Happy Horse Nutrition

To wrap up 2025, we’re resharing our most popular guest interview from Season 1 — and it’s a favourite for good reason.In this episode, microbiology expert Dr Belinda Chapman and Dr Nerida take us inside your horse’s hindgut ecosystem.Together, they look at what the microbiome actually is, why horses rely on microbes far more than we do, and how the balance between the fibre-loving “good guys” and the weedy, greedy starch-fermenters can influence everything from digestion and energy production to health, performance, and behaviour. Dr Belinda and Dr Nerida also dive into some seriously fascinating concepts (in a very listenable way), including:Why horses have a more complex microbiome than humansThe underappreciated role of anaerobic fungi in fibre breakdownWhat “quorum sensing” is (and why it’s a bit mind-blowing); andWhy microbial diversity = resilience (and what that means in the real world) If this episode helps you see feeding through a new lens, we’d love you to subscribe so you don’t miss the practical, science-backed episodes coming in 2026 - and we’d really love ypu to share this with a friend who loves a good horse nutrition rabbit hole as much as you do, they’ll thank you for it.💛 More about Quantal Bioscience: ⁠https://www.quantalbioscience.com/⁠Hindgut microbiome testing with Dr Belinda: ⁠https://www.equigi.com/home⁠Discover and download the MyHappy.Horse App: ⁠https://www.myhappy.horse

In this last new episode for 2025, professional equine nutritionist Dr Nerida shares five ingredients she loves using in real-world diets, and five (actually if you listen carefully, she sneaks in 6!) ingredients she tries hard to avoid, including a couple she’d happily see disappear from horse feeds altogether!Listen as Dr Nerida frames nutrition the way she actually practices it — like a big jigsaw puzzle. No magic ingredient, no perfect feed… just smart puzzle pieces put together in the right way to support horses and to honour the physiology of their ancient gut.Plus find out which feed ingredient(s) makes it onto the ‘avoid’ list, mainly because of their marketing claims (hello “grain-free” when you’re not actually grain free!). This episode is an easy listen, and will help you think clearly about nutrition, read labels better, and make more confident feeding decisions that your horse and their hindgut will thank you for.Wishing you a happy and safe festive season 🎄❤️Remember to Subscribe so you don’t miss what’s coming in 2026 🤍 — and if this episode helped, we’d love you to share it with a horse friend who’s feeling stuck with feeding!Racing Queensland's Off The Track Nutrition Hub (free resources): ⁠https://www.racingqueensland.com.au/animal-welfare/off-the-track/nutrition-education-hub⁠Download the MyHappy.Horse app (iOS): https://apps.apple.com/app/myhappy-horse/id6633422324Learn more about MyHappy.Horse: https://www.myhappy.horse 

When a horse presents with ulcers, colic risk, poor performance, slow healing,  unexplained weight change or a plethora of other health conditions, nutrition may be part of the story—even if it isn’t the primary cause. In this episode, Dr Nerida, PhD shares a practical, vet-friendly framework for a rapid field assessment of diet: the same fast mental checklist nutritionists run through when they first meet a case.You’ll walk away with three high-impact screening steps: (1) is there enough forage (and are there long fasting gaps that increase gut risk), (2) is grain being fed appropriately and in a digestible form (to avoid starch overflow into the hindgut); and (3) is the horse actually receiving correct supplementation—meaning a fortified feed/balancer/vitamin-mineral supplement at the proper feeding rate to cover common nutrient gaps and prevent “silent” deficiencies.✅ See all the figures and tables used in Dr Nerida’s AAEP presentation and read more about the rapid diet assessment framework https://www.myhappy.horse/rapidassess👇 Download the MyHappy.Horse app and use the Rapid Diet Assessment tool to quickly find red flags and decide when a full nutrition assessment is needed.https://apps.apple.com/app/myhappy-horse/id6633422324

The racing world is changing — and happily, it’s science leading the charge.Dr Nerida and Orla return to unpack the data from Ciaron Maher Racing’s nutrition overhaul: less grain, more fibre, and a healthier, happier gut. Learn how high-fibre feeding transforms energy systems, why “the slump” after a diet change is worth pushing through, and what 12 months of microbiome testing revealed about real equine gut adaptation.From elite racehorses to everyday mounts, this episode shows how feeding for the hindgut fuels better performance, resilience, and recovery. 🧬💪📲 Discover and download the MyHappy.Horse app: https://apps.apple.com/app/myhappy-horse/id6633422324 🤖 Ask your nutrition questions 24/7 with Dr Nerida AI: https://www.myhappy.horse/nerida-ai 💬 If you loved this discussion, please follow, rate and share — the horses will thank you! ❤️

When used well, strip grazing becomes one of the most effective tools for managing weight, preventing laminitis and protecting pasture. In this episode of the Happy Horse Nutrition Podcast, Dr Nerida walks through exactly how strip grazing works in real life, why it matters and how to tailor it to your climate, pasture growth stage and horse’s body condition.Drawing on published research, decades of practical experience and her own track-plus-strip system at home, Nerida explains how to move fences strategically, when to increase or decrease allocations, why early-morning moves matter in spring and how straw can be a powerful safety net for easy keepers. She also covers the role of back fencing, how to protect pasture species, and how track systems improve movement, welfare and gut health.If you manage good doers, laminitis-prone horses or simply want clearer guidance on how much to move the fence and when, this episode gives you the practical framework you need. Discover and download the MyHappy.Horse app: https://www.myhappy.horse And ask your nutrition questions 24/7 with Dr Nerida AI: https://www.myhappy.horse/nerida-ai If today’s episode gave you something useful to take back to your horses, I’d love it if you left a rating or review. It helps more owners find trustworthy nutrition info instead of guesswork. ❤️ RESOURCESStrip grazing: Changes in biomass, nutrient content and digestibility of temperate, midsummer pasture by strip-grazed or 'free'-grazing ponies, over 4 weekshttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37890600/ The impact of restricted grazing systems on the behaviour and welfare of ponieshttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39275860/ 

A glossy coat isn’t just about looks — it’s a window into your horse’s inner health.In this episode, Dr Nerida takes you through some of the reasons coats lose their shine — from seasonal changes and mineral imbalances to sun bleaching and plain old horse individuality. Learn why copper  and zinc  are non-negotiables, how diet balance drives coat brilliance, and why balanced diets and good ol’ fashined patience often outshine any supplement.Whether your horse is looking “rough around the edges” or you’re chasing that moonlit gleam, this episode helps you feed and manage for healthy skin, strong colour, and natural glow. ✨ ❤️ Learn more about the MyHappy.Horse virtual nutritionist: https://www.myhappy.horse 📲 Download the MyHappy.Horse app: https://apps.apple.com/app/myhappy-horse/id6633422324 💬 If you enjoyed this episode, please follow us and leave a rating and review — it helps more horse owners find science-based nutrition advice that truly benefits their horses! ❤️

Dr. Nerida and Orla are back with another Q&A episode that tackles everything from freaky behaviour on ryegrass and mycotoxin binders to a virtually unknown reason your horse might be completely off its feed, plus, how to tell if your grain is safe to feed.What You’ll Learn:• The early signs of ryegrass staggers (and why some horses go totally “goblin mode” 👻)• Which pasture mycotoxins are most dangerous and how to manage them• Why mycotoxin binders don’t work the same for all toxins—and when they do work brilliantly• The truth about cooking grains: does heat destroy nutrients or improve digestibility?• How to test if your horse’s grain is properly processed (and why faecal pH is your new secret weapon)• Real-world case studies from broodmares to racehorses, including why fescue can delay foaling• The surprising fact that some horses seem more resistant to pasture toxicity than othersDr. Nerida and Orla also cover how starch is packaged up like “golf balls” in raw grain and how heat + moisture busts those open for efficient digestion. Plus, you’ll learn how the MyHappy.Horse app can help you track your horse’s gut health using real data like faecal pH; practical, evidence-based tools every horse owner should be using.🎙️ Whether you're managing a quirky pony or fine-tuning a racehorse’s diet, this episode will help you decode behaviour, evaluate risk, and feed with clarity and confidence.👇Discover and download the MyHappy.Horse app: https://apps.apple.com/app/myhappy-horse/id6633422324And ask your nutrition questions 24/7 with Dr Nerida AI: https://www.myhappy.horse/nerida-aiEnjoyed this episode? Leave us a review—it helps more horses get fed right. ❤️

Join Dr. Nerida as she tackles a listener question about feeding “marey mares” — those behaviourally expressive, sensitive, frequently moody, often brilliant mares. This solo Happy Horse Nutrition episode explores why behaviour challenges in mares are rarely caused by specific feed ingredients — and are almost always rooted in gut health, management, or pain.What You’ll Learn:• Why hindgut health is THE most important nutrition factor in mare behaviour 🐴• How the gut-brain axis influences temperament via dopamine and B-vitamin production 🧠• Why feeding hay before riding is non-negotiable for sensitive mares• The 3 things all mares need for stable mental health• How mycotoxin contamination (especially zearalenone in corn 🌽) wreaks hormonal havoc• Why pain (feet, ovaries, saddle fit) must be ruled out first before blaming the feed• The right way to test individual ingredients when sensitivities are suspected• And why your own energy might be mirroring back through your mare’s behaviour 🪞Dr. Nerida shares how her own anxious horses transformed through life changes, not supplements — and reflects on 25 years in the field, where true ingredient sensitivities are exceedingly rare (just 3 for alfalfa, 1 for soy!).🎧 Ideal for mare owners navigating grouchiness, grooming drama, or hormonally “hot” behaviour. Get the real framework for fixing it — starting with pain, gut health, and feeding management, not guesswork.📲 Discover and download the MyHappy.Horse app: https://apps.apple.com/app/myhappy-horse/id6633422324🤖 Ask your nutrition questions 24/7 with Dr Nerida AI: https://www.myhappy.horse/nerida-aiIf this episode helped you or your mare, please leave a review! It helps more horses benefit from grounded, science-based feeding advice. ❤️

Discover how Ciaron Maher Racing (CMR) is pushing the boundaries in the Australian thoroughbred racing industry and breaking away from traditional nutrition strategies. In this in-depth conversation, PhD equine nutritionist Dr. Nerida sits down with Katrina Anderson (Sports Science Lead) and Josh Kadlec-Cavanagh (Head of Data and Performance) to reveal the data-driven approach that's challenging decades of traditional feeding practices. The trio discuss:Why feeding less grain (but more digestible grain) leads to better racehorse performanceThe critical role of hindgut microbiome health in racing successHow faecal pH monitoring allows them to fine tune their feeding programThe connection between gut health and chronic issues like foot soreness and tying-upWhy the "footy horses" at CMR have virtually disappearedThe remarkable case of Saint George: how targeted nutrition reversed severe thrush and fungal issues and got him back on the trackUnderstanding the performance slump when transitioning to more digestible feeds; andThe hard reality about gastric ulcers and race day challengesKat, Josh and Nerida also cover fiber fermentation vs. grain-based energy systems, managing the grain-to-bodyweight ratio for optimal performance, microbiome testing and its practical applications, reducing dependency on supplements and medications like omeprazole and the importance of lucerne hay before morning work. With over 400 horses in training, CMR provides unprecedented data insights into what works—and what doesn't—in modern racehorse nutrition. Whether you're a trainer, owner, stable hand, veterinarian, or equine nutritionist, this episode is packed with, science-backed strategies to improve racehorse health, welfare, and performance. If you’d like to read more about the brilliant microbiome study we discuss, see:Wunderlich G, Bull M, McGilchrist N, Zhao C, Ross T, Rose M, Chapman B. The horse gut bacteriome and anaerobic mycobiome are influenced by seasonal forages and small intestinal starch digestibility. J Appl Microbiol. 2025 Sep 1;136(9):lxaf203. doi: 10.1093/jambio/lxaf203. PMID: 40802476. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40802476/  Discover and download the MyHappy.Horse nutrition app: https://www.myhappy.horse And ask your nutrition questions 24/7 with Dr Nerida AI: https://www.myhappy.horse/nerida-ai If you enjoyed this episode, we would LOVE if you would leave us a rating and review and share with your friends! It really helps us to get grounded, science-based information to horse owners and trainers… and it is their horses who benefit the most! ❤️ 

Join Dr. Nerida as she explores why ingredient variety is absolutely critical for your horse's health. In this episode, which comes complete with Lucky the Goat 🐐anecdotes, Dr Nerida reveals the three reasons diverse diets keep horses healthier, happier, and more resilient - and why feeding just one or two ingredients is putting your horse’s health at risk. What You'll Learn:Why horses chew bark and fences (and what it tells us about their diet)The THREE critical benefits of ingredient variety: balanced nutrients, toxin dilution, and microbiome diversityHow different forages and feed ingredients work together to meet nutrient requirementsWhy nitrate and mycotoxin testing is essential for racing stables and performance horsesThe downsides of monoculture pastures and why horses need species diversityProtein combining: how different proteins work together as "Tetris pieces"; andDr. Nerida's personal feeding program for her daughter's OTTB (with multiple forage and fiber sources) Dr. Nerida reveals that the more ingredients in your horse's diet, the better chance you have of meeting complete nutrient requirements - it's like putting together a puzzle where each ingredient fills specific gaps. She explains how ingredient diversity protects horses from toxins (like nitrate in hay or mycotoxins in moldy feed) by either allowing them to avoid problem forages or diluting toxins to safe levels. And she explains how horses with diverse microbiomes can handle stress events like competition and travel without developing colic or diarrhea, while horses on limited diets are far more vulnerable to dysbiosis.  📲 Discover and download the MyHappy.Horse app: https://www.myhappy.horse 🤍 And ask your nutrition questions 24/7 with Dr Nerida AI: https://www.myhappy.horse/nerida-ai If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review! It really helps us to get grounded, science-based information to horse owners… and it is their horses who benefit the most! ❤️ 

Join equine nutritionist and Happy Horse Nutrition host Dr Nerida as she sits down with renowned nutritionist and Grand Prix dressage rider Liz Owens to discuss the FEI's ‘Be A Guardian’ initiative and the critical role nutrition plays in horse welfare.In this comprehensive episode, Liz shares her extensive experience working with Olympic equestrian teams and competing at the highest levels of dressage. Together, they explore:The single biggest feeding mistake horse owners make (and how to fix it)Why 24/7 forage access should be non-negotiable for horse welfareThe truth about horse allergies and unnecessary supplementsHow proper nutrition directly impacts performance in competition horsesBody condition management for dressage and sport horsesThe gut-brain connection and its effect on horse behavior and welfareFeeding guidelines that Liz and Nerida think should be mandated for all horsesWhether you're an elite competitor or a simply have horses for the love of them, this episode provides down-to-earth advice on meeting your horse's basic nutritional needs while boosting their performance and wellbeing. Liz's straightforward approach cuts through industry myths and focuses on evidence-based feeding practices that every horse guardian should know.Discover and download the MyHappy.Horse nutrition app: https://www.myhappy.horse And ask your nutrition questions 24/7 with Dr Nerida AI: https://www.myhappy.horse/nerida-ai If you enjoyed this episode, we would LOVE if you would leave us a rating and review and share with your friends! It really helps us to get grounded, science-based information to horse owners and trainers… and it is their horses who benefit the most! ❤️ 

Join Dr. Nerida and Orla for a rapid-fire Q&A session (well, maybe not rapid fire, but fast moving!) tackling listener questions on omega-3 supplementation, PSSM tying up, and solving anhidrosis in hot climates. Complete with ‘Friends’ references and an ‘Irish joke’, this episode also manages to deliver some practical, science-based answers to real-life horse feeding challenges.Dr. Nerida reveals the research based, post-work rehydration formula (90 grams salt to 10 liters water) that keeps horses drinking after competition and why it is also critical to offer fresh water! She explains why excess protein depletes electrolytes through urination, and shares dramatic case studies of "problem horses" transformed through simple dietary changes. Learn why that chronically bucking warmblood might just be asking for a PSSM-safe diet.Plus learn about hemp seed benefits, cod liver oil vitamin A toxicity risks, why vitamin A and E disappear from hay after 12 months, and the reason horses won't drink even though you know they are dehydrated.Key topics covered in this episode include:Fish oil vs flaxseed oil: when each is best for a horse’s omega-3 needsWhy fish oil is better with high grain dietsPSSM diet management: recognizing subtle symptoms like chronic bucking and lazinessHow to feed PSSM horses safely without expensive genetic testingAnhidrosis causes: the protein and electrolyte connection in hot climatesCritical electrolyte requirements: 70 grams PLUS daily in tropical conditionsWhy lucerne/alfalfa has caused entire stables to tie up in humid weatherWe would love you to subscribe to the Happy Horse Nutrition podcast for more expert advice on feeding horses for optimal health and performance.Discover and download the MyHappy.Horse app: https://www.myhappy.horseAnd ask your nutrition questions 24/7 with Dr Nerida AI: https://www.myhappy.horse/nerida-ai If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review! It really helps us to get grounded, science-based information to horse owners… and it is their horses who benefit the most! ❤️

Confused about which supplements your horse actually needs? In this comprehensive episode, PhD equine nutritionist Dr. Nerida cuts through the marketing noise to reveal what's essential, what may be useful, and what's likely a waste of money.Discover why salt is the one non-negotiable supplement every horse must have access to—and why compressed salt blocks might not be the best option. Learn when electrolytes are truly necessary (and the critical water access rule you must follow), plus get the inside story on hoof supplements, gut health products, mycotoxin binders, and bone mineral supplements.Nerida shares practical insights on vitamin E deficiency in older hay, the truth about most current bacterial probiotics, how joint supplements fall short, and how to spot "snake oil" products that promise everything but deliver nothing. She also explains why feeding supplements at less than the recommended dose—tempting as it is to save money—often means you're just wasting your investment.The bottom line? A balanced diet does 90% or more of the work in your horse’s diet. But when supplements are needed, knowing which ones actually work and how to use them properly can make all the difference to your horse's health.Whether you're feeding a backyard companion or a performance athlete, this episode will help you make informed, evidence-based decisions about your supplement budget.Discover and download the MyHappy.Horse app: https://www.myhappy.horseAnd ask your nutrition questions 24/7 with Dr Nerida AI: https://www.myhappy.horse/nerida-ai If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review and share with your friends! It really helps us to get grounded, science-based information to horse owners… and it is their horses who benefit the most! ❤️

Join professional equine nutritionist Dr Nerida and friend and horse industry colleague Orla for another engaging Q&A session. In this episode, we dive deep into free faecal water syndrome in horses—exploring fecal transplants, microbiome programming from dam to foal, and the crucial role of fibre diversity in gut health.Discover why paint horses are more prone to free fecal water, how stress impacts the condition, and whether gut supplements really help. We also tackle the sometimes controversial topic of feeding palominos to prevent smutting (and the possible health compromises involved).Plus, get expert advice on safely putting weight back on thin broodmares after weaning, including the best feeds, forage strategies, and how to avoid hindgut problems during the weight gain process.Key topics covered:Free fecal water syndrome causes and treatmentsFaecal transplants for horses and their effectivenessMicrobiome diversity and fibre variety in equine dietsPost-biotics vs probiotics for horse gut healthFeeding broodmares for healthy weight gainPalomino smutting and copper/zinc nutritionPasture-based feeding strategiesSubscribe to the Happy Horse Nutrition podcast for more expert advice on feeding horses for optimal health and performance.Discover and download the MyHappy.Horse app: https://www.myhappy.horseAnd ask your nutrition questions 24/7 with Dr Nerida AI: https://www.myhappy.horse/nerida-ai If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review! It really helps us to get grounded, science-based information to horse owners… and it is their horses who benefit the most! ❤️

Join PhD equine nutritionist Dr. Nerida as she tackles one of horse owners' most pressing questions: does my horse actually need grain? This comprehensive equine nutrition episode breaks down the science behind horse grain feeding, revealing why most horses don't need grain at all - and the specific cases where they do.What You'll Learn:The ONLY reason to feed grain to horses (it's simpler than you think)Which horses should NEVER have grain (insulin dysregulation, PPID, metabolic syndrome)How grain feeding can cause laminitis, colic, behavioral issues, and gut dysbiosisThe "Absolutely Not, No, Maybe, Yes" framework for determining if YOUR horse needs grainSafe grain feeding amounts: maximum limits to prevent hindgut damageWhy cooked grains are essential (except for oats) and which processing methods work bestReal-world examples from racehorses, yearlings and broodmaresKey Takeaways: Dr. Nerida reveals her ideal maximum of just 0.5kg grain per 100kg body weight (that's only 2.5kg for a 500kg horse!) and explains why performance actually improves when grain is reduced, not increased. She also busts the myth that overweight, lazy horses need more grain - often it's exactly the opposite.Perfect for horse owners who want evidence-based nutrition advice without the confusion. Whether you're dealing with a good doer, a hard keeper, or a performance horse, this episode gives you the tools to make informed feeding decisions.Discover and download the MyHappy.Horse app: https://www.myhappy.horseAnd ask your nutrition questions 24/7 with Dr Nerida AI: https://www.myhappy.horse/nerida-ai If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review! It really helps us to get grounded, science-based information to horse owners… and it is their horses who benefit the most! ❤️

Discover the answer to one of the most common questions asked by horse owners worldwide: how much hay does my horse actually need? PhD equine nutritionist Dr. Nerida reveals why this seemingly simple question has life-or-death consequences for your horse's health and performance.What You'll Learn:The deadly consequences of underfeeding hay and how it causes colic, gastric ulcers, and behavioral problemsThat horses evolved to eat 18 hours per day and what happens when we disrupt thisDr. Nerida's recommended hay amounts: 2-3% of body weight daily (that's 10-15kg for a 500kg horse)The critical 4-hour rule: never let your horse go longer than 4 hours without hayHow insufficient hay causes psychological stress, leaky gut, and performance issuesWhy hay is a performance horse's "secret weapon" - not just fillerKey Insights: Learn how proper hay feeding prevents gastric ulcers by maintaining saliva production, supports the vital hindgut microbiome, and provides natural muscle buffering through potassium. Dr. Nerida explains why the volatile fatty acids from hay fermentation act like a "fully charged battery" for performance horses, and how proper forage feeding can extend the time to muscle fatigue.Special Focus on Easy Keepers: Specific advice for overweight horses - don't reduce hay quantity, reduce hay quality instead. Discover how feeding up to 50% straw can help weight loss while maintaining gut health and preventing the behavioral issues that come with hay deprivation.Practical Solutions: Get specific guidance on using slow-feeding hay nets, measuring hay with luggage scales, and the importance of spreading hay consumption over 24 hours. Plus, learn how the My Happy Horse virtual nutritionist app takes the guesswork out of forage calculations.Perfect for horse owners who want to understand the science behind forage feeding and avoid the serious health consequences of getting it wrong.Discover and download the MyHappy.Horse app: https://www.myhappy.horseAnd ask your nutrition questions 24/7 with Dr Nerida AI: https://www.myhappy.horse/nerida-ai If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review! It really helps us to get grounded, science-based information to horse owners… and it is their horses who benefit the most! ❤️

Is your horse experiencing back pain? In this eye-opening episode, equine sports medicine specialist Dr. Nicolle Wiechula and your host Dr Nerida McGilchrist dive deep into everything you need to know about horse back health.Dr. Nicolle, a registered specialist in equine sports medicine and rehabilitation and official FEI veterinarian, breaks down the "triad" of back health: proper exercise, pain management, and nutrition. You'll discover simple exercises like carrot stretches and trot poles that can transform your horse's muscle support, plus why the source of protein in your horse's diet makes all the difference.In this episode, you'll learn:The difference between primary and secondary back pain (and why it matters)How to properly assess if your horse has back painSpecific exercises to build topline and core strengthWhy saddle fit checks are more crucial than you thinkThe nutrition secrets that actually build muscleMost importantly, find out why Dr. Wiechula hasn't recommended kissing spine surgery in seven years and how consistent, well-planned exercise programs can often resolve serious back issues without invasive procedures.Whether you're dealing with back pain right now or want to prevent problems before they start, this episode gives you veterinarian-approved strategies to keep your horse comfortable and strong.About Dr. Nicolle: BSc DVM MVCS MVS Dipl ACVSMR, registered specialist in equine sports medicine and rehabilitation, FEI veterinarian, and host of the Ultimate Equine Podcast.Links & Resources:🎧  Dr. Nicolle's Podcast: Ultimate Equine Podcast🎥  Dr. Nicolle's Webinar: Strengthening the Back and Hind End – https://www.facebook.com/watch/ 🐴 Check Your Horse's Nutrition: https://www.myhappy.horse – Analyse your horse’s diet to support their back health and muscle development📧 Connect with Dr. Nicolle: https://www.camdenequinecentre.com/team_list/dr-nicolle-symond/ ⭐ Love this episode? Please rate and review to help other horse owners discover these insights!

Dr. Nerida and Orla are back! And in this Q&A, they dive into some of the trickiest horse nutrition topics—because let’s face it, feeding horses isn’t always straightforward.Tune in as they explore:Calcium deficiencies in horses grazing lush, fertilized pasture and why lucerne (alfalfa) may be your best friendFeeding in wet, cold weather—how rain-soaked pasture can lead to weight loss in weanlings and what to do about itManaging overweight, unmotivated horses (the ones that just won’t get their go forward going forward!)—with smart diet and exercise tips tailored for PSSM and metabolic typesThe salt debate—why loose rock salt wins out over blocks, and how electrolytes play into muscle health and performanceWhether your horses are drenched in a soggy winter, grazing rich pasture, or packing a bit too much padding, this episode is full of practical advice and field-tested strategies to keep them healthy.🧂 🌱 🐴 No fluff—just expert insights, shared laughs, and real solutions.If you have questions you would love us to answer, please send them to hello@myhappy.horse 🤩Discover and download the MyHappy.Horse app: https://www.myhappy.horseAnd ask your nutrition questions 24/7 with Dr Nerida AI: https://www.myhappy.horse/nerida-ai If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review! It really helps us to get grounded, science-based information to horse owners… and it is their horses who benefit the most! ❤️

If you own a laminitis-prone horse or pony you know well the anxiety this condition creates for us as horse owners! In this essential episode, Dr. Nerida explains why a change in season creates the 'perfect storm' for laminitis - from the science behind how cold nights and sunny days cause dangerous carbohydrate accumulation in pasture plants, to the insulin dysregulation that affects 90% of laminitis cases.Learn the critical early warning signs every horse owner should know, including how to check digital pulses (your horse's best early detection system), and discover Dr Nerida’s game-changing 'fire blanket' approach to emergency management. Plus, get practical prevention strategies including safe grazing windows, strip grazing techniques, and why having emergency low-NSC hay on standby could literally save your horse.Whether you're dealing with a laminitis-prone equine or want to prevent this devastating condition, this episode gives you the knowledge and tools to keep your horse safe. Don't wait until it's too late - early detection and fast action can make all the difference!Discover and download the MyHappy.Horse app: https://www.myhappy.horse And ask your nutrition questions 24/7 with Dr Nerida AI: https://www.myhappy.horse/nerida-ai If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review! It really helps us to get grounded, science-based information to horse owners… and it is their horses who benefit the most! ❤️

In this evidence-first episode, Prof. Brian Nielsen (Michigan State University) and graduate researcher Renee Harbowy join me to unpack what we really know—and don’t—about glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM. We trace the research history (hello, cell culture studies), talk frankly about why high-quality equine trials are rare, and look at a clever, blinded field study run at an all-girls riding camp with ~80 horses on site.You’ll hear how horses were screened and balanced into supplement vs placebo groups, what was measured (stride length, flexion tests, IMU-based symmetry), and why lameness naturally fluctuates enough that you can fool yourself into thinking something works when studies are run without a control. We also touch on osteoarthritis prevalence in aging horses—the demand driver behind these products—and a cautionary detour into sheep models that shows why cross-species claims can mislead.And we finish with a detailed look at what best practice management for joint health actually looks like, including a suggestion to lunge yourself to feel how it feels on your own joints! Such a cool idea! I have to admit this conversation really opened my eyes to what we, as horse owners will be missing if we are relying on joint supplements to protect joints, versus relying on proper nutrition and management.  If you buy joint supplements, think about your horses joint health a lot, or just want your horse to be healthy and happy for a long lifetime, this conversation is a must!Read the research - Efficacy of an oral chondroprotective joint supplement on stridelength and lameness in aged geldings with osteoarthritis https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S073708062500111X Check out the amazing Black River Farm and Ranch (OMG I want to be a kid again so I can go to camp here 😂😍!) - https://blackriverfarmandranch.com Discover and download the MyHappy.Horse virtual nutritionist app: https://www.myhappy.horseIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review! It really helps us to get grounded, science-based information to horse owners… and it is their horses who benefit the most! ❤️