Happy Horse Nutrition

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.Topics Covered: Horse supplements, equine nutrition, salt requirements, electrolytes, hoof health, biotin, gut health supplements, mycotoxins, toxin binders, bone mineral supplements, vitamin E deficiency, muscle building, enzymes, probiotics, retained placenta, selenium deficiency, vitamin and mineral nutrition.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.Topics Covered: Horse nutrition, grain feeding, equine gut health, laminitis prevention, insulin resistance, PPID, metabolic syndrome, racehorse feeding, broodmare nutrition, hindgut microbiome, starch digestion, oats vs other grainsDiscover 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.Topics Covered: Horse hay requirements, equine forage feeding, horse nutrition, gastric ulcers, colic prevention, hindgut health, performance horse feeding, easy keeper management, horse behavior, equine gut health, volatile fatty acidsDiscover 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! ❤️

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! ❤️

Join Dr. Nerida McGilchrist and long-time  friend and fellow horse industry veteran Orla for a lively and insightful Q&A. With decades of combined experience—ranging from pasture sampling to product development—these two dive deep into real-world horse nutrition challenges.In this episode, we unpack: • When (and when not) to use omeprazole in horses • Why nitrate testing in hay should be standard practice • The truth about soy as a protein source for horses • Practical, low-cost strategies to support gut health and safe weight lossWhether you're a racehorse trainer, casual competitor, or passionate horse lover, you'll walk away with practical advice and a clearer understanding of the science behind what your horse eats.🎧 Listen in for no-nonsense answers and great conversation from two women who’ve been there, done that—and are still well and truly in the saddle with it!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! ❤️

How can you tell if your horse’s hindgut is healthy—or heading for trouble? In this episode, Dr Nerida explains three practical and science-backed ways to assess hindgut health: manure scoring, faecal pH, and microbiome testing. Learn how each method works, what to look for, and how these insights can help you determine if your horse’s hindgut and the microbes who live there are healthy, or not!Get your manure scoring cheat sheet here: https://www.myhappy.horse/manurescoring Discover and download the MyHappy.Horse 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! ❤️

Your horse’s hindgut microbes are the key to their health, happiness, and performance. In this episode, you’ll learn the 4 essential feeding rules that support a healthy hindgut—and why those rules matter more than any gut supplement.Before you spend money on gut health products, make sure your horse’s diet is doing the basics right. It’s simple, practical, and based on science.Discover and download the MyHappy.Horse 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! ❤️

Want to unlock better health and performance for your horse? Start with the gut!In this episode, microbiologist Dr Belinda Chapman guides us through the fascinating world of your horse’s hindgut microbes — who they are, what they do, and why they matter. From the basics of the microbiome to emerging science on how gut bugs shape behaviour, health, and performance, this one’s a must-listen for any serious horse owner.More about Quantal Bioscience: https://www.quantalbioscience.com/Hindgut microbe testing (species specific): https://www.equigi.com/homeDiscover and download the MyHappy.Horse 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!

Ulcers, anxiety, and weight loss In this Q&A episode, Dr Nerida tackles real-world feeding challenges: what hay to choose for a horse with ulcers, how to support an anxious mare, and what to feed a Shetland that’s dropping weight (and yes! Who knew this was even possible!! 😂). Practical advice for keeping horses happy and healthy.Discover and download the MyHappy.Horse 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! <3

Protect your horse from the inside out.Drought conditions increase the risk of ulcers, sand colic, and digestive upset — but smart feeding can reduce the danger. In this episode, Dr Nerida shares practical tips to keep your horse’s gut safe, happy, and functioning well when forage is scarce.The pellet I mention that can help with sand removal is: https://eacanimalcare.com/products/in-sand-out-intestinal-sand-removal-pellet Discover and download the MyHappy.Horse 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! <3

Feeding through drought? Here’s what your horse really needs.Drought can be overwhelming — but your feeding choices can make all the difference. In this episode, Dr Nerida shares expert, practical advice to help you keep your horse healthy, nourished, and mentally sound through tough times. Learn which hays are safe, how much to feed, and why vitamin E capsules and carrots might just be drought essentials.Discover and download the MyHappy.Horse 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! <3

Feeding on the road? Don’t leave your horse’s gut behind.In this episode, Dr Nerida breaks down exactly how to feed during multi-day competitions to support performance, health, and wellbeing. Smart strategies for stress-free travel, happy guts, and horses that perform at their peak.Discover and download the MyHappy.Horse 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! <3

Did you know that our traditional exercise and management regimes of performance horses can contribute to a decline in bone health? And may even lead to catastrophic bone injury! Learn how to keep bone healthy with world leading equine exercise physiologist Dr Brian Nielsen, Michigan State University and Dr Nerida as they discuss Dr Nielsen’s research into bone health that spans the last three decades.Find the full scientific review here: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/13/5/789Find out more and download the MyHappy.Horse App here: https://www.myhappy.horse If 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! <3

Lucerne before riding? Absolutely — and here’s why.In this episode, Dr Nerida explains how feeding lucerne (alfalfa) hay before exercise can help protect your horse’s stomach from acid splash and ulcers. Especially important for horses in regular work, this simple strategy could make a big difference to your horse’s comfort, behaviour and gut health.Discover and download the MyHappy.Horse 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! <3

A horse's gastrointestinal tract is unique and complex. In this episode, Dr Nerida demystifies the horse's gut!Discover and download the MyHappy.Horse 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! <3