Scoop and Scale

02/08/2024

🎙How is your horse doing this summer? New episode Monday we are talking about feeding performance horses in the summer. Stay tuned!

22/07/2024

Ep. 27: Behind the Scenes at the Summer Games with Dr. Joe Pagan -Part 2

In part 2 of our 2 part series Behind the Scenes at the Summer Games

Dr. Clair talks to Dr Joe Pagan owner and President of Kentucky Equine Research (KER). In addition to doing equine nutrition and exercise physiology related research work, KER have also sourced the feed for the last 7 Summer Games.

They discuss:
- how teams coordinate getting the feed their horses need to the games;
- how you find enough carrots and other behind the scenes Games related stories; - the ground breaking research KER has done over the past 30 years;
- what Dr Pagan wishes all horse owners would keep in mind when feeding their horses

And so much more!

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at [email protected]

Thanks for riding along with us!

Dr. Clair talks to Dr Joe Pagan owner and President of Kentucky Equine Research (KER). In addition to doing equine nutrition and exercise physiology related research work, KER have also sourced the feed for the last 7 Summer Games.

09/07/2024

Since so much of the country is experiencing intense heat right now, we wanted to reshare an episode we recorded last year.

💡🤯Did you know an 1,100-pound horse at maintenance on a COOL day needs the amount of sodium provided by about 1 ounce or 2 U.S. Tablespoons of sodium chloride. This equates to your horse eating just under 2 pound salt block a month!

🐴🧂🐴🧂Are you feeding 2 tablespoons of salt daily?

Electrolytes are an important part of horses' diets. Learn how feeding salt encourages horses to drink and stay hydrated all year round.

08/07/2024

Ep. 26: Behind the Scenes at the Summer Games with Max Corcoran – Part 1

Wonder what goes on behind-the-scenes and what it takes to get horses to major international competitions? In this episode Dr. Clair and Michelle are joined by Max Corcoran, a freelance groom, equestrian event organizer, and former longtime member of the O’Connor Event Team. Max shares what it’s like to manage horses on the U.S. Equestrian Team as they travel to international competitions.

You will learn about:

The role of an elite professional groom.
Essentials she always packs for the horses under her care.
The importance of nutrition for elite equine athletes and the challenges of shipping feed to other countries.
How horses are transported internationally.
Paperwork, paperwork, paperwork (we bet that isn’t what comes to mind when you think about grooms!).
The thing she always forgets (and her riders really need!).
And more!

Thanks for riding along with us!

Wonder what goes on behind-the-scenes and what it takes to get horses to major international competitions? In this episode Dr. Clair and Michelle are joined by Max Corcoran, a freelance groom, equestrian event organizer, and former longtime member of the O’Connor Event Team. Max shares what it’s...

24/06/2024

Ep. 25: Equine Nutrition Alphabet Soup and Horse Farts, Oh My!

Equine feed labels and hay analysis results are full of abbreviations such as ADF, NDF, CP, NSC, and WSC and together they make up an alphabet soup. Ever wonder what they all mean and whether they are important to your horse? And what about gas? Has your horse ever passed gas while being ridden? In this episode Dr Clair and Michelle answer some, listener questions, topics including:

-How much hay to feed your retired pasture horse;
-What might be causing excessive flatulence;
-Is feeding a balancer alone enough for a horse working moderately hard;
-And so much more!

If you have questions about feeding your horse, please email us at [email protected]

Please like, subscribe and share our podcast so we can reach more horse owners like you!
Thanks for riding along with us!

Ep. 25: Equine Nutrition Alphabet Soup and Horse Farts, Oh My! by Jill Jackson | Jun 24, 2024 | Equine Nutrition, Forage, Hay Analysis, Horse Nutrition Basics, Maintenance | 0 comments Don't miss an episode! Sign up for our newsletter and get updates each time we post a new episode. Success! First N...

10/06/2024

Ep. 24: Flies, They Are More Than Annoying

Fly management is a crucial aspect of horse barn management this time of year. Flies—here we’re talking about stable flies, horse flies, gnats, mosquitoes, and more—​are a nuisance to horses and humans alike. They cause our horses discomfort, stress, and even the spread of diseases, such as Potomac horse fever, West Nile virus, pigeon fever, and vesicular stomatitis. And many horses exhibit signs of insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH), and allergic reaction to the saliva of biting flies that results in hives and severe itching. Effective fly management involves a combination of methods, including eliminating breeding sites, using insecticides and repellents, and providing alternative attractants for flies. It’s a constant struggle!

In this episode Dr. Clair and Michelle talk about:

Using fly traps and tape;
Effective manure management;
Nutrition strategies that might help horses cope;
Applying insecticide and repellent sprays and ointments; and
Water bucket and feed tub management to limit insect breeding grounds.
Join us as we discuss implementing a multifaceted approach to fly management!

Thanks for riding along with us!

Flies bother horses and humans, while also spreading diseases. Learn how to fight them.

07/06/2024

🎙New episode Monday! Stay tuned.

28/05/2024

🎙️Ep. 23: Is How My Horse Sweats Normal?

Temperatures are starting to rise across the country! We start to think about ways of keeping our horses cool in the summer months. Switching turn out times to overnight hours, hanging fans and adding electrolytes are some of the common things that people do. Horses rely heavily on sweating to keep cool. In this episode, we talk to Dr. Samantha Brooks from the University of Florida where she heads up the Brooks Equine Genetics Lab. In this episode we talk about:

How horses cool themselves;
What is happening when their cooling systems don’t work;
What is anhidrosis;
Is this a permanent condition;
Best practices to help keep horses sweating and cool;
The state of equine research funding in the US;

And so much more!

To learn more about Dr. Samantha Brooks and the Brooks Equine Genetic Lab http://www.ufequinegenetics.org/home.html
Brooks Equine Genetics at UF

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at [email protected]
Thanks for riding along with us!
https://scoopandscale.com/ep-23-is-how-my-horse-sweats-normal/

Temperatures are starting to rise across the country! We start to think about ways of keeping our horses cool in the summer months. Switching turn out times to overnight hours, hanging fans and adding electrolytes are some of the common things that people do. Horses rely heavily on sweating to keep....

24/05/2024

🎙️New Episode on Monday! Special Guest Dr. Samantha Brooks of the Brooks Equine Genetics Lab at the University of Florida. Make sure to like and subscribe!

22/05/2024

As a follow up to our episode on Insulin Resistance and Dysregulation, Dr. Clair wrote this excellent post on Clarity Equine Nutrition with lab results on a client horse. Great info below!
https://www.facebook.com/ClarityEquineNutrition/posts/pfbid0dxAzERm4ayzsjyowbxvrgNawCvKpvFjm8eZrMPSnMiJDjqQnhjQzX2YKP2sH6S7gl

It is often said that knowledge is power. That is definitely the case when managing horses that have metabolic dysregulation. Understanding whether a horse is dealing with insulin dysregulation (ID) allows owners and managers to make informed feeding and management decisions. However, it is important that these decisions are based on accurate diagnostic results.

There are several ways to assess a horse's metabolic status. First you can draw blood and check glucose and insulin. This is a static test meaning it is just one value in time and is the most common screening tool as it is easy and quick to do. But it is not a definitive diagnosis for insulin dysregulation. Samples should be collected in the non-fasted state with the horse having received its hay or pasture turnout. If grain has been fed, blood should not be taken until 4 hours have passed. A value over 50uIU/mL confirms the presence of ID with values 20-50uIU/mL being suggestive. In the case of the horse above, his value was very high however he had been grazing very good quality spring pasture up until about 2 hours before. This likely would have acted similar to grain. Understandably his owner was very concerned since elevated insulin can trigger laminitis.

Another way of testing ID is using a dynamic test where blood is drawn over time. The horse is fasted overnight receiving a PM flake of hay and then the following morning a baseline sample is drawn and the horse is given an oral dose of Karo syrup light with blood being redrawn 60 and 90 minutes. This measures directly how the horse handles consuming sugar and what the insulin response is. An insulin response of over 45 uIU/mL supports the presence of ID. As you can see with the results shown, this horse is barely outside of the normal range. Based on these results the vet was comfortable with the horse having access to pasture wearing a restrictive grazing muzzle.

There are additional dynamic tests that can also be done concurrently that provide an even more accurate picture but the tests described are the most commonly done in our experience.

Since insulin sensitivities change over time it will be important to monitor this horse over time. Now that we know that this horse is trending in the direction of being ID we are able to put together an informed feeding and management protocol tailored to his specific metabolic situation and the owner has the peace of mind that she isn't guessing on how best to manage him.

If you are concerned about your horse's metabolic status, discuss diagnostic testing with your vet and consider the benefits of dynamic testing. We also have an episode on Scoop and Scale Podcast with an Internist from Rhinebeck Equine about IR and ID. You can find that here https://scoopandscale.com/ep-21-understanding-insulin-resistance-and-dysregulation-in-horses/

13/05/2024

While Michelle was on vacation last week, Dr. Clair answered listener questions for this episode. If you have questions about your horses diet, email us at [email protected]

Thanks for riding along!

Ep. 22: Dr. Clair Answers Listener Questions by Jill Jackson | May 13, 2024 | Equine Nutrition, Horse Nutrition Basics, Maintenance, Supplements, Vitamins | 0 comments Don't miss an episode!Sign up for our newsletter and get updates each time we post a new episode. Success! First Name Last Name Emai...

09/05/2024

Dr. Clair answers listener questions on Monday. Stay tuned!

01/05/2024

Dr. Clair will be in Ny & CT for 3 free events! if you are interested in attending please email the contact listed on the poster.

29/04/2024

New Episode!

Do you have an easy keeper? Dr. Laura Javsicas, a board-certified internal medicine specialist with Rhinebeck Equine, in New York, joins Clair and Michelle to talk about insulin resistance and dysregulation in horses.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:
Insulin’s relationship to equine metabolic syndrome and pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID, or equine Cushing’s).
The link between insulin response and laminitis.
The clinical signs of insulin dysregulation and resistance in horses.
How veterinarians test for insulin dysregulation.
Treatment and management of horses with metabolic issues.

Do you have questions about IR or ID? Contact us at [email protected]

Thanks for riding along with us!

Do you have an easy keeper? Dr. Laura Javsicas, a board-certified internal medicine specialist with Rhinebeck Equine, in New York, joins Clair and Michelle to talk about insulin resistance and dysregulation in horses.

25/04/2024

New Episode Monday! Scoop and Scale Rhinebeck Equine

15/04/2024

New Episode of Scoop and Scale Podcast

Ep. 20: Managing Horse Show and Travel Stress Through Nutrition

Horse show season is here! And, while showing is mostly fun, the travel and work intensity competition requires can cause stress for horses and humans. We know stress impacts horses’ digestive health and immune systems, which can set them up for colic, gastric ulcers, and diarrhea. In this episode, Dr. Clair and Michelle discuss ways to prepare and manage your horse during travel to horse shows, clinics, trail rides, or wherever the summer leads you. In this episode we talk about:

Why travel is stressful for horses;
The importance of hydration and how to keep your horse drinking;
How stress affects horses’ gastrointestinal microbiomes;
The role of stomach buffers and preventive treatments in avoiding gastric ulcers;
How forage can help;
And more!

Do you have questions about feeding your new horse? Contact us at [email protected]
Thanks for riding along with us!

Horse show season is here! And, while showing is mostly fun, the travel and work intensity competition requires can cause stress for horses and humans. We know stress impacts horses’ digestive health and immune systems, which can set them up for colic, gastric ulcers, and diarrhea. In this episode...

09/04/2024

✨Dr. Clair will be one of the presenters at this upcoming webinar!

💡Feed smarter, not harder - You're not going to want to miss this upcoming webinar!

✅ Register Now! https://webinar.poseidonanimalhealth.com.au/feed-smarter

01/04/2024

Ep. 19: To Test or Not to Test….the Big Hay Question!

While forages can be assessed visually, the only way to accurately know the nutrient content of your forage is to have it tested by a lab. This is easier and cheaper to do than many people realize and is worth considering if you buy large quantities of forage at a time. In this episode we talk about hay analysis with Cassy Streeter, NIR Services Manager from Equi-Analytical. Equi-Analytical Laboratory Services specialize in the most modern techniques for determining the nutrient content of forage and feed for horse owners.

In this episode we discuss:
-the reasons to test your forage.
-how to test your forage.
-analysis results and so much more!

You can learn more about Equi-Analytical and the services they offer at
https://equi-analytical.com/

Cassy Streeter Bio:
Cassy Streeter grew up in Syracuse, New York and started working at a horse boarding facility as a teenager. After graduating from Cornell with a B.S. in Animal Science in 2006, she worked in various lab tech positions before returning to Cornell& #39;s Animal Science Department to complete her M.S. studying the genetics of Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) and Equine Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) in the Arabian horse. Cassy started as an Associate NIR Network Administrator at Dairy One in March 2011 and supervised daily NIR production activities. After moving into her role as NIR Services Manager in 2019, Cassy assumed oversight of the Dairy One NIR Affiliate Network which is currently comprised of more than 30 members in 16 different countries. She is a senior member of the internal QA team and manages several NIR projects, including implementation of on-farm NIR technology.
It is a poorly kept secret at Dairy One that Cassy is a “horse person”. She is an avid horse racing fan and participates in carriage driving shows. She also stays active in the agricultural community by serving as the President of the Sigma Alpha Alumni Chapter of Cornell University. She is currently taking a break from horse ownership but is always on the lookout for her next retired Standardbred.

Thanks for riding along with us!

https://scoopandscale.com/ep-19-to-test-or-not-to-test-the-big-hay-question/

Ep. 19: To Test or Not to Test….the Big Hay Question! by Jill Jackson | Apr 1, 2024 | Forage, Hay Analysis, Hay Testing, Horse Nutrition Basics | 0 comments While forages can be assessed visually, the only way to accurately know the nutrient content of your forage is to have it tested by a lab. Th...

25/03/2024

We get so many listener questions about hay testing, how to read hay analysis reports, who provides testing, etc. In our upcoming episode we talk to Cassy Streeter, NIR Service Manager with Equi-Analytical to answer all of these questions and more! Stay tuned and thanks for riding along with us!

18/03/2024

Ep. 18: Risks and Rewards of Spring Pasture

As the cold and snowy winter turns into a bright green spring, we all dream about turning our horses out on a picturesque landscape to graze, but should we? Is it safe? The fear of fat ponies, laminitis and other metabolic diseases haunt us. Dr. Clair and Michelle discuss the importance of being proactive and cautious when transitioning from winter to spring.
In this episode we discuss:
-sugar content
-pasture management
-grazing muzzles and so much more!

Do you have questions about feeding your new horse? Contact us at [email protected]

Thanks for riding along with us!

As the cold and snowy winter turns into a bright green spring, we all dream about turning our horses out on a picturesque landscape to graze, but should we? Is it safe? The fear of fat ponies, laminitis and other metabolic diseases haunt us. Dr. Clair and Michelle discuss the importance of being pro...

14/03/2024

Ever wonder why all that beautiful spring grass can be a problem for your horse and why spring grass seems to be a greater risk than summer grass? On Monday Michelle and Dr. Clair discuss spring grazing. Thanks for riding along with us!

07/03/2024

Dr. Clair did a talk for the Team Tate Academy in January on topline. We love ❤️ that they shared our most recent episode, The Building Blocks of Equine Topline, in their March newsletter. If you love dressage check out JJ Tates academy!

As you probably know, I'm in Wellington with my horses and client horses. Being here is always an incredible experience and there's just so much going on all the time. There's always an excellent clinic, trainer, or specialist to work with.

04/03/2024

Ep. 17: The Building Blocks of Equine Topline

When we refer to “topline,” we’re talking about the entire upper line of the horse’s body. That includes how the neck ties into the shoulder and the development of the back muscles under the saddle area, across the loin, and over the rump. When horses lack musculature over those areas, they are said to “have a poor topline.” Many things can cause poor topline, including incorrect training, an ill-fitting saddle, old age, lameness, or diseases like pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID, or equine Cushing’s). If your horse is struggling to develop a nice topline despite good health (talk to you veterinarian!), proper training, and a well-fitting saddle, perhaps his or her diet needs another look.

In this episode, Michelle and Dr. Clair cover:

What is topline?
How to support topline development through nutrition.
Understanding protein quality and its role in topline development.
And other factors that might affect topline.
Do you have questions about feeding your new horse? Contact us at [email protected]

Thanks for riding along with us!

When we refer to “topline,” we’re talking about the entire upper line of the horse’s body. That includes how the neck ties into the shoulder and the development of the back muscles under the saddle area, across the loin, and over the rump. When horses lack musculature over those areas, they ...

27/02/2024

Sneak Peek 🫣at Ep. 17: The Building Blocks of Equine Topline. Episode will drop on March 4th

19/02/2024

New Episode! Streaming now on your favorite podcast app.

Ep. 16: Feeding Your New Horse

Getting a new horse is exciting! But, for the horse, a new owner can mean lots of change and stress. As herd animals that prefer routine, horses become stressed when moving to a new home with new horses, people, and expectations. Dietary changes during transitions can also cause stress. Combined, these changes increase a horse’s risk of serious health issues, such as gastric ulcers and colic. That’s why taking steps to reduce both dietary and other stress when getting a new horse is important.

In this episode, Dr. Clair and Michelle cover:
-Discussing a horse’s diet with the seller.
-Safely changing feed schedules.
-What to do when you’re unable to source the horse’s same hay and grain.
-Turnout.
-Ways to manage stress.
Do you have questions about feeding your new horse?

Contact us at [email protected]
Thanks for riding along with us!
Clarity Equine Nutrition

Listen here:

Getting a new horse is exciting! But, for the horse, a new owner can mean lots of change and stress. As herd animals that prefer routine, horses become stressed when moving to a new home with new horses, people, and expectations. Dietary changes during transitions can also cause stress. Combined, th...

16/02/2024

New episode drop on Monday! Make sure to follow us on Scoop and Scale Podcast on your favorite podcast app.

14/02/2024

We could not ask for a better ♥️Valentines Day♥️gift than hearing from listeners who are learning from and enjoying our Podcast!
🐴📚🌾

📣Shout out to Meghan in the UK 🇬🇧 who is listening to our podcast as part of her research for her high school equine studies class.

05/02/2024

Ep. 15: Optimizing Horses’ Manes, Tails, and Coats

Who doesn’t love a horse with a shiny haircoat and long, full mane and tail? While some horses are more genetically blessed than others in the hair growth and shine department, all healthy manes and tails and glowing coats start with a balanced diet. Grooming can help, of course, but no amount of elbow grease can correct poor nutrition.

In this episode, Clair and Michelle cover:
• How minerals, including copper, bring out a horse’s shine;
• Why amino acids are important for growing high-quality hair;
• The role of vitamins, specifically vitamin E and biotin, in coat quality; and
• The dietary fats horses need to really bloom.

Do you have questions about helping your horse shine this spring? Contact us at [email protected].

Thanks for riding along with us!
Clarity Equine Nutrition

Who doesn’t love a horse with a shiny haircoat and long, full mane and tail? While some horses are more genetically blessed than others in the hair growth and shine department, all healthy manes and tails and glowing coats start with a balanced diet. Grooming can help, of course, but no amount of ...

01/02/2024

Did you miss our episode on Senior Feeds??? Listen to it now where ever you get your podcasts.

23/01/2024

Ep. 14: Senior Feeds–Not Just For Old Horses

You see a sweet old horse on the bag, and the name clearly says “senior” in it. So that’s the right feed for your aged equine, right? Not necessarily.

The horse feed industry doesn’t have a standard for what makes a senior feed a senior feed. And, in fact, some products marketed as senior feeds are Dr. Clair’s favorite recommendations for horses requiring high-fat, high-fiber diets to maintain or gain weight. That’s also why Michelle gives a senior feed to a growing 2-year-old, a 7-year-old in full training, and a picky 21-year-old retiree.

In this episode, we talk about:

What defines a “senior” horse.
Causes of weight loss in older horses and how senior feeds might help maintain body condition.
Why senior feeds might not be the right choice for easy-keeping horses with age-related metabolic conditions (like equine metabolic syndrome and insulin dysregulation) that cause weight gain and laminitis.
The difference between a complete feed and a concentrate.
The benefits of fat and fiber as calorie sources.
Why senior feeds might be good for horses with dental issues or prone to choke.
And more!
Do you have questions about feeding seniors, or feeding senior feeds to younger horses? Contact us at [email protected]

Thanks for riding along with us!

You see a sweet old horse on the bag, and the name clearly says “senior” in it. So that’s the right feed for your aged equine, right? Not necessarily.