The Equine Connection Podcast

In this episode we discuss nutrition for miniature horses. We delve into a case study from a breeder concerned about ensuring the right balance of nutrients and calories for her herd, including broodmares, stallions, weanlings, and yearlings. we also emphasize the importance of scaled-down nutrient requirements for minis, the challenges of preventing obesity, and suggest specific feeding strategie...

In this episode we discuss the vital role of nutrition for performance horses, particularly during the peak show season. Dr. Rambo elaborates on why good nutrition is essential, how feeding programs should be structured for different types of performance horses, and the importance of forage. The episode also covers specific nutritional strategies for supporting gut health, muscle recovery, joint h...

In this episode the focus is on the importance of accurately measuring horse feed. The hosts discuss common issues with measuring feed by volume, such as variations in weight between different types of feed, and emphasize the importance of weighing feed to ensure horses receive the appropriate nutrients. They also provide practical tips and explain how small measurement discrepancies can impact ho...

In this episode we discuss the emerging topic of postbiotics and their benefits for horse gut health. They provide a refresher on prebiotics and probiotics, explaining their roles in supporting the digestive health of horses. The conversation delves into what postbiotics are, their potential advantages, and the current state of research on their efficacy. We emphasize the importance of addressing...

In this episode we address common questions about salt in horses' diets. Dr. Rambo discusses the different types of salt available, such as Himalayan salt, table salt, and sea salt, and emphasize that plain white salt is the most economical and effective option. Additionally, we explore whether to offer salt in block or loose form, how much to add to a horse's diet, and the importance of salt in m...

In this episode, we discuss the impact of nutrition on horses with sensitive skin, particularly during the summer months. Dr. Rambo shares her personal experience with her horses and provides insight into essential vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fats that contribute to healthy skin and coat. We delve into the role of the immune system, the importance of a balanced diet, and the benefits of omeg...

In this episode, Dr. Nicole Rambo and equine specialist Heather share a real-life case study involving a horse diagnosed with Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS). The discussion covers practical steps for dietary changes, including managing forage and grain intake, using grazing muzzles, and the importance of testing hay for sugar content. Listeners are provided with insights on managing the diet of h...

In this episode, Dr. Nicole Rambo discuss the impact of stress on the nutritional needs of horses. The conversation delves into various stress factors such as competition, travel, pregnancy, and weather, and how they affect horses' physiological state. Dr. Rambo explains the importance of maintaining a good nutritional baseline, with a focus on forage quality, to support horses during stressful ev...

In this episode, Dr. Nicole Rambo, and equine specialist Heather discuss preparing horses for trips and activities, emphasizing nutrition and fitness. They use Heather's 13-year-old quarter horse Boone as a case study, covering topics such as long-term fitness programs, diet adjustments, managing stress during travel, gut health, hydration, and packing essentials for equine trips. The episode prov...

In this episode, we discuss the common issue of overweight horses and how to manage their nutrition. The episode covers strategies for feeding horses that are overfed, the importance of finding a balance in their diet, and the role of ration balancers in providing essential nutrients without adding unnecessary calories. Dr. Rambo also provides practical tips on managing forage quality and quantity...

In this episode, Dr. Nicole Rambo and equine specialist Heather discuss common equine nutrition issues related to seasonal changes, particularly focusing on the transition from hay to spring/summer pasture. They address a case of a four-year-old gelding who gained weight with increased pasture time and the recommendation to switch from a complete horse feed to a ration balancer. They also explore...

Dr. Nicole Rambo dives into the importance of fecal egg counts for managing parasite burdens in horses. She discusses how fecal egg counts can inform targeted deworming strategies, reducing the risk of resistance to anthelmintics and promoting overall herd health. The conversation covers the timing of fecal egg counts relative to deworming, the impact of age and health on parasite susceptibility,...

In this episode Dr. Nicole Rambo and equine specialist Heather, address a listener's concern about Mallenders in feathered horse breeds, such as the Gypsy Vanner. They debunk myths around dietary needs specific to draft horses, clarifying that nutritional requirements are more influenced by a horse's life stage and activity level rather than breed. The conversation touches on common skin issues li...

This episode discusses the importance and methodologies of soaking feed for horses. The conversation highlights several reasons why owners might soak feed, including preventing choke, aiding horses with poor or missing teeth, and managing metabolic issues through reducing sugar intake in hay. Dr. Nicole Rambo provides detailed advice on how to properly soak pelleted and textured horse feeds, hay p...

In this episode, Dr. Nicole Rambo, alongside equine specialists Sarah and Heather, introduce a new product from Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition called Constant Comfort® Paste, an extension of their Constant Comfort® gut health supplement line. The Constant Comfort® line supports horse gut health, a top concern among horse owners. The paste is designed for convenience and is particularly useful d...

In this episode, the team discusses the critical role of calcium and phosphorus balance in the diets of young, growing horses, as well as pregnant mares. Highlighting the importance of maintaining a calcium to phosphorus ratio between 1:1 and 2:1, Dr. Rambo explains how this balance impacts bone development and the prevention of skeletal deformities. She emphasizes the need for hay analysis to pro...

In this episode, Dr. Nicole Rambo and equine specialists Heather and Sarah discuss a concern regarding equine liver health. They explore a case involving a nine-year-old racehorse with elevated liver enzymes and whether a diet change is necessary. The discussion covers potential causes of liver issues in horses, including viruses, parasites, unknown origins, and dietary impacts. They emphasize the...

In this episode, the discussion centers around 'emotional horse feeds' - horse feed ingredients that may cause horses to become hot, hyper, or excitable. Dr. Rambo explains how changes in diet, especially those involving sugar and starch, can significantly affect a horse's behavior. Exploring the reasons behind this, this podcast covers how diets high in sugar and starch can disrupt a horse's gut...

In this episode, we discuss the critical aspects of caring for orphan foals. The focus is on the immediate nutritional needs following the loss of their mother, emphasizing the importance of colostrum in the first 12 to 24 hours of life, options for milk replacers, and strategies for managing feeding and socialization as they grow. The experts also touch on the hypothetical scenario of transitioni...

This week, we feature a discussion between co-host Kim Brown and equine nutritionist Dr. Nicole Rambo on forage-based diets for horses. They explore what constitutes a forage-based diet, emphasizing that while forage should be the bulk of a horse's diet, it does not mean excluding other nutritional sources. Dr. Rambo addresses common misconceptions, the importance of balancing forage with other nu...

In this episode of the Equine Connection podcast, Dr. Nicole Rambo and her team introduce a new horse feed from Tribute Equine Nutrition, Synergize™ . This high-fat, low non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) blend is designed to increase the fat and fiber content in a horse's diet, while keeping low NSC levels. They contrast Synergize™ with Kalm Ultra®, another high-fat horse feed, highlighting Synerg...

In this episode of The Equine Connection Podcast, co-hosts Kim Brown and Dr. Nicole Rambo, an equine nutritionist, delve into the world of equine supplement blocks, focusing on salt, mineral, and supplement blocks available in feed stores. They discuss the importance of free-choice salt for horses and explain the differences between various colored salt blocks, including white, red, and blue, and...

In this bonus Equine Connection Podcast episode, hosted by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition, the hosts discuss the recent departure of Hygain from the U.S. market. They delve into how this affects horse owners seeking alternative feeds and offer detailed recommendations and comparisons for substituting Hygain's popular products. The discussion includes specifics on feeds like Munga, High Gain Zer...

In this week's podcast, an owner called and was worried about her 8-year-old Quarter Horse. The horse was receiving ample amounts of sweet feed, suffered from ulcers, and was a bit too energetic (spicy). Dr. Rambo and the equine experts from Tribute discuss this case, what they advised the owner, and update on how the horse is doing today. A topic for any horse owner.  You can learn more about the...

In this episode, cohosts Kim Brown and Dr. Nicole Rambo discuss ways to manage and prevent gastric ulcers in horses. They discuss the difference between drugs and supplements, where the latter is meant for prevention and ongoing support, while drugs address the disease. Dr. Rambo introduces common medications prescribed for ulcers and explains their effectiveness. They also discuss supplements, no...