantly from PSSM, RER and MFM. 
• Specific feeding recommendations for each conditions based on their metabolic differences. 
• Common misconceptions about high-fat diets, and play a game of "Feed that Horse!" to apply what we've learned to real-life scenarios. 

Join us as we unravel the complexities of muscle myopathies and provide practical advice for managing these conditions.

https://ker.com/ – KER discount code: CT001

Kentucky Equine Research https://ker.com/nmdl/resources/ 

Pagan JD, Valberg SJ. The Role of Nutrition in Managing Muscle Disorders. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract. 2025 Apr;41(1):151-163. doi: 10.1016/j.cveq.2024.11.007. Epub 2025 Jan 27. PMID: 39875249.

https://ker.com/wp-content/uploads/The-Role-of-Nutrition-in-Managing-Muscle-Disorders-Veterinary-Clinics-of-North-America-Equine-Practice.pdf 

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com

Thanks for riding along with us!

Join Jill and Clair as they delve into the complexities of equine muscle myopathies, specifically focusing on what was once known as PSSM Type 2. In this multi-part series, they are joined by Dr. Katie Young, a leading equine nutritionist with Kentucky Equine Research. 

Together, they: 

- define all the relevant terminology

- unpack the differences between PSSM Type 2, Recurrent Exertional Rhabdomyolysis (RER), and Myofibrillar Myopathy (MFM) in both Arabian and Warmblood horses. 

- learn about how the various conditions are diagnosed, including genetic testing and muscle biopsies, 

- discover why accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment

- learn what exactly is going on in the muscles of horses diagnosed with these conditions.

Whether you're an owner of an athletic horse or simply interested in equine health, this series provides essential insights into these challenging conditions.

Additional information - Equine Neuromuscular Diagnostics Lab Resources

Glossary of terms discussed in the episode:

Exertional Rhabdomyolysis (ER -) - “tying-up” associated with exercise that causes a syndrome of muscle pain/cramping and damage to muscle tissue

Type 2 Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy (PSSM2-ER) - the form of PSSM that causes elevated muscle glycogen but that is not caused by the GYS1 mutation. It is brought on by exercise and results in elevated muscle enzymes and is now termed type 2-ER (PSSM2-ER).

Recurrent Exertional Rhabdomyolysis (RER) -  is an intermittent form of tying-up in horses the cause of which appears to involve an abnormality in intracellular calcium regulation.

Myofibrillar Myopathy (MFM) -  a new disease previously categorized as PSSM2, particularly in Arabian and Warmblood horses, is a genetic condition that describes abnormal build-up of desmin in muscle tissue.

Myofibrillar Myopathy with Exertional Rhabdomyolysis MFM-ER - Myofibrillar Myopathy associated with exercise and elevated muscle enzymes found in Arabian Horses

Myofibrillar Myopathy without Exertional Rhabdomyolysis MFM-WB - Myofibrillar Myopathy that does not result in elevated muscle enzymes. Associated with exercise intolerance predominantly in Warmblood Horses

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com

Thanks for riding along with us!

Grazing muzzles are extremely valuable tools when needing to regulate a horse’s pasture intake. However, many horse owners feel guilty about the prospect of turning their horse out in a grazing muzzle. In this episode Jill and Clair explain the benefits of grazing muzzles and why they can improve your horse's quality of life. 

We dive into:

- how much grazing muzzles reduce grass consumption 
- choosing the right type of muzzle 
- proper fitting techniques,
- how to introduce it positively to your horse
- common challenges, unexpected benefits and so much more!

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com   

Links discussed in the show:

Facebook Group Slow Feed Solutions, Grazing Muzzles & More

Thinline - use code sands10 for 10% off your order of any grazing muzzle or muzzle accessories

GG Equine - use code SCOOP15 for 15% off muzzles and muzzle accessories. One use per customer. Code expires 5/31/25

Tough1 - https://www.tough1.com/training/muzzles.html 

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com

Thanks for riding along with us!

Having pasture for horses is considered by many to be the horse's ideal living situation. But it's not as simple as just putting your horse in the pasture and walking away if you want not only your horse to thrive but your pasture to as well.  Quality pasture takes active management and is a constant balance of gazing, resting, weeding, mucking and more. If you are thinking of creating healthy thriving pastures or feel like you are losing the war against weeds, tune in.

In this episode we are joined by Laura Kenny, Equine Educator at Penn State Extension.  Laura shares her expertise in pasture management as we discuss:

-continuous and rotational grazing styles

-overgrazing what it is and how to avoid it

-pasture manure management

-how and when to overseed

-weed management

-and so much more!

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com    

Links discussed in the show:

Pasture Evaluation Disc https://extension.psu.edu/pasture-evaluation-equine-pasture-evaluation-disc 

Bag test https://extension.psu.edu/are-my-forages-dead-or-dormant 

Penn State Extension Equine Pasture and Environment Management https://extension.psu.edu/animals-and-livestock/equine/pasture-and-environment-management?tab=default 

To learn more about rotation grazing https://extension.psu.edu/how-to-make-rotational-grazing-work-on-your-horse-farm 

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com

Thanks for riding along with us!

Tying-up is a muscle condition in horses that has long plagued owners. From random one off episodes on warm sunny days to recurrent ones during exercise tying-up can result from many causes. Some, like Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy (PSSM1) are the result of a genetic condition that affects muscle metabolism, leading to muscle stiffness and pain. In this episode we discuss:

- what defines recurrent tying-up

- causes and symptoms of tying-up

-breeds affected by PSSM 1

-how to test for PSSM 1

-appropriate feeding programs for horses with PPSM 1

-management and exercise requirement for horses with PSSM1

-and so much more!

To learn more about the United States Pony Club HERE  

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com   

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com

Thanks for riding along with us!

Whether the result of heavy rain or snow melt, this time of year many horse facilities are struggling with mud. In this episode we explore practical tips and expert insights on managing mud and manure on your horse property. From improving facility drainage and minimizing mud in high-traffic areas to creating clean, dry spaces where your horses can eat and relax, we've got you covered.

This week’s special guest Alayne Blickle from Horses for Clean Water joins Dr. Clair and Jill and shares her expertise on mud and manure management as well as advice on protecting waterways. We cover topics including:

• what mud actually is
• why mud is not your horse's friend
• things to do when you already have mud in high traffic areas
• common mud mitigation mistakes
• where to put your manure pile
• how to ensure that your manure pile is not polluting waterways
• how to manage drainage on your facility 
• how to create mud free shelters and eating areas
• how your horse's diet may be contributing to environmental pollution
• And so much more!

To learn more about Alayne Blickle and Horses for Clean Water:

Website https://horsesforcleanwater.com/  

Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/HorsesForCleanWater 

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/horsesforcleanwater/?hl=en   

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com

Thanks for riding along with us!

Proper nutrition is critical for successful horse reproduction. Mares require a balanced diet with adequate energy, protein, vitamins and minerals to support optimal reproductive function. During pregnancy, nutritional demands increase although not as much as many people believe. The greatest nutritional demands are during lactation. Research shows that the mare's diet during conception can impact the future health and athletic ability of her foal.  Stallions also require a balanced diet to fuel reproductive exertions and maintain optimal fertility. In fact there may be ways to improve semen quality through nutrition. In this episode we discuss:

-Ideal body condition in the mare for increasing chances of conception

-How to improve semen quality in stallions 

-How energy and other nutrient requirements change during pregnancy

-Which dietary nutrients are linked to developmental orthopedic conditions in foals

-How nutrient demands increase during lactation and how to meet them

-Best hays for broodmares

-And so much more!

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com  

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com

Thanks for riding along with us!

Winter months can be tough on hooves! Whether you're battling mud, snow, freezing temperatures, or dealing with hoof conditions like laminitis and thrush, we've got you covered. Join us for an expert-led discussion featuring Dr. Sammy Pittman, DVM an equine podiatry specialist, as we explore practical tips and solutions for winter hoof care. Whether your version of winter is warm and wet or snow and ice, Dr. Pittman shares practical advice on how to keep your horse's hooves in great shape this winter. Tune in and listen as we discuss the following:

• What happens to hooves in wet conditions
• Thrush, how it develops and how to treat it
• The risks of obesity to hoof health
• Winter laminitis and how it differs from laminitis at other times of year
• Hoof sealants and dressings
• How to stop snow balls in your horse's hooves
• The pros and cons of pulling shoes in winter
• And so much more!

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com  

Dr.  Sammy Pittman

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/innovativeequinepodiatry 

Innovative Equine Podiatry https://www.innovativeequinepodiatry.org/ 

https://www.horsescience.com/contact-8

https://www.facebook.com/horsescienceanatomyworks 

https://shopmyces.com/

Products 

Pitty Putty https://shopmyces.com/collections/hoof-care/products/iepvs-pitty-putty

Kera-Prep https://shopmyces.com/collections/hoof-care/products/kera-prep-hoof-hardener

HydroHoof https://redhorseproducts.com/shop/hoof-care/hydrohoof/  

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com

Thanks for riding along with us!

Severe winter weather always raises concerns among horse owners regarding the management of various cold weather challenges and the proper care of their horses.  What counts as severe depends on where you live but no matter the location the biggest concerns tend to relate colic risk and weight loss. In this episode we discuss:

• how to keep your horses hydrated when their water is freezing
• whether feeding more hay or grain is best to maintain body condition in cold weather
• the importance of salt for hydration
• why horses are at greater risk for impaction colic when temperatures freeze
• How your horse can use their diet to keep warm
• Why blankets can help reduce your feed bill
• Plus tips on how to make winter barn chores more manageable
• and so much more!

Do you have questions about your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com 

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com

Thanks for riding along with us!