The Equine Connection Podcast

Do I feed a Pelleted or Textured Feed?

There are so many feed choices for horses owners that, at times, it can seem overwhelming. Then, owners are faced with an additional decision of which form of the feed to give? The two main forms of horse feeds commonly found today are pelleted feeds and textured feeds. In this week's podcast, we discuss the differences between the two. We talk about how both pelleted and textured horse feeds are processed and what the main differences are. We also mention some of the variables that may help you decide on which form of a feed to give your horses. Often, this can be simply decided by individual preference. Where you live in the world can also help dictate which form of a certain feed might be best. In the end, either form of a quality commercial feed is likely a good choice for your horse. However, there may be some outside circumstances that may lead you to choose one over the other. 

You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE

If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE

This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

 

 

What is a Complete Feed?

We have made so many advances in equine nutrition, that it seems we have a horse feed for almost any situation. Yet, it can lead to much confusion to owners on which feed to pick. This is especially true for our "complete feeds." Many companies say their feed completes their horses diet, or is just a "complete feed." Thus, in this week's podcast we explain what exactly a complete feed is. We then go into some situations in where you would possibly want to use a complete feed. Just briefly, a true complete feed is one which can be used to replace the long-stem forage portion of the diet. Because forage is the most important part of any horse's diet, we do go into detail on the why and when you could use a complete feed. We also finish off the episode on some important tips and advice on using complete feeds. 

You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE

If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE

This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Managing Horses During Changing Weather

Anytime the weather changes, it can be challenging for our horses. This is most often seen during our transitional spring and fall seasons. In this week's podcast, we highlight what changes for your horse and how they might react. A major concern is that changing weather has been linked to a higher incidence of colic. Additionally, our pastures change, how we use our horses potentially changes, and many other considerations. The bottom line is that there are many dynamic changes our horses are experiencing during this time of year. Thus, owners should be extra vigilant and practice some risk management to ensure their horses maintain their health. We discuss these topics and more, while also giving management tips and advice. 

You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE

If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE

This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

 

 

 

 

 

Interview w/Casey Deary of Deary Performance Horses

Casey Deary is recognized as one of the world's top reining horse riders and trainer. Taken from his website, Casey states he grew up in Texas riding horses, taking low-cost colts, training them and reselling them, allowing him to grow his training business. He also won the National Reining Horse Association Futurity in 2012 on Americasnextgunmodel and again in 2015 on Shesouttayourleague, and has made the finals at many major limited-age events. Casey has earned more than $1.5 Million in reining competition. He and his wife, Nicole, and their four children live in Weatherford, Texas, where he coaches youth and amateur clients to successfully work with their horses, not only in competition, but every time they ride. Casey has also been featured on television in the series The Last Cowboy, which followed his journey to the richest event in the history of Reining, The Run For A Million. We thank Casey for spending his time with us and our audience. 

You can learn more about Deary Performance Horses by vising their website HERE  

This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

 

Feeding the Senior Horse During Winter

With winter coming, it would be worth your while to review your nutrition plan for your senior horses. Generally, a senior horse is one that is older than 15 years old. However, there are many factors that can influence what we could consider a "senior horse," which we discuss. We also talk about why winter can be a tougher time for older horses when compared to our younger stock. With winter and the environmental stress associated with it, we focus in on how an older horse's dietary requirements might change. Then we give some generalities on what changes you can make to your nutritional plan to support your horses. Finally, we give some broad general tips on how to ensure you can best support your senior horses and ensure they stay healthy and happy. 

You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE

If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE

This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

 

 

 

Transition of Horse Pasture in Fall

As the cool weather begins to descend in the fall, our pastures begin to transition. During this time period, our warm season forages begin to go dormant and our cool season forages begin to emerge. This week we talk about this transition and what owners can expect. While there are many factors that will dictate when your pastures may begin to change, there are some generalities that we discuss. We also talk about how best to manage your horses through this transition. Another consideration is when our fall pastures start to become less productive and we give some tips on how to get horses through this time. One take away for any horse owner is, if you have concerns with your pastures, seek local help and advice. In the United States, owners can contact their local extension office for free assistance. 

You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE

If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE

This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

HYPP (Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis) in Horses

Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis (HYPP) is a genetic disease that has been passed down by the Quarter Horse sire Impressive. This disease can affect up to almost 5% of all Quarter Horses. It also has been documented in other QH mixed breeds, all traced back to the Impressive line. The disease itself interrupts regular muscle function and can cause a horse's muscles to involuntary twitch, or cause a horse to shake and tremble. It can be especially dangerous leading to paralysis or death.  Because diet plays a major role in managing this disease, in this podcast we discuss the proper dietary management for a HYPP horse. The major concern in potassium in the diet and thus we discuss which feeds a HYPP horse should avoid. We also share advice on which feeds would be considered appropriate and give some final management tips. 

You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE

If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE

This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

Preparing for Winter: Hay

Heading into the fall months it would be wise for horse owners to start planning for winter. One important consideration is to start procuring hay for your horses. In this week's podcast we discuss why it is important for you to start buying and storing hay for the winter. We discuss the many options available to horse owners on where and how to store their hay for the winter. We also discuss the many changes horses will experience in the winter and why diet plays such a crucial role in supporting them. We also enter the debate which is better for your horses, round bales versus square bales. Then we chat about why buying and storing large amounts of concentrate is not a good idea for the winter months. We then end the podcast discussing what options would be available to you if you did happen to run out of hay over the winter and give some advice on feeds to avoid. 

You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE

If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE

This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

Total Gut Health w/Constant Comfort

In this brief episode we discuss the launch of the Constant Comfort Total Gut Health System from Tribute® Superior Equine Nutrition and how it can benefit any horse. Anytime a routine changes for a horse, they are stressed. This can lead to stomach and hindgut upset, which can result in decreased performance, behavioral changes, weight loss, or even colic. Here we explain how the Constant Comfort system works to support your horse's gut health. We also discuss how best to use this new system.  

You can learn more about the Constant Comfort Total Gut Health System page HERE

If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE

This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

Understanding a Hay Analysis

Getting your hay tested and analyzed is an excellent tool to evaluate your horse's diet. In this week's podcast, we discuss on why you should get your hay tested. It is an affordable option, ~ $30 USD, that allows you to ensure your horse's are eating high quality hay. There are many options for you to get your hay tested, which can be found via the internet or you can ask your local extension office. The hay analysis includes many categories (listed below) and you can discuss with the lab that tests your hay what they will test for and what the results mean. If you have any questions or concerns about how to get your hay tested or what your analysis means, please contact us HERE

General categories and broad recommendations for acceptable values include:

• Moisture Content: Range 8 to 16% is acceptable. If a hay preservative is used, up to 20% may be acceptable. Above 20% hay may become moldy and endanger your horse. 
• Crude protein: will vary in range depending on type of hay. Generally, 10% and above indicates good quality hay. If lower, may consider ration balancer to ensure horse receives adequate protein. 
• Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF): evaluates digestibility and palatability of hay. A lower value is better. Generally, 30 to 35% indicates good quality hay and 35 to 40% moderate quality hay. Above 40% indicates low quality hay. 
• Neutral Detergent Fiber: similar to ADF, evaluates digestibility and palatability. Again, a lower value is better. A 40 to 50% value indicates good quality hay and 50 to 60% indicates moderate quality hay. Above 60% indicates a low quality hay. 
• Starch: generally is low in hay. Should expect less than 2%, May be higher in seeded hay like oat hay. 
• Non-structural carbohydrates (NSC): measured by adding starch value and WSC (water-soluble carbohydrates). Hays higher in NSC ~ 12% may be troublesome for metabolic horses. 
• Minerals: usually not tested or paid for. Exception would be the calcium to phosphorus ratio. For breeding mares, the Ca:P ratio should be as close to 1:1 as possible. For other horses, the ratio may range but acceptable is usually around 3:1. 
• Relative Feed Value (RFV): evaluates overall quality of hay. For horses, an RFV above 100 indicates good quality hay, with 80 to 100 a moderate quality hay. Anything less than 80 would indicate a poor quality hay for horses. 

You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE

This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition