Scoop & Scale: An Equine Podcast (Mostly) About Nutrition

Dec 8

Fat is one of the most misunderstood parts of a horse’s diet, yet it can be a powerful tool for weight gain, health, and performance. In this episode, we break down the most common fat sources for horses, how they differ, and when you should (or shouldn’t) use them. From rice bran and flax to oils, seeds, and supplements, we cut through the confusion so you can make informed feeding decisions. You’ll learn: The fundamental differences between different kinds of fat How omega-3 and omega-6 fats impact health and inflammation Which fat sources offer the best balance Pros and cons of rice bran, flax, chia, canola, coconut, hemp, and more Why some horses benefit from EPA/DHA sources like fish oil How to choose the right fat based on your horse’s needs A clear, practical guide to feeding fat the right way. Let’s dive in. Link to the article from Kentucky Equine Research discussed in the show https://ker.com/published/type-of-polyunsaturated-fatty-acid-supplementation-affects-red-blood-cell-fatty-acid-composition-in-exercised-thoroughbreds/?highlight=omega%203%20 For 10% of Kentucky Equine Research supplements click here https://shop.ker.com/scoop or the use discount code SCOOP at check out Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com Thanks for riding along with us!

Nov 24

It’s officially Thanksgiving week which means Black Friday deals, holiday chaos, and the perfect time for our annual Favorite Things Episode! Whether you’re powering through barn chores, traveling to see family, or braving the holiday madness, this episode is here to keep you company. Jill and Clair are sharing their 2025 favorite equine and barn-life essentials—from tack cleaning must-haves and barn organization tools to cozy clothing and practical gear that actually makes life with horses easier. Looking for gift ideas for your barn friends? Want to treat yourself to something that sparks a little joy? There’s truly something for everyone. Tune in and discover a few new favorites to brighten your winter season! No sponsorships, no commissions, no affiliations - just products we genuinely love and use. Rompf Evelyn breech Duluth Trading Women's Flexpedition Lined Straight Leg Pants Epona Tacknology Sponge Extend-A-Reach Promo code: scoopandscale20 20% off entire order Minimum purchase of $50.00 Can’t combine with other discounts Active from Nov 24 to Dec 1 (1 week) Hemlock Lifeguard Hat Chamois Butt'r Flexzilla Garden Hose Arma Air Motion Brushing Boots Promo code: SCOOP15 for 15% off order Valid until December 8th, 2025 Carr & Day & Martin Canter Mane & Tail and Dreamcoat SmartMesh Ultimate Fly Sheet Flexineb Emily Cole Illustrations Calendar Harbor Freight HAUL-MASTER Magnetic Trailer Alignment Kit Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com Thanks for riding along with us!

Nov 10

Beet pulp, is it a super feed or a risky choice? Used in rations for decades, beet pulp has recently become controversial and a polarizing topic in the horse world. We break down what beet pulp really is, how it fits into a balanced diet, and what the science says. In this episode, you’ll learn: -What beet pulp actually is and why it’s low in sugar despite its name -Why it’s called a “super fiber” and how it supports gut health -Whether you should soak beet pulp -How much beet pulp is safe to feed and what horses can benefit from beet pulp -How beet pulp impacts calcium–phosphorus ratios and whether it causes “big head disease” -Whether you should be concerned about aluminum and glyphosate levels Beet pulp doesn’t have to be confusing or controversial. Tune in as we separate fact from fiction and bring clarity to this long-debated feed ingredient. Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com Thanks for riding along with us!

Oct 27

Blanket season is here and so are the annual blanketing opinion wars! From “my horse never wears one” to “my pony has a full winter wardrobe,” every horse owner has an opinion. But what does the science actually say about blanketing horses? In this episode of The Scoop & Scale Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Michelle DeBoer from Equine, PhD to uncover the facts behind horse blanketing, coat growth, and thermoregulation. Dr. DeBoer’s research reveals surprising truths about how horses handle cold, when blanketing truly helps, and why no one-size-fits-all rule exists. You’ll learn: What really triggers a horse’s winter coat to grow How breed, body condition, and climate affect coat thickness Whether blanketing can actually prevent coat growth Why wind and rain matter more than temperature alone How blanketing impacts hay intake and weight management When blankets help… and when they might hurt Tune in to get practical guidance to help you make smarter blanketing decisions this winter. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168159116302192 Reference: “ Horses can learn to use symbols to communicate their preferences ,” Applied Animal Behaviour Science, November 2016 Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com Thanks for riding along with us!

Oct 13

We are back with Kai Yun Lai, a certified equine dental professional, to further explore the powerful connection between your horse’s teeth, their diet, and digestion. In this episode: Why chewing and particle size matter for nutrient absorption How dental issues show up in manure & behavior Why poor dental health can cause weight loss How your horse's dental health is linked to colic, and choke risk Nutrition’s role in dental health, how the different things you feed and how you feed them impact your horse's teeth Whether your horse is dropping weight, resisting the bit, just not thriving, or you want to understand the full impact of your feeding decisions on dental health, this episode examines the links between nutrition and dental health. To learn more about or to contact Kai Yun Lai click HERE Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com Thanks for riding along with us!

Sep 29

In part 1 of our 2 part series on the impact of equine dental health on equine nutrition, we focus on what makes equine teeth unique and why having a qualified equine dental professional as part of your horse's care team is vital to their health and well-being. Our expert guest, Kai Yun Lai, a certified equine dental provider with a master's in equine nutrition, shares invaluable insights on: The fascinating evolution of horse teeth over millions of years. How your horse's teeth change over their lifetime. The important roles that the different types of teeth play. Common dental problems and signs horse owners should watch out for. The link between poor dental health and emergencies like choke and colic. Why annual dental checks should occur at least annually, and what a routine appointment entails. Key differences between equine dentists and veterinarians and what they're legally allowed to do. Don't miss this essential episode to ensure your horse's optimal health and well-being through proper dental care. To learn more about or to contact Kai Yun Lai click HERE Evolution of the Horse Information and Graphics Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com Thanks for riding along with us!

Sep 15

Trees can be beautiful in the Fall but those pretty leaves and seeds may be toxic to your horse. In this episode of Scoop and Scale, we sit down with Dr. Krishona Martinson, Professor and Equine Extension Specialist at the University of Minnesota, to talk about poisonous plants and how to keep horses safe. You’ll learn: Some common trees, shrubs and pasture plants that are poisonous Why some plants are more dangerous than others Symptoms to watch for if your horse ingests something toxic What to do if you suspect poisoning How to manage your pastures reduce risks What to do if there are toxic weeds in your hay Practical steps you can take to prevent exposure in everyday settings A must-listen for horse owners who want peace of mind heading into fall and all year round. To learn more about Dr. Krishona Martinson click HERE UMN Equine Extension Program Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/UMNExtEquine UMN Equine Extension website: https://extension.umn.edu/horse/horse-pastures-and-facilities#plants-that-can-be-harmful-in-the-pasture-1241413 UMN Equine Extension YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgKrdVlbGmFtwWDqlI_h87Q UMN Poisonous Plant Poster https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16G3KaV2jP/ UMN Poisonous Plant Book: https://bookstores.umn.edu/product/book/plants-poisonous-or-harmful-horses-midwest-book-2020-edition Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com Thanks for riding along with us!

Sep 1

What does it really mean to be an equine nutritionist, and how can horse owners tell if the advice they’re getting is coming from an appropriately qualified expert? In this episode, Jill and Dr. Clair Thunes are joined by Dr. Rachel Mottet of Legacy Equine Nutrition to discuss the often confusing world of equine nutrition credentials. In this episode we discuss: -Why “Equine Nutritionist” is not a protected title and what that means for horse owners -The difference between formal degrees (BS, MS, PhD) and non-credentialed programs -Why some PhDs believe the term “equine nutritionist” should be reserved for doctoral-level professionals -What to ask before hiring someone to evaluate your horse’s diet -The role of certified equine nutrition advisors and how they differ from nutritionists -How to spot red flags when seeking nutrition advice online -Practical steps to ensure you and your horse gets expert, evidence-based nutritional guidance If you’ve ever wondered how to separate expertise from opinion in equine nutrition, this episode will give you the tools to make informed decisions for your horse’s health. Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com Thanks for riding along with us!