The Equine Connection Podcast

How the Heck Do I Feed This Horse: Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)

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 horses with EMS, focusing on balancing caloric intake, non-structural carbohydrates, and overall nutrient needs. The episode also addresses common questions and concerns from horse owners about managing this condition.

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

How Does Stress Impact Nutritional Needs?

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 events. The episode also covers the role of specific nutrients and antioxidants in counteracting oxidative stress, the energy demands of the immune system during stress, and the significance of gut health in managing stress. 

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

How the Heck Do I Feed This Horse: Travel & Fitness

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 provides practical tips for ensuring horse well-being and successful adventures.

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

Does My Fat Horse Really Need Grain?

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, using grazing muzzles, and weighing hay to maintain optimal equine health. Listeners are encouraged to reach out for personalized advice and explore the variety of resources available through Tribute Equine 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

How the Heck Do I Feed This Horse: Seasonal Diet Changes

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 the intricacies of adjusting feeding programs based on environmental changes and the importance of monitoring a horse's body condition regularly. Listeners are encouraged to reach out with their own questions and experiences.

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

 

Why Fecal Egg Counts for Horses are Important

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, and the use of pre and probiotics to support the horse's GI tract. Practical advice on performing fecal egg counts and working with veterinarians is also provided.

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

 

How the Heck Do I Feed This Horse: Mallenders & Sallenders

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 like hyperkeratosis, particularly prevalent in spring due to wet conditions and mites. The team also explores how proper nutrition, grooming, and the use of specific supplement ingredients, including biotin and omega 3 fatty acids, can support skin health and overall well-being in horses, debunking misconceptions about diet restrictions related to protein and starch intake. They underscore the importance of comprehensive care and nutrition to tackle these challenges effectively.

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

 

Do's and Don't of Soaking Horse Feed & Hay

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 pellets, and beet pulp, emphasizing the need to avoid nutrient loss and prevent mold and bacteria growth. She also covers the significance of monitoring soaked feed in various climates and offers tips on handling hay for metabolic horses, suggesting alternatives like tested low-NSC forages and stressing the importance of post-soaking care to ensure safety and nutritional adequacy. The episode wraps up by acknowledging the reality of choke in horses, stressing thorough post-feeding checks to catch and manage choke incidents quickly.

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

 

Constant Comfort® Gut Health Paste for Horses

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 during travel or stressful events, offering a quick and effective way to support a horse's digestive system. The episode dives into the details of the Constant Comfort® system, which includes a supplement and a block, in addition to the new paste.

Each product's ingredients and their benefits are discussed, including a comparison between the new paste and other gut health products, like UlcerGard. It is stressed that the Constant Comfort® products, including the paste, are supplements with natural ingredients designed for buffering stomach acid and supporting the stomach lining, rather than drugs. The episode also addresses practical considerations for using these products in a horse's daily routine and in response to their stress levels, providing a comprehensive overview for horse owners on enhancing their horse's gut 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

 

Importance of Calcium/Phosphorus Ratios in Horses

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 properly assess and adjust the equine diet, considering the potential for nutritional imbalances that could lead to conditions like developmental orthopedic disorders (OCDs) and big head disease.

The conversation also covers the risks of overfeeding calcium through high-alfalfa diets, the potential of phosphorus deficiency, and the significance of correct nutritional planning from gestation onwards to foster healthy growth and minimize developmental issues. Dr. Rambo advocates for testing forage as a proactive measure in equine nutrition management.

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