The Equine Connection Podcast

Dr. Nicole Rambo and equine specialist Heather discuss a customer case in which a horse developed new white spots after a feed change, initially suspected to be dapples but identified as “bird catcher spots.” They explain that bird catcher spots are small white flecks on darker-colored horses that can appear, disappear, or multiply, are considered cosmetic and harmless, and are not caused by nutrition. However, depigmentation around the eyes and muzzle can instead be linked to issues like copper deficiency. They also review dapples, noting they require genetic predisposition but tend to be associated with good overall health and quality nutrition. 

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 

Equine nutritionist Dr. Nicole Rambo & Equine specialist Sarah explore how feeding strategies differ between aerobic horses fueled by fiber and fat, and anaerobic athletes relying more on glycogen from sugar and starch. They discuss discipline-specific nutrition, body condition scoring, and why many sport and pleasure horses thrive on lower-NSC “cool energy” diets with fat and fiber. The episode also covers metabolic risks of over-conditioning, feeding options for reiners versus hunters and trail horses, and the science behind the “second wind” in elite event horses.

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 

Vitamin E is one of the most discussed nutrients in equine nutrition today. Dr. Nicole Rambo and Heather discuss how much vitamin E your horse actually needs. In this case-study episode, the team breaks down EPM support, vitamin E safety limits, pasture intake, bloodwork interpretation, and the pros and cons of natural versus synthetic vitamin E sources. Listeners are encouraged to reach out to their team of experts for any nutritional advice or suggest a case study for a future episode. 

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 

In this episode, Dr. Nicole Rambo and Sarah explain how to safely transition horses onto spring pasture while avoiding key nutritional and metabolic risks. Spring grass differs from winter hay by being higher in moisture and often in water-soluble carbohydrates, especially after sunny days and cold nights. Horses prone to metabolic conditions face a higher risk of insulin spikes, meaning strategies like delayed grazing, grazing muzzles, or dry-lot management may be necessary rather than simply limiting time on pasture.  They also discuss a gradual transition combined with careful monitoring and sound pasture management practices, is essential to protect both digestive and metabolic health.

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 

Dr. Nicole Rambo and equine specialist Heather break down how Tribute’s personalized feeding plans are built, from detailed diet inputs and forage analysis to body condition, workload, and health considerations. They explain why asking the right questions leads to more accurate, long-term outcomes, even if it feels extensive upfront. The episode covers the most common owner questions, including gut health, feed transitions, ration balancers vs concentrates, and managing metabolic horses. They also share insights from 10,000+ cases, revealing key feeding trends, common condition misjudgments, and the most recommended products.

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 

Dr. Nicole Rambo and equine specialist Sarah discuss how nutrition supports elite horses, comparing racing’s speed demands with eventing’s stamina. They highlight aerobic vs anaerobic energy, modern feeding strategies (fat, fibre, balanced starch, and key nutrients), and the role of nutrition in recovery and injury prevention. They conclude with some quick tips for attending the Kentucky Three-Day Event in Lexington. 

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 

Dr. Nicole Rambo and equine specialist Heather cover common spring issues (dull coats, shedding, sweet itch, allergies, and inflammation) and how omega support can help. Fresh grass provides omegas, but levels drop in hay, making supplementation useful. They compare Omega Plus Oil (for calories, skin, and coat) with DHA pellets (for direct anti-inflammatory support). Dr. Rambo mentions recommendations vary by case, including sweet itch, poor-quality forage, breeding stallions, and respiratory concerns but to reach out to the Tribute team for any questions. 

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 

Dr. Nicole Rambo and equine specialist Sarah break down common herbal supplements for horses, why they’re used, and where caution is needed. They emphasize starting with the nutrition “pyramid”, with quality forage first, then balanced nutrients before turning to supplements. The episode explores ingredients like raspberry leaf, turmeric, chasteberry, and garlic, highlighting where evidence is limited or risks exist. They also warn about interactions with medications and banned substances, urging owners to involve their vet and review labels carefully.

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 

In this special episode of The Equine Connection Podcast, Tribute’s Lexi Hernandez sits down with Taylor Sheridan, the force behind Yellowstone and owner of Bosque Ranch.

Taylor shares how his work has helped fuel growth in the Western performance horse industry, along with insights into his breeding program, stallion selection, and vision for the future of the sport. He also discusses the role of nutrition in developing high-level equine athletes and why it’s foundational to performance, recovery, and longevity.

From Hollywood to horsemanship, this episode offers a unique look at how one of the industry’s most influential figures is shaping the next generation of performance horses.

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 

Dr. Nicole Rambo and Sarah discuss Lyme disease in horses, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi transmitted by black-legged ticks, and its growing prevalence in the U.S. They explain that diagnosis is challenging due to vague, variable signs such as shifting lameness, stiffness, behavioral changes, and occasional neurologic cases, with testing options including ELISA/SNAP and the Cornell Multiplex. Treatment typically involves antibiotics like doxycycline or oxytetracycline, alongside careful nutritional management. They emphasize low sugar/starch diets, separating calcium from doxycycline, supporting gut and immune health, managing inflammation with omega-3s, and using natural vitamin E with follow-up testing.

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