Shows
Scoop & Scale: An Equine Podcast (Mostly) About NutritionEp. 48: Decoding Muscle Myopathies Part 2: Managing RER, MFM, MFM-ER, MFM-WB, PSSM2-ER;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...2025-05-121h 03Scoop & Scale: An Equine Podcast (Mostly) About NutritionEp. 47: Decoding Muscle Myopathies Part 1: Understanding RER, MFM, MFM-ER, MFM-WB, PSSM2-ER;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...2025-04-2852 minScoop & Scale: An Equine Podcast (Mostly) About NutritionEp. 46: The Power Of Grazing MuzzlesGrazing 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 s...2025-04-1457 minScoop & Scale: An Equine Podcast (Mostly) About NutritionEp. 45: Pasture Management and Rotational GrazingHaving 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 S...2025-03-311h 05Scoop & Scale: An Equine Podcast (Mostly) About NutritionEp. 44: Understanding PSSM1: Nutritional Management for Your HorseTying-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...2025-03-1746 minScoop & Scale: An Equine Podcast (Mostly) About NutritionEp. 43: Sustainable Practices for Managing Mud and ManureWhether 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 wa...2025-03-0355 minScoop & Scale: An Equine Podcast (Mostly) About NutritionEp. 42: Feeding for Fertility: The Role of Diet in Horse Breeding SuccessProper 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 c...2025-02-1753 minScoop & Scale: An Equine Podcast (Mostly) About NutritionEp. 41: Hoof Health: Navigating Winter ChallengesWinter 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...2025-02-031h 16Scoop & Scale: An Equine Podcast (Mostly) About NutritionEp. 40: Surviving in the Cold: Horse Feeding and Management for WinterSevere 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 freezingwhether feeding more hay or grain is best to maintain body condition in cold weatherthe importance of salt for hydrationwhy horses are at greater risk for impaction colic when temperatures freezeHow your horse can u...2025-01-2056 minScoop & Scale: An Equine Podcast (Mostly) About NutritionEp. 39: How to Conduct a Basic Diet Assessment on Your HorseWith your horse's estimated body weight and condition score in hand you now have what you need to move on towards assessing their diet. In this episode we discuss:how to determine what your horse's minimum forage intake should be each dayhow to determine their actual forage intakethe importance of weighing everything that you are feeding your horsehow to use the feeding directions on bagged feed along with body weight and condition to determine if you are feeding the correct kind of concentrate feedthe kinds of changes to consider making if things aren't what they should beand so...2025-01-0632 minScoop & Scale: An Equine Podcast (Mostly) About NutritionEp. 38: Body Weight, Condition Scoring and Equine NutritionBody condition scoring is an objective technique used to determine whether a horse is in optimal condition or not. When a horse's body condition is less than or more than optimal it suggests that the dietary calorie intake needs to be adjusted. Once you know if your horse's condition is optimal, knowing its weight is important so that you can determine how to feed commercial feeds and supplements correctly. Various methods exist for estimating body weight when a scale is not available. But how accurate are these methods, and how do we know if this weight is actually a...2024-12-2344 minScoop & Scale: An Equine Podcast (Mostly) About NutritionEp. 37: Protein - Important But Often Misunderstood In Equine NutritionProtein is perhaps one of the more misunderstood nutrients in the horse's diet and one that is associated with several feeding myths. Involved in every cell in the horse's body, it is certainly of vital importance and yet it's not really protein that horses need but the amino acids they contain. Join us for this episode where we take a deep dive into all things related to protein including:What protein isWhat amino acids are and why some are essentialWhy protein on product labels is titled "crude protein"Why amino acid balance is importantWhat constitutes quality proteinCommon sources...2024-12-0934 minScoop & Scale: An Equine Podcast (Mostly) About NutritionEp. 36: Our Favorite Things 2024 - Gifts for Horse LoversIt is Thanksgiving week, Black Friday Sale Week and the beginning of the Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa Countdown. To keep you company while you slowly lose your mind, we decided to do our favorite things episode. Jill and Clair share a few products that bring them delight, everything from horse treats, organization and more! Whether you are buying a gift for yourself or a horse friend, there is something for everyone.***We received no compensation and have no affiliation with any of the products mentioned***Canadian mints https://a.co/d/6yEkKt9Th...2024-11-2547 minScoop & Scale: An Equine Podcast (Mostly) About NutritionEp. 35: Slow Feeders and Other Forms of Enrichment: Not Just For Fat PoniesAlthough often considered a solution for overweight equines, the truth is, slow feeders can offer enrichment to all horses. By helping to mimic more natural grazing behaviours these feeders can be a tool to help combat boredom as well as to help manage calorie intake. Making horses work a little harder for their food has many benefits but not all enrichment needs to involve food. In this episode we take a good look at the following:- slow feed nets- slow feeders that do not require nets- things to consider when introducing slow f...2024-11-111h 08Scoop & Scale: An Equine Podcast (Mostly) About NutritionEp. 34: A Deep Dive into Equine Gastric Ulcers; Part 2 – Management and PreventionGastric ulcers can be a frustrating and costly burden for horse owners to manage, which is why any experienced equestrian who has had to deal with this debilitating condition is highly motivated to prevent them from reoccurring. For those who have been fortunate enough to avoid this affliction thus far it makes sense to take steps to try to avoid having your horse having them. As an equine nutritionist a large number of my clients are people whose horse has been diagnosed with gastric ulcers and in particular recurring ulcers. Often they are looking for a supplement that can...2024-10-2850 minScoop & Scale: An Equine Podcast (Mostly) About NutritionEp. 33: A Deep Dive into Equine Gastric Ulcers; Part 1 - Diagnostics and TreatmentIn this episode we delve into one of the most pressing concerns for horse owners: managing equine gastric ulcers. Many owners reach out to Dr. Clair for help managing their horses diagnosed with equine gastric ulcers, especially chronic and recurrent cases. In this episode we are joined by guest Dr. Phoebe Smith DVM DACVIM, Veterinarian and Internal Medicine Specialist at Riviera Equine Internal Medicine and Consulting in California. Dr. Phoebe helps us to understand this complex condition while Dr. Clair shares her personal experiences and frustrations of managing ulcers after facing them firsthand with her own horses. Join us a...2024-10-141h 07Scoop & Scale: An Equine Podcast (Mostly) About NutritionEp. 32: Senior Horse Nutrition: Tailoring Diets for Aging EquinesFeeding senior horses especially over the winter can be a challenge as many lose condition over these colder months. Some senior horses require different approaches to feeding to ensure their needs are met as what worked in their younger years may not work any more. Chewing can become a challenge requiring frequent dental care and the possibility of needing alternative feed forms. Additionally some senior horses may benefit from supplements like joint support or digestive aids due to arthritic changes and less efficient digestion. By understanding these needs, paying close attention to their diet, overall health and living situation w...2024-09-3054 minScoop & Scale: An Equine Podcast (Mostly) About NutritionEp. 31: Decoding the Essentials of Horse Feed Bag LabelsFeed labels are the informational panels found on the backs of feed bags or seen in to the bottom seem. These labels provide a wealth of important details about the contents and composition of the feed, allowing horse owners to make informed decisions about how the feed might meet the nutritional needs of their horse. While the majority of these labels share a lot of information about the specifics of the feed such as the ingredients included and the amounts of various nutrients such as protein, fat, fiber, they also omit some surprising things.In this episode...2024-09-1643 minScoop & Scale: An Equine Podcast (Mostly) About NutritionEp. 30: Understanding Horse HayMany horses are fed hay at some point during the year. Whether only in winter when pastures are sparse or year round due to lack of pasture access, hay is a vital source of nutrition for your horse and a major investment for you. This is the time of year when many owners are making decisions on the type of hay they will feed for the next year and are filling their hay barns. But what type of hay is right for your horse, how do you tell if it's good quality and what are the differences between the...2024-09-0237 minScoop & Scale: An Equine Podcast (Mostly) About NutritionEp. 29: How Prebiotics, Probiotics and Postbiotics Benefit Horse HealthWith more and more knowledge of the importance of gastrointestinal health on our horse's entire health, an ever increasing number of feeds and supplements on the market claim to support gut health. Prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics have become commonly utilized ingredients but what exactly are they and does your horse need them? In this episode we discuss:- what prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics are and the difference between them;- what they actually do;- when horses might need them in their diet;- reasons why they don't always work;- h...2024-08-1929 minScoop & Scale: An Equine Podcast (Mostly) About NutritionEp. 28: Feeding Performance Horses in the SummerMaintaining optimal weight and peak performance in horses, especially those used for high-intensity athletic activities, can be a delicate and ongoing challenge for even the most experienced equestrian. Throughout the various seasons and demands of the competition calendar, a horse's nutritional and exercise needs are in constant flux, requiring vigilant monitoring and adjustment to ensure they retain their competitive edge. Factors like changes in training load, seasonal shifts in forage quality, and the stresses of travel and competition can all contribute to weight loss and performance deficits. It can be difficult to strike the perfect balance. Even when a...2024-08-0537 minScoop & Scale: An Equine Podcast (Mostly) About NutritionEp. 27: Behind the Scenes at the Summer Games with Dr. Joe Pagan -Part 2In part 2 of our 2 part series Behind the Scenes at the Summer GamesDr. Clair talks to Dr Joe Pagan owner and President of Kentucky Equine Research (KER). In addition to doing equine nutrition and exercise physiology related research work, KER have also sourced the feed for the last 7 Summer Games. They discuss: - how teams coordinate getting the feed their horses need to the games; - how you find enough carrots and other behind the scenes Games related stories; - the ground breaking research KER has done over the past 30 years; - wh...2024-07-2259 min