The Equine Connection Podcast

In this episode, Dr. Nicole Rambo and Sarah discuss whether a horse needs to gain muscle, weight, or both. They explore how to determine the specific needs of a horse through body condition and muscling scores, explain the Tribute Wellness System, and provide strategies for safely gaining weight and building muscle. The discussion also covers nutritional interventions, appropriate feeding programs, and the importance of addressing dietary needs before focusing on muscle development. Practical examples and tips are shared to help horse owners make informed decisions about their horse's health and nutrition. Tribute Equine Nutrition Wellness System link HERE  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 of the Equine Connection Podcast, Dr. Nicole Rambo and Heather discuss the issue of grain mites in horse feed. They dive into a case study where a customer discovered what she thought was mold in her feed, which turned out to be grain mites. The hosts explain what grain mites are, how they thrive in warm and humid environments, and best practices for preventing and managing infestations. They also provide tips on proper feed storage, the importance of rotating feed, and maintaining a clean environment. The hosts answer common questions, debunk myths, and offer practical advice for horse owners dealing with these pesky pests. 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 delve into the crucial topic of mycotoxins and their binders in horse feed. The discussion covers what mycotoxins are, how they develop, and their potential health risks for horses. The episode emphasizes the importance of ingredient selection and testing in feed production to minimize these risks, along with proper storage practices for both feed and hay. The hosts also offer practical tips for horse owners to safeguard their feed and forage from mycotoxin exposure, providing a comprehensive guide to maintaining equine health in the face of unavoidable environmental challenges. 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 unique case study involving a miniature mule named Badger. Heather recounts the story of how Badger was found running loose in town and later adopted by her friend. The team discusses the challenges and considerations in creating an initial diet plan for animals with unknown backgrounds. They emphasize the importance of gradual dietary transitions, monitoring body condition, and making adjustments based on the individual needs of the animal. The episode also provides details on how to create a personalized feeding plan for new equine arrivals. 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 advantages and disadvantages of using hay nets for horses. They delve deep into the topic, covering why hay nets are popular for managing gut health and extending grazing time, especially for 'easy keepers.' They also talk about specific situations where hay nets may not be suitable, such as for horses with dental or respiratory issues. The episode covers various research findings, including the impacts of hay nets on dental health and body condition scores, and highlights significant cost-saving benefits from reduced hay waste.  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 why forage is more important than grain for horses. They explore the basics of equine forage, the types of forage, and the differences between forage and grain. The conversation delves into the importance of forage for a horse's digestive health, mental well-being, and behavioral health. They also touch on common mistakes in forage feeding, how to assess if a horse is getting enough forage, and how hay types like Timothy, Orchard grass, and alfalfa compare in nutrition. Listeners are encouraged to pursue a forage-first diet to ensure their horses' health and happiness. The episode concludes with a reminder to check out Tribute's free personalized feed plans and their online presence for more information. 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 discuss a case study on a mid-teens gelding that lost significant weight after a six-hour trailer ride to a competition. They explore the common issue of dehydration and fluid loss in horses during travel, the impact of body condition scores, and how stress and temperature affect metabolism and weight during trailering. The hosts share insights on post-trip recovery strategies and emphasize the importance of proper diet and hydration for maintaining a horse’s health during transportation. Listeners are encouraged to reach out for personalized equine feeding plans and further assistance. 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 practice of soaking hay and feed for horses. The hosts explore the reasons for soaking, which include reducing non-structural carbohydrates to manage metabolic issues, decreasing dust and mold for respiratory health, and aiding in hydration. They also provide specific guidelines on how to soak hay and feed, noting the impact on nutritional content. The episode highlights the importance of soaking times, potential nutrient loss, and practical considerations like avoiding mold growth. Listeners are encouraged to consider testing their hay to optimize these practices for their horses' individual needs.  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 Heather discuss a case study on a foal experiencing growth issues related to hypophysitis. They address common misconceptions about protein levels in creep feeds and emphasize the importance of sufficient nutrition, particularly protein, in the development of young horses. They explain the role of creep feed in bridging the nutritional gap between the mare's milk and the foal's growing needs and the critical nutrients such as trace minerals, vitamins, and amino acids. They also touch on when to transition foals to plant-based proteins and other growth formulas.  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 focus on understanding heat stress in horses, including its risk factors, prevention strategies, and the impact of diet on heat generation. They discuss the physiological signs of heat stress, from mild symptoms like rapid breathing and excessive sweating to severe cases that can lead to organ damage or death. They also emphasize the importance of acclimation, individual horse traits, and dietary considerations to manage heat stress effectively. Importantly, the episode also covers best practices for cooling horses, debunking some traditional methods, and providing recommendations based on recent research. Listeners are guided on how to use the heat stress index to decide whether it's safe to work their horses and how to adapt training routines to ensure equine safety during hot weather. 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 explore and react to various trending TikTok horse feeding hacks. They assess the safety and effectiveness of different tips, which include feeding carrots and ice cubes as summer treats, adding molasses to make feed more palatable, using vegetable oil for quick weight gain, incorporating beet pulp for weight gain, relying solely on salt blocks, soaking beet pulp with apple juice, feeding straight oats, and using yogurt for gut health. They provide valuable insights and recommendations regarding each hack, emphasizing the importance of careful consideration and expert guidance in 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 

In this episode of the Equine Connection Podcast, Dr. Nicole Rambo and Sarah dive into the crucial topic of protecting equine health during transportation. The discussion covers the stress and physiological impacts of trailering on horses, including elevated cortisol levels, heart rate, and blood sugar. They examine the effects of short versus long-distance hauling and provide research-backed recommendations for minimizing stress, ensuring proper hydration, and maintaining gut health. They also explore the differences in how older and younger horses respond to transport stress, and share best practices for forage management and supporting immune function. Listeners are encouraged to plan their travel and arrival times to optimize their horses' performance and well-being.  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 explore horse nutrition misconceptions circulated on social media. They debunk myths such as 'natural is always good,' 'high protein diets impact horses negatively,' 'horses can thrive on forage and salt alone,' and many more. The experts explain the importance of a balanced diet tailored to modern horses' needs, the role of synthetics in nutrition, and stress the importance of quality feed. They also discuss the dangers of relying on unverified supplements and the erroneous perception that grain-free means carb-free.  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 focus on nutritional strategies to reduce inflammation in horses. The discussion covers the importance of understanding inflammation, its causes, and its impact on horses, particularly performance and aging horses. Dr. Rambo highlights the significance of a balanced diet, the role of specific nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids, and the impact of forage quality. The episode also addresses chronic vs. acute inflammation, the role of oxidative stress, and practical steps horse owners can take to manage inflammation. The podcast concludes with tips on maintaining a healthy body condition and targeted antioxidant support.  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 focus  on best practices for horse feed storage. Heather addresses a common customer question about the safety and effectiveness of storing horse feed in Ziploc bags and provides detailed advice on how to store different types of feed, including high-fat supplements and medications. They discuss the importance of moisture control, feed rotation, and ensuring proper storage conditions to maintain feed quality and efficacy. Listeners are also reminded to transfer opened feed bags to proper containers to avoid contamination and loss of quality. The episode provides practical tips for both short-term travel and long-term barn storage. 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 horse manure. The conversation covers the importance of monitoring manure for signs of health and nutrition issues in horses. They discuss what healthy manure should look like in terms of texture, color, and odor, and explain how factors like diet, stress, and hydration can affect it. The episode also explores how changes in manure could indicate problems such as colic, dehydration, or parasite loads, and offers insights into the impact of forage quality and fiber on manure consistency. 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 effective fly control strategies for horses. They review a case study where a customer inquires about feeding Essential K and looking into fly control options for her Fjord horse. The conversation covers the use of insect growth regulators like ClariFLy, comparing the efficacy of Essential K with fly control versus free-choice blocks, and safety considerations for different types of horses, including pregnant and lactating mares. Listeners are also provided with practical advice on managing fly pressure and environmental factors affecting fly populations. 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 we dive into the common causes and potential solutions for back soreness in horses. We discuss how nutritional factors like protein quality, antioxidants, and magnesium can contribute to or alleviate back pain. Additionally, we explore other potential contributors to back soreness, including poor saddle fit, stress, ulcers, joint discomfort, and neurological conditions like EPM. This episode provides actionable insights on nutrition and other holistic approaches to support horses suffering from back issues. Listeners are encouraged to send in their topics and consult the experts for personalized equine 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 Heather discuss a case study involving two insulin-resistant horses. They delve into the dietary management of these horses, addressing concerns about high protein intake and its impact on insulin levels. The conversation also explores the misinterpretation of research studies and the importance of a comprehensive understanding of dietary components. They offer practical feeding recommendations while emphasizing the value of exercise and hay analysis for insulin-resistant horses.  For personalized feeding plans, listeners are encouraged to reach out to Tribute. 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 complex world of equine nutrition by breaking down common marketing terms found on horse feed labels. They explain the meanings and nutritional implications of terms such as 'crude protein', 'low NSC', 'super fibers', 'chelated minerals', 'soy-free', 'high fat', 'gut health', and 'ration balancers'. The episode emphasizes the importance of looking beyond marketing claims to assess the true nutritional value of horse feeds. For personalized feeding plans, listeners are encouraged to reach out to Tribute. 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