The Equine Connection Podcast

In this episode, Dr. Nicole Rambo and Sarah focus on understanding heat stress in horses, including its risk factors, prevention strategies, and the impact of diet on heat generation. They discuss the physiological signs of heat stress, from mild symptoms like rapid breathing and excessive sweating to severe cases that can lead to organ damage or death. They also emphasize the importance of acclim...

In this episode Dr. Nicole Rambo and Heather explore and react to various trending TikTok horse feeding hacks. They assess the safety and effectiveness of different tips, which include feeding carrots and ice cubes as summer treats, adding molasses to make feed more palatable, using vegetable oil for quick weight gain, incorporating beet pulp for weight gain, relying solely on salt blocks, soaking...

In this episode of the Equine Connection Podcast, Dr. Nicole Rambo and Sarah dive into the crucial topic of protecting equine health during transportation. The discussion covers the stress and physiological impacts of trailering on horses, including elevated cortisol levels, heart rate, and blood sugar. They examine the effects of short versus long-distance hauling and provide research-backed reco...

In this episode, Dr. Nicole Rambo and Heather explore horse nutrition misconceptions circulated on social media. They debunk myths such as 'natural is always good,' 'high protein diets impact horses negatively,' 'horses can thrive on forage and salt alone,' and many more. The experts explain the importance of a balanced diet tailored to modern horses' needs, the role of synthetics in nutrition, an...

Dr. Nicole Rambo and equine Specialist Sarah focus on nutritional strategies to reduce inflammation in horses. The discussion covers the importance of understanding inflammation, its causes, and its impact on horses, particularly performance and aging horses. Dr. Rambo highlights the significance of a balanced diet, the role of specific nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids, and the impact of forage...

In this episode Dr. Nicole Rambo and Heather focus on best practices for horse feed storage. Heather addresses a common customer question about the safety and effectiveness of storing horse feed in Ziploc bags and provides detailed advice on how to store different types of feed, including high-fat supplements and medications. They discuss the importance of moisture control, feed rotation, and ensu...

In this episode, Dr. Nicole Rambo and Sarah delve into the intriguing topic of horse manure. The conversation covers the importance of monitoring manure for signs of health and nutrition issues in horses. They discuss what healthy manure should look like in terms of texture, color, and odor, and explain how factors like diet, stress, and hydration can affect it. The episode also explores how chang...

In this episode, Dr. Nicole Rambo and Heather discuss effective fly control strategies for horses. They review a case study where a customer inquires about feeding Essential K and looking into fly control options for her Fjord horse. The conversation covers the use of insect growth regulators like ClariFLy, comparing the efficacy of Essential K with fly control versus free-choice blocks, and safet...

In this episode we dive into the common causes and potential solutions for back soreness in horses. We discuss how nutritional factors like protein quality, antioxidants, and magnesium can contribute to or alleviate back pain. Additionally, we explore other potential contributors to back soreness, including poor saddle fit, stress, ulcers, joint discomfort, and neurological conditions like EPM. Th...

In this episode, Dr. Nicole Rambo and Heather discuss a case study involving two insulin-resistant horses. They delve into the dietary management of these horses, addressing concerns about high protein intake and its impact on insulin levels. The conversation also explores the misinterpretation of research studies and the importance of a comprehensive understanding of dietary components. They offe...

In this episode Dr. Nicole Rambo and Sarah delve into the complex world of equine nutrition by breaking down common marketing terms found on horse feed labels. They explain the meanings and nutritional implications of terms such as 'crude protein', 'low NSC', 'super fibers', 'chelated minerals', 'soy-free', 'high fat', 'gut health', and 'ration balancers'. The episode emphasizes the importance of...

In this episode Dr. Nicole Rambo and Sarah discuss how nutrition affects horse behavior and learning. Key topics include the influence of glucose on the equine brain, the effects of sugar and starch on hyperactivity, and the role of various nutrients like magnesium and B vitamins in nervous system function. They also explore the gut-brain axis and its impact on mood and behavior, dietary issues th...

In this episode, Dr. Nicole Rambo and equine specialist Heather focus on a case study involving a quarter horse yearling displaying symptoms of undernutrition, despite having adequate calorie intake. The client noticed the horse had a potbelly, slow growth, poor muscling, and joint swelling. The discussion emphasizes the importance of not just meeting calorie requirements but also ensuring proper...

This week Dr. Rambo and Sarah discuss effective nutritional strategies for optimal growth and development in young horses. Highlighting the importance of proper diet starting in utero, they delve into key nutrients, the impact of various feeding methods, and ways to prevent developmental orthopedic disorders (DODs). The episode covers the nutritional needs of different horse breeds and practical a...

Dr. Nicole Rambo and Heather focus on an older gelding in a lesson program experiencing topline loss and moodiness. The hosts explore potential causes, emphasizing the importance of nutrition. They recommend addressing the horse's dietary needs with a ration balancer and Constant Comfort Plus for gastric support, leading to noticeable improvements in the horse's behavior and condition after 60 day...

Dr. Nicole Rambo and Sarah discuss essential nutritional strategies for post-exercise recovery in horses. They delve into the importance of high-quality proteins, amino acids like lysine, and adequate calorie intake for muscle repair. The episode also covers the significance of antioxidants such as Vitamin E and Selenium, hydration, electrolyte replenishment, and holistic nutritional plans to supp...

Dr. Nicole Rambo and equine specialist Heather discuss the case of a 7-year-old quarter horse preparing for trail riding season. They delve into diet adjustments needed for transitioning from winter to summer, focusing on maintaining weight and muscle mass. Key topics include the differences in dietary requirements for off-season and peak trail season, dealing with hyperactivity linked to sweet fe...

This episode delves into the nutritional needs of horses across various riding disciplines, from eventing and dressage to racing and western pleasure. They discuss how to balance the dietary requirements for different types of energy, muscle support, and recovery while considering individual horse variations. The podcast reassures listeners that customization is key and offers personalized feeding...

Dr. Nicole Rambo and equine specialist Heather delve into Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM) in horses. They address a customer's concern about whether EPM can be contracted from feed, explore the causes, symptoms, diagnostics, and treatment of EPM, and discuss the likelihood of feed contamination. They also provide insights on long-term management, nutritional support, and practical ways to...

Dr. Nicole Rambo and Sarah discuss the transition of horses onto spring pasture grasses. The conversation covers the importance of careful planning and monitoring during this period, including reasons for caution, the physiological and mental changes in horses, and effective transition schedules. They also delve into factors such as weather fluctuations and how they impact grass sugars, as well as...

This week Dr. Rambo and Heather discuss recent updates to some of Tribute's best-selling equine feeds. They introduce two new technologies, Uptake Technology and Constant Comfort Technology, aimed at improving nutrient absorption and supporting gastric health. They provide insights into the benefits of probiotics, digestive enzymes, and phospholipids included in the new formulations. The episode a...

Dr. Nicole Rambo and Equine Specialist Sarah discuss the importance of supporting horses nutritionally during conditioning. They begin by defining equine conditioning and its impact on different horse body systems, detailing how various types of fitness demand customized conditioning programs. They explore the genetic advantages of certain breeds like Thoroughbreds and the significance of muscle f...

In this episode, the discussion is on a case study on Lyme disease in horses. Dr. Rambo and Heather focus on a nine-year-old quarter horse undergoing treatment for Lyme disease, highlighting nutritional strategies and supportive care to manage the disease. Key points include understanding Lyme disease transmission and symptoms, diagnostic methods, treatment protocols, and the importance of balance...

In this episode, the focus is on debunking myths and affirming facts related to insulin resistance in horses. This episode covers a comprehensive 'fact or fiction' game, addressing key issues such as the relationship between insulin resistance, laminitis, and founder, appropriate feeding practices, the impact of exercise, and the hereditary factors of metabolic disorders. Key takeaways include the...

In this episode, equine nutritionists Dr. Nicole Rambo and equine specialist Heather discuss scenarios involving underweight and rescue horses. They highlight the importance of proper dietary management, handling dental issues, and preventing refeeding syndrome for emaciated horses. The episode features two case studies: an older horse with a deceased owner now cared for by non-horse-savvy family...