The Equine Connection Podcast

Dr. Nicole Rambo and equine specialist Heather discuss a case where an allergy panel suggested a horse was allergic to wheat, explaining that true feed allergies in horses are rare and many blood or hair tests are unreliable. They describe how elimination diets followed by ingredient reintroduction are the most reliable way to confirm a feed reaction. The episode also explains why wheat middlings and wheat bran are commonly used in pelleted feeds, noting they provide moderate energy, protein, and fiber while improving pellet quality. They also clarify that, unlike humans with celiac disease, horses do not appear to have a gluten-triggered autoimmune response. 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 unpack equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), explaining that it’s not just a disease of overweight “easy keepers” but a form of insulin dysregulation that increases laminitis risk, even in lean or performance horses. They clarify its relationship to PPID and highlight steroid therapies as a common trigger that can temporarily worsen insulin sensitivity. Subtle warning signs, including mild hoof soreness and regional fat deposits, are often overlooked. The conversation emphasizes proactive testing, including fasted insulin, glucose, and oral sugar tests. They also outline practical feeding strategies focused on lower sugar and starch, higher fiber and fat to support metabolic stability. 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 review a case study of Leroy, an older toothless horse losing weight and struggling to consume enough long-stem fiber. They explain how toothless horses may appear to graze but often can’t ingest sufficient forage, making soaked forage products and a complete senior feed like Tribute Seniority® Pellet important to maintain fiber intake and body condition. The episode covers practical feeding strategies, including adding additional meals as needed and proper soaking guidelines to reduce choke risk while protecting nutrient integrity. They also share management tips such as feeding smaller, more frequent meals, monitoring manure output, and seeking personalized nutrition support if needed. 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 explore bladder stones (uroliths) in horses, an uncommon condition usually made of calcium carbonate that forms around debris in the urinary tract. Signs can be subtle at first (mild colic, attitude or performance changes) but may progress to blood in the urine and painful or frequent urination, with geldings affected more severely than mares. Risk factors include high-alfalfa diets, dehydration, poor bladder emptying, and prior infections, especially in older horses. Management focuses on lowering dietary calcium and improving hydration, while popular remedies like apple cider vinegar currently lack supporting evidence. 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 equine specialist Heather, focus on transitioning the diet of a mini horse named Goliath. They discuss the importance of a gradual change in feed to ensure digestive health, touching on the need for slow transitions for both concentrates and forages. The case study highlights that Goliath, a slightly overweight mini horse, will be moved to Essential K, a ration balancer, to meet his nutritional needs without adding extra calories. They also provide practical advice on the feed transition process and how to manage risks associated with dietary changes in 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 

In this episode, Dr. Nicole Rambo and Equine Specialist Sarah discuss the science of palatability in horses, exploring what and how horses taste. The conversation touches on how horses have significantly more taste buds than humans, why palatability matters, and how it influences the consumption of feeds, supplements, and medications. They delve into several studies examining horses' flavor preferences including interesting findings about flavor rankings and differences in human and equine treat perceptions.  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 focus on managing weight in senior horses during the winter. They discuss a case study of a 28-year-old quarter horse gelding struggling to maintain weight in cold weather. Key points include the importance of evaluating feeding programs, understanding the limitations of certain 'senior' feeds, and exploring practical solutions for better nutrient absorption and calorie intake. They highlight the necessity of personalized feeding plans and announce various ways listeners can contact Tribute Equine Nutrition for tailored advice. The episode underscores the value of individualized feeding plans and the benefits of fixed feed formulas to maintain horse 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 

In this episode, Dr. Nicole Rambo and Sarah delve into the intriguing topic of enteroliths, or hidden stones, in horses' digestive tracts. They discuss what enteroliths are, how they form, and the nutritional and environmental factors that increase their risk. The hosts highlight the role of high-mineral diets, particularly those rich in alfalfa, and the importance of balanced nutrition and gut motility. They also offer practical advice on how to reduce the risk of enterolith formation through diet management and regular exercise for horses. The episode underscores the value of individualized feeding plans and the benefits of fixed feed formulas to maintain horse 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 

In this episode, Dr. Nicole Rambo and Heather discuss a common wintertime issue faced by horse owners: molasses feeds turning into bricks in cold weather. They explain the science behind why molasses-coated feeds harden in low temperatures, and offer tips on how to mitigate the problem, including adjustments made in molasses formulation for different seasons. They also provide advice on proper storage practices and how to break up bricked feed safely. The episode highlights the importance of understanding feed composition and seasonal changes to ensure optimal nutrition for horses during winter. 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 engage with special guest Katie Van Slyke, creator of Running Springs Farm. The discussion centers around equine taste buds, the impact of seasonal weather changes on horse health, and nutrition strategies to prevent colic. They also tackle audience questions about improving nutrition for senior horses with health conditions, supplementation needs, and managing horses’ weight during breeding seasons. The episode highlights how proper nutrition and understanding horse behavior can enhance equine care. 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, equine nutritionists Dr. Nicole Rambo and Sarah, focus on recapping the most popular and memorable episodes from 2025. Key topics include optimal feeding and nutrition strategies, digestive health, metabolic and body condition issues, and specific case studies, including rescues and underweight horses. The hosts also discuss the importance of monitoring horse manure, preventing colic and choke, managing respiratory health during large shows, and best practices for traveling with horses. The episode is filled with insights, humor, and practical advice for horse owners looking to enhance their equine care routine. 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 Heather discuss fun and festive ways to celebrate the holidays with your horses. The episode delves into suitable Christmas treats like apples, carrots, peppermints, and the holiday-themed 'lumps of coal' treats, while cautioning against items like chocolate and traditional fruitcake that can be harmful to horses. Tips on moderating treat portions to maintain horse health are also shared, along with fun ideas like adding a festive touch to their regular feed. The hosts wish listeners a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, and remind them to contact Tribute for customized feeding plans. 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 guide listeners on how to nutritionally support their horses during severe winter weather when snow limits turnout. They discuss strategies to manage the significant changes in horse behavior, stress levels, calorie needs, and digestive health when horses are stalled for extended periods. From small frequent meals and slow feed nets to specific gut health supplements like the constant comfort block and pellet, practical tips are provided to help maintain horse well-being. They also share creative enrichment ideas and emphasize the importance of monitoring body condition during these challenging times. 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 Heather discuss the complex issue of food allergies in horses. They explore true immune-mediated allergies vs. food intolerances, detailing their symptoms and the challenges of diagnosing them accurately. Two case studies are examined: an 8-year-old Quarter Horse with hives and an 11-year-old Warmblood mare with severe digestive issues. Dr. Rambo gives insights into diagnostic techniques, such as elimination diets, and offer practical feeding solutions for horses with specific dietary constraints.  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 discuss the ongoing concerns related to the Equine Herpes Virus (EHV) and its neurological form, Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM). The conversation covers essential information about the virus, its transmission, symptoms, and recent outbreaks. The hosts delve into the critical role of nutrition in bolstering the immune system, explaining how a well-supported immune system can better respond to pathogens and vaccinations. Dr. Rambo also shares insights from a retrospective study on the risk factors and protective measures during an EHM outbreak, emphasizing the importance of fortified products like ration balancers.  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 Heather discuss their gratitude for the opportunity to talk about horses, their listeners' questions, and the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. Heather introduces the new addition to her herd, a 17-month-old Quarter Horse draft cross named Chicago. She shares the criteria she looked for in this horse, such as temperament and size, for his future role in a Mounted Unit patrol. Heather also provides insights into the responsibilities and training involved in Mounted Unit work. They discuss Chicago's integration into her nutrition program, emphasizing the importance of gut health support and a gradual introduction to new diets.  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 discuss the important topic of 'choke' in horses. They share experiences and insights on what choke is, the symptoms to look for, and immediate steps horse owners should take if their horse chokes. The hosts also delve into common causes of choke, including poor dentition, rapid eating due to anxiety or competition, and other contributing factors. They emphasize the importance of monitoring horses during and after feeding to prevent prolonged choking episodes and highlight strategies for reducing choke risk, such as using slow feed hay nets and soaking feed.  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 Heather discuss a new addition to their research team, a 3-year-old standardbred gelding named Dewey, who has a significant parrot mouth. They delve into the challenges and strategies for feeding a horse with this conformational defect, including Dewey's specific nutritional plan and the adjustments made to ensure he gains weight and maintains health. The episode highlights the balance between research consistency and the need for flexible, tailored care for individual horses. Listeners are encouraged to suggest topics and reach out for personalized feeding plans. 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 discuss how the changing seasons can potentially increase the risk of colic in horses. They delve into various factors such as temperature and daylight shifts, reduced turnout time, decreased exercise, and changes in forage and water intake. They also provide practical tips on managing these risks, including the importance of maintaining hydration, making gradual dietary transitions, and adding salt to encourage water consumption. The episode emphasizes the importance of proactive management to ensure the health and well-being of horses during seasonal changes. 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 Heather discuss the impact of seasonal changes on equine behavior, specifically focusing on the transition to fall. They explore various factors such as dietary changes, decreased pasture quality, increased sugar content in grass, altered activity levels, cooler temperatures, and potential seasonal allergies. They emphasize the importance of reassessing feeding plans to ensure they suit the horses' changing needs and highlight the value of seeking personalized equine nutrition 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