The Equine Connection Podcast

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, a...

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 findi...

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 enou...

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 str...

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 im...

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 fo...

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...

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, ...

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 ...

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...

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 ...

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 problem...

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 type...

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 insi...

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...

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 ...

In this episode Dr. Nicole Rambo and Sarah discuss how nutrition affects horse behavior and learning. Key topics include the influence of glucose on the equine brain, the effects of sugar and starch on hyperactivity, and the role of various nutrients like magnesium and B vitamins in nervous system function. They also explore the gut-brain axis and its impact on mood and behavior, dietary issues that might subtly affect horse perfor...

In this episode, Dr. Nicole Rambo and equine specialist Heather focus on a case study involving a quarter horse yearling displaying symptoms of undernutrition, despite having adequate calorie intake. The client noticed the horse had a potbelly, slow growth, poor muscling, and joint swelling. The discussion emphasizes the importance of not just meeting calorie requirements but also ensuring proper nutritional intake by feeding the r...