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

Every year, natural disasters force horse owners to make critical decisions with little warning. In Part 1 of this two-part series, we cover the essential steps you can take now to prepare your horses, property, and support network before an emergency happens. In this episode, we discuss: • Why every horse needs permanent identification and up-to-date records • Building an emergency support networ...

Summer means horse shows, trail rides, vacations, and long days on the road with our horses. But are you prepared for the unique challenges that come with trailering horses in hot weather? In this episode we discuss how to keep your horse safe, comfortable, and healthy while traveling during the summer months. In this episode, we cover: • Trailer safety and pre-trip checks • Preventing heat stress...

Hay season is here! While most horse owners focus on buying and feeding hay, few have firsthand experience with what it actually takes to grow, harvest, and store quality horse hay. In this episode, Jill shares her journey from boarding barns in Arizona to purchasing hay in Colorado and ultimately becoming a hay producer in Iowa. Along the way, we discuss the realities of hay farming, the challeng...

Seasonal itching, hives, and respiratory issues: equine allergies can be frustrating, confusing, and difficult to manage. In this episode we’re joined by special guest Dr. Rosanna Marsella. Dr. Marsella is a board-certified veterinary dermatologist and professor at the University of Florida. She has authored more than 150 peer-reviewed articles, written several books and contributed to numerous ot...

Ration balancers are one of the most commonly recommended feeds in the horse world but what are they really doing, and does your horse actually need one? If your horse is living on pasture or hay looking good and maintaining weight, it’s easy to assume their diet is “complete". In reality, many diets fall short in key nutrients that support long-term health, topline, and performance. The effe...

Foal nutrition and young horse development set the foundation for a lifetime of health, soundness, and performance. From birth through weaning and into early training, feeding young horses correctly is critical, but often misunderstood. Nutrition during this stage directly impacts growth, joint health, metabolism, and long-term success. In this episode, we break down foal nutrition, weanling feedi...

 Mare nutrition plays a far bigger role in foal development than most horse owners realize and the science is now showing that what happens during pregnancy can influence a foal for life. In this episode, w e break down and explore how broodmare diet shapes foal growth, metabolism, and long-term soundness. From epigenetics and fetal programming to practical feeding strategies for pregnant mares, t...

Spring means more riding and possibly more oxidative stress for your horse. After a winter on hay, many horses may be low in vitamin E, a key antioxidant for overall health. In this episode, we cover: -What vitamin E is and why it matters -Why hay and limited pasture diets can lead to deficiency -Signs of low vitamin E and related issues -How to test and supplement correctly -Choosing the right fo...

Equine asthma is one of the most common respiratory conditions affecting horses, yet many owners miss the early warning signs. In this episode  we speak with Dr. Laurent Couëtil, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, about equine asthma in horses, including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options. Dr. Couëtil, director of the Donald J. McCrosky Equine Sports Medicine Center at Purdue University, shares his...

Cracks, chips, weak hoof walls, and soft soles are common concerns for horse owners. But do hoof supplements actually work, and does nutrition really improve hoof quality? In this episode, we break down the biology of hoof growth and explain why strong feet start with a balanced diet, not just another supplement. We cover how hooves grow, the key nutrients involved in building durable hoof horn, a...

In this episode we discuss a challenge many horse owners face: fat or overweight horses. From disciplines where a “round” horse is seen as ideal to the health risks of carrying extra weight, we cover why managing body condition matters. Our guest, Madeline Boast, MSc, PAS, equine nutritionist and founder of Balanced Bay Nutrition, shares her research on safe weight loss programs for horses and exp...

Alfalfa is one of the most debated feeds in equine nutrition, and few forages generate as many myths. In this episode, we take a science-based look at alfalfa for horses and break down where common beliefs come from and whether they are actually supported by research. We discuss protein, calcium, behavior, ulcers, and health concerns so horse owners can make informed feeding decisions based on the...

Herbal supplements are everywhere in the equine world, from gastric support and joint formulas to respiratory and calming products. But how much do we really know about herbal supplements for horses, and how well do these products actually work? In this episode, we take a look at commonly used herbs and plant compounds, separating tradition and marketing from research and real-world application. I...

Do horse joint supplements actually work or are they just expensive hope in a bucket? In this episode, we take a science-based look at equine joint supplements and the ingredients most commonly used to support joint health. In this episode, you’ll learn: -Why joint supplements are so widely used across disciplines -How cartilage, synovial fluid and healthy joints function in the horse and what hap...

This week, I’m joined by Dr. Krishona Martinson from the University of Minnesota, a leading expert in equine forage research. We take a look at her research on hay waste, what causes it, and how horse owners can significantly reduce loss and lower feeding costs. In this episode, we discuss: What research shows about hay waste across feeding methods How much hay horse owners typically waste and why...

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...

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...

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”...

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 gro...

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, a...

 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 insigh...

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 plant...

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...

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 ho...

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 f...