Shows
Happy Horse Nutrition29. Strip Grazing for Horses: How to reduce pasture intake safely and support weight controlWhen used well, strip grazing becomes one of the most effective tools for managing weight, preventing laminitis and protecting pasture. In this episode of the Happy Horse Nutrition Podcast, Dr Nerida walks through exactly how strip grazing works in real life, why it matters and how to tailor it to your climate, pasture growth stage and horse’s body condition.Drawing on published research, decades of practical experience and her own track-plus-strip system at home, Nerida explains how to move fences strategically, when to increase or decrease allocations, why early-morning moves matter in spring and how straw can...
2025-12-0232 minHappy Horse Nutrition28. Feeding your horse for an amazing coatA glossy coat isn’t just about looks — it’s a window into your horse’s inner health.In this episode, Dr Nerida takes you through some of the reasons coats lose their shine — from seasonal changes and mineral imbalances to sun bleaching and plain old horse individuality. Learn why copper and zinc are non-negotiables, how diet balance drives coat brilliance, and why balanced diets and good ol’ fashined patience often outshine any supplement.Whether your horse is looking “rough around the edges” or you’re chasing that moonlit gleam, this episode helps you feed and manage for healthy...
2025-11-2540 minHappy Horse Nutrition27. Horse Nutrition Q&A: Ryegrass Staggers, Mycotoxins, Grain Processing & Faecal pHDr. Nerida and Orla are back with another Q&A episode that tackles everything from freaky behaviour on ryegrass and mycotoxin binders to a virtually unknown reason your horse might be completely off its feed, plus, how to tell if your grain is safe to feed.What You’ll Learn:• The early signs of ryegrass staggers (and why some horses go totally “goblin mode” 👻)• Which pasture mycotoxins are most dangerous and how to manage them• Why mycotoxin binders don’t work the same for all toxins—and when they do work brilliantly• The truth about cooking grai...
2025-11-1845 minHappy Horse Nutrition26. Feeding ‘Marey Mares’: What to Feed and Avoid for Behaviourally Challenging MaresJoin Dr. Nerida as she tackles a listener question about feeding “marey mares” — those behaviourally expressive, sensitive, frequently moody, often brilliant mares. This solo Happy Horse Nutrition episode explores why behaviour challenges in mares are rarely caused by specific feed ingredients — and are almost always rooted in gut health, management, or pain.What You’ll Learn:• Why hindgut health is THE most important nutrition factor in mare behaviour 🐴• How the gut-brain axis influences temperament via dopamine and B-vitamin production 🧠• Why feeding hay before riding is non-negotiable for sensitive mares• The 3 things all mares need for stable mental h...
2025-11-1128 minHappy Horse Nutrition25. Breaking the Horse Nutrition Mold: How Ciaron Maher Racing are Challenging Status Quo in Australian Thoroughbred RacingDiscover how Ciaron Maher Racing (CMR) is pushing the boundaries in the Australian thoroughbred racing industry and breaking away from traditional nutrition strategies. In this in-depth conversation, PhD equine nutritionist Dr. Nerida sits down with Katrina Anderson (Sports Science Lead) and Josh Kadlec-Cavanagh (Head of Data and Performance) to reveal the data-driven approach that's challenging decades of traditional feeding practices. The trio discuss:Why feeding less grain (but more digestible grain) leads to better racehorse performanceThe critical role of hindgut microbiome health in racing successHow faecal pH monitoring allows them to fine tune their f...
2025-11-041h 12Happy Horse Nutrition24. Ingredient Variety and Why it Matters in Horse NutritionJoin Dr. Nerida as she explores why ingredient variety is absolutely critical for your horse's health. In this episode, which comes complete with Lucky the Goat 🐐anecdotes, Dr Nerida reveals the three reasons diverse diets keep horses healthier, happier, and more resilient - and why feeding just one or two ingredients is putting your horse’s health at risk. What You'll Learn:Why horses chew bark and fences (and what it tells us about their diet)The THREE critical benefits of ingredient variety: balanced nutrients, toxin dilution, and microbiome diversityHow different forages and feed ingredi...
2025-10-2847 minHappy Horse Nutrition23. The Guardian Mindset: How Horse Nutrition Impacts Welfare & PerformanceJoin equine nutritionist and Happy Horse Nutrition host Dr Nerida as she sits down with renowned nutritionist and Grand Prix dressage rider Liz Owens to discuss the FEI's ‘Be A Guardian’ initiative and the critical role nutrition plays in horse welfare.In this comprehensive episode, Liz shares her extensive experience working with Olympic equestrian teams and competing at the highest levels of dressage. Together, they explore:The single biggest feeding mistake horse owners make (and how to fix it)Why 24/7 forage access should be non-negotiable for horse welfareThe truth about horse allergies and unnecessary supplementsHow proper nutr...
2025-10-2156 minHappy Horse Nutrition22. Horse Nutrition Q&A: Omega-3, PSSM, and AnhidrosisJoin Dr. Nerida and Orla for a rapid-fire Q&A session (well, maybe not rapid fire, but fast moving!) tackling listener questions on omega-3 supplementation, PSSM tying up, and solving anhidrosis in hot climates. Complete with ‘Friends’ references and an ‘Irish joke’, this episode also manages to deliver some practical, science-based answers to real-life horse feeding challenges.Dr. Nerida reveals the research based, post-work rehydration formula (90 grams salt to 10 liters water) that keeps horses drinking after competition and why it is also critical to offer fresh water! She explains why excess protein depletes electrolytes through urination, and shares d...
2025-10-1449 minHappy Horse Nutrition21. Does my horse need a supplement?Confused about which supplements your horse actually needs? In this comprehensive episode, PhD equine nutritionist Dr. Nerida cuts through the marketing noise to reveal what's essential, what may be useful, and what's likely a waste of money.Discover why salt is the one non-negotiable supplement every horse must have access to—and why compressed salt blocks might not be the best option. Learn when electrolytes are truly necessary (and the critical water access rule you must follow), plus get the inside story on hoof supplements, gut health products, mycotoxin binders, and bone mineral supplements.Nerida sh...
2025-10-0755 minHappy Horse Nutrition20. Horse Nutrition Q&A: Free Faecal Water Syndrome, Fibre Diversity & Putting Weight on Thin BroodmaresJoin professional equine nutritionist Dr Nerida and friend and horse industry colleague Orla for another engaging Q&A session. In this episode, we dive deep into free faecal water syndrome in horses—exploring fecal transplants, microbiome programming from dam to foal, and the crucial role of fibre diversity in gut health.Discover why paint horses are more prone to free fecal water, how stress impacts the condition, and whether gut supplements really help. We also tackle the sometimes controversial topic of feeding palominos to prevent smutting (and the possible health compromises involved).Plus, get expert ad...
2025-09-3034 minHappy Horse Nutrition19. Does My Horse Need Grain?Join PhD equine nutritionist Dr. Nerida as she tackles one of horse owners' most pressing questions: does my horse actually need grain? This comprehensive equine nutrition episode breaks down the science behind horse grain feeding, revealing why most horses don't need grain at all - and the specific cases where they do.What You'll Learn:The ONLY reason to feed grain to horses (it's simpler than you think)Which horses should NEVER have grain (insulin dysregulation, PPID, metabolic syndrome)How grain feeding can cause laminitis, colic, behavioral issues, and gut dysbiosisThe "Absolutely Not...
2025-09-2344 minHappy Horse Nutrition18. How Much Hay Does My Horse Need?Discover the answer to one of the most common questions asked by horse owners worldwide: how much hay does my horse actually need? PhD equine nutritionist Dr. Nerida reveals why this seemingly simple question has life-or-death consequences for your horse's health and performance.What You'll Learn:The deadly consequences of underfeeding hay and how it causes colic, gastric ulcers, and behavioral problemsThat horses evolved to eat 18 hours per day and what happens when we disrupt thisDr. Nerida's recommended hay amounts: 2-3% of body weight daily (that's 10-15kg for a 500kg horse)The critical 4-hour rule...
2025-09-1649 minHappy Horse Nutrition17. Back Health: Keeping Your Horse Pain-Free with Dr. Nicolle WiechulaIs your horse experiencing back pain? In this eye-opening episode, equine sports medicine specialist Dr. Nicolle Wiechula and your host Dr Nerida McGilchrist dive deep into everything you need to know about horse back health.Dr. Nicolle, a registered specialist in equine sports medicine and rehabilitation and official FEI veterinarian, breaks down the "triad" of back health: proper exercise, pain management, and nutrition. You'll discover simple exercises like carrot stretches and trot poles that can transform your horse's muscle support, plus why the source of protein in your horse's diet makes all the difference.In t...
2025-09-091h 11Happy Horse Nutrition16. Horse Nutrition Q&A: Winter Feeding, Pastures Problems & Weight ManagementDr. Nerida and Orla are back! And in this Q&A, they dive into some of the trickiest horse nutrition topics—because let’s face it, feeding horses isn’t always straightforward.Tune in as they explore:Calcium deficiencies in horses grazing lush, fertilized pasture and why lucerne (alfalfa) may be your best friendFeeding in wet, cold weather—how rain-soaked pasture can lead to weight loss in weanlings and what to do about itManaging overweight, unmotivated horses (the ones that just won’t get their go forward going forward!)—with smart die...
2025-09-0246 minHappy Horse Nutrition15. All about laminitis - keeping your horse safeIf you own a laminitis-prone horse or pony you know well the anxiety this condition creates for us as horse owners! In this essential episode, Dr. Nerida explains why a change in season creates the 'perfect storm' for laminitis - from the science behind how cold nights and sunny days cause dangerous carbohydrate accumulation in pasture plants, to the insulin dysregulation that affects 90% of laminitis cases.Learn the critical early warning signs every horse owner should know, including how to check digital pulses (your horse's best early detection system), and discover Dr Nerida’s game-changing 'fire blanket' ap...
2025-08-2645 minHappy Horse Nutrition14. Do Joint Supplements for Horses Even Work? Part 2In this evidence-first episode, Prof. Brian Nielsen (Michigan State University) and graduate researcher Renee Harbowy join me to unpack what we really know—and don’t—about glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM. We trace the research history (hello, cell culture studies), talk frankly about why high-quality equine trials are rare, and look at a clever, blinded field study run at an all-girls riding camp with ~80 horses on site.You’ll hear how horses were screened and balanced into supplement vs placebo groups, what was measured (stride length, flexion tests, IMU-based symmetry), and why lameness naturally fluctuates enough that you can...
2025-08-1959 minHappy Horse Nutrition13. Do Joint Supplements for Horses Even Work? Part 1In this evidence-first episode, Prof. Brian Nielsen (Michigan State University) and graduate researcher Renee Harbowy join me to unpack what we really know—and don’t—about glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM. We trace the research history (hello, cell culture studies), talk frankly about why high-quality equine trials are rare, and look at a clever, blinded field study run at an all-girls riding camp with ~80 horses on site.You’ll hear how horses were screened and balanced into supplement vs placebo groups, what was measured (stride length, flexion tests, IMU-based symmetry), and why lameness naturally fluctuates enough that you can...
2025-08-1258 minHappy Horse Nutrition12. Horse Nutrition Q&A: Ulcers, Soy, Nitrates & More with Nerida and OrlaJoin Dr. Nerida McGilchrist and long-time friend and fellow horse industry veteran Orla for a lively and insightful Q&A. With decades of combined experience—ranging from pasture sampling to product development—these two dive deep into real-world horse nutrition challenges.In this episode, we unpack: • When (and when not) to use omeprazole in horses • Why nitrate testing in hay should be standard practice • The truth about soy as a protein source for horses • Practical, low-cost strategies to support gut health and safe weight lossWhether you're a racehorse t...
2025-08-0541 minHappy Horse Nutrition11. How to Measure Hindgut Health in HorsesHow can you tell if your horse’s hindgut is healthy—or heading for trouble? In this episode, Dr Nerida explains three practical and science-backed ways to assess hindgut health: manure scoring, faecal pH, and microbiome testing. Learn how each method works, what to look for, and how these insights can help you determine if your horse’s hindgut and the microbes who live there are healthy, or not!Get your manure scoring cheat sheet here: https://www.myhappy.horse/manurescoring Discover and download the MyHappy.Horse app: https://www.myhappy.horseIf you enj...
2025-07-2925 minHappy Horse Nutrition10. Four Rules for a Healthy Hindgut in HorsesYour horse’s hindgut microbes are the key to their health, happiness, and performance. In this episode, you’ll learn the 4 essential feeding rules that support a healthy hindgut—and why those rules matter more than any gut supplement.Before you spend money on gut health products, make sure your horse’s diet is doing the basics right. It’s simple, practical, and based on science.Discover and download the MyHappy.Horse app: https://www.myhappy.horseIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review! It really helps us to get grounded, scie...
2025-07-2250 minHappy Horse Nutrition9. Your horse’s hindgut microbes and their impact on... everything!Want to unlock better health and performance for your horse? Start with the gut!In this episode, microbiologist Dr Belinda Chapman guides us through the fascinating world of your horse’s hindgut microbes — who they are, what they do, and why they matter. From the basics of the microbiome to emerging science on how gut bugs shape behaviour, health, and performance, this one’s a must-listen for any serious horse owner.More about Quantal Bioscience: https://www.quantalbioscience.com/Hindgut microbe testing (species specific): https://www.equigi.com/homeDiscover and download...
2025-07-151h 31Happy Horse Nutrition8. Horse nutrition Q&A - ulcers, anxiety and weight lossUlcers, anxiety, and weight loss In this Q&A episode, Dr Nerida tackles real-world feeding challenges: what hay to choose for a horse with ulcers, how to support an anxious mare, and what to feed a Shetland that’s dropping weight (and yes! Who knew this was even possible!! 😂). Practical advice for keeping horses happy and healthy.Discover and download the MyHappy.Horse App: https://www.myhappy.horseIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review! It really helps us to get grounded, science-based information to horse...
2025-07-0221 minHappy Horse Nutrition7. Drought Feeding for Horses - Part 2Protect your horse from the inside out.Drought conditions increase the risk of ulcers, sand colic, and digestive upset — but smart feeding can reduce the danger. In this episode, Dr Nerida shares practical tips to keep your horse’s gut safe, happy, and functioning well when forage is scarce.The pellet I mention that can help with sand removal is: https://eacanimalcare.com/products/in-sand-out-intestinal-sand-removal-pellet Discover and download the MyHappy.Horse App: https://www.myhappy.horseIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a...
2025-06-2337 minHappy Horse Nutrition6. Drought Feeding for Horses - Part 1Feeding through drought? Here’s what your horse really needs.Drought can be overwhelming — but your feeding choices can make all the difference. In this episode, Dr Nerida shares expert, practical advice to help you keep your horse healthy, nourished, and mentally sound through tough times. Learn which hays are safe, how much to feed, and why vitamin E capsules and carrots might just be drought essentials.Discover and download the MyHappy.Horse App: https://www.myhappy.horseIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review! It really helps us to get grounde...
2025-06-1038 minHappy Horse Nutrition5. Feeding horses when you’re away from homeFeeding on the road? Don’t leave your horse’s gut behind.In this episode, Dr Nerida breaks down exactly how to feed during multi-day competitions to support performance, health, and wellbeing. Smart strategies for stress-free travel, happy guts, and horses that perform at their peak.Discover and download the MyHappy.Horse App: https://www.myhappy.horseIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review! It really helps us to get grounded, science-based information to horse owners… and it is their horses who benefit the most!
2025-05-3023 minHappy Horse Nutrition4. Bone health and horses with Dr Brian NielsenDid you know that our traditional exercise and management regimes of performance horses can contribute to a decline in bone health? And may even lead to catastrophic bone injury! Learn how to keep bone healthy with world leading equine exercise physiologist Dr Brian Nielsen, Michigan State University and Dr Nerida as they discuss Dr Nielsen’s research into bone health that spans the last three decades.Find the full scientific review here: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/13/5/789Find out more and download the MyHappy.Horse App here: https://www.myhappy.hor...
2025-05-241h 21Happy Horse Nutrition3. Feed lucerne (alfalfa) hay to your horse before you rideLucerne before riding? Absolutely — and here’s why.In this episode, Dr Nerida explains how feeding lucerne (alfalfa) hay before exercise can help protect your horse’s stomach from acid splash and ulcers. Especially important for horses in regular work, this simple strategy could make a big difference to your horse’s comfort, behaviour and gut health.Discover and download the MyHappy.Horse App: https://www.myhappy.horseIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review! It really helps us to get grounded, science-based information to horse owners… and it is their horses wh...
2025-05-1330 minHappy Horse Nutrition2. A journey down the gastrointestinal tract of the horseA horse's gastrointestinal tract is unique and complex. In this episode, Dr Nerida demystifies the horse's gut!Discover and download the MyHappy.Horse App: https://www.myhappy.horseIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review! It really helps us to get grounded, science-based information to horse owners… and it is their horses who benefit the most!
2025-05-0553 minHappy Horse Nutrition1. Feed your horse like a horseHonouring our horses' ancient gutIn this episode, Dr Nerida talks about feeding your horse, like a horse... We can't (and shouldn't) fight 55 million years of evolution.Learn about horse's gastrointestinal tract and how it influences the way we should feed them. There are plenty of easy-to-use feeding tips that will help keep your horse healthy and happy. Spoiler... it has a lot to do with forage!Discover and download the MyHappy.Horse App: https://www.myhappy.horseIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave u...
2025-04-2442 min
Ultimate Equine PodcastEp 43. Nutrition Mini Series Part 1: Formulating a diet with Dr Nerida McGilchristWe are joined by the lovely Dr Nerida McGilchrist to talk all things Equine Nutrition! Nerida has a PhD in equine nutrition, has published lots of research on equine nutrition and works with high level competition and race horses around the world. One of her passions is educating horse owners about how to feed their horses for both every day wellness and particular nutrition related conditions. In Part 1 of this 4 part mini series, Nerida breaks through the confusion of formulating a diet for your horse. What are the critical elements? Do you need to add supplements? How...
2025-01-1455 minUltimate Equine PodcastEp 44. Nutrition Mini Series Part 2: Building muscle using nutrition with Dr Nerida McGilchristWe are joined by the lovely Dr Nerida McGilchrist to talk all things Equine Nutrition! Nerida has a PhD in equine nutrition, has published lots of research on equine nutrition and works with high level competition and race horses around the world. One of her passions is educating horse owners about how to feed their horses for both every day wellness and particular nutrition related conditions. In Part 2 of this 4 part mini series, Nerida discusses how we can use nutrition to help our horses build muscle and top line. She explains the building blocks of protein, all...
2025-01-1435 minUltimate Equine PodcastEp 45. Nutrition Mini Series Part 3: Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome and Nutrition with Dr Nerida McGilchristWe are joined by the lovely Dr Nerida McGilchrist to talk all things Equine Nutrition! Nerida has a PhD in equine nutrition, has published lots of research on equine nutrition and works with high level competition and race horses around the world. One of her passions is educating horse owners about how to feed their horses for both every day wellness and particular nutrition related conditions. In Part 3 of this 4 part mini series, Nerida explains the important role nutrition has when it comes to Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome. We talk about how horses have developed over the...
2025-01-1433 minUltimate Equine PodcastEp 46. Nutrition Mini Series Part 4: The Gut Microbiome with Dr Nerida McGilchristWe are joined by the lovely Dr Nerida McGilchrist to talk all things Equine Nutrition! Nerida has a PhD in equine nutrition, has published lots of research on equine nutrition and works with high level competition and race horses around the world. One of her passions is educating horse owners about how to feed their horses for both every day wellness and particular nutrition related conditions. In Part 4 of this 4 part mini series, Nerida explains to us: what is the gut microbiome? Why is it such a hot topic right now and what research is coming out...
2025-01-1433 min
LIVING WITHOUT FEAR110. Living Without Fear & Be Kind To Ourselves | With Helena Zachariassen & Esther BuerkiHelena Zachariassen is a Lifestyle Coach, certified KonMari Consultant, and a passionate believer in living a healthy, sustainable, and happy life with less.
Blending her Nordic values, her passion for interior beauty, and her life coaching mindset with the famous KonMari Method® of tidying and choosing joy, she strives to empower and inspire people to create unique and life-changing transformations. Helena helps to simplify and declutter every area of our life so that we can design a minimalist life(style) with maximal purpose.
https://myhappy-home.ch/
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2022-03-2428 min
The Savvy ScribeEpisode 108: 6 Steps to Build Confidence to Stop Doing the Same Thing With Amanda ChilsSend us a textOur today’s guest is Amanda Chils, host of Root of Power Podcast and owner of Live MyHappy Health, a therapist that does mindset coaching, confidence empowerment, and teaching people how to be happy.She will share some steps to build your confidence and for you to stop doing the same thing and get NOTHING from it. She sees you trying every morning ritual, vitamins, and piece of advice from every “influencer” out there, only to feel like a failure when you finally give up. It’s not your fault; you didn’t f...
2021-06-0857 min