Scoop & Scale: An Equine Podcast (Mostly) About Nutrition

Dr. Clair Thunes and Jill Jackson
  • 5.0 (22)
  • Hobbies
  • Updated Biweekly

Dr. Clair Thunes and Jill Jackson dish up the science and weigh the facts about equine nutrition, horse care, and industry topics.

  1. May 25

    Ep. 76: Equine Allergies, Hives & Itchy Skin: What Horse Owners Need to Know

    Seasonal itching, hives, and respiratory issues: equine allergies can be frustrating, confusing, and difficult to manage. In this episode we’re joined by special guest Dr. Rosanna Marsella. Dr. Marsella is a board-certified veterinary dermatologist and professor at the University of Florida. She has authored more than 150 peer-reviewed articles, written several books and contributed to numerous others. She has also served as president of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology and co-editor of Veterinary Dermatology. Together, we unpack the most common causes of allergies in horses, how they present clinically, and what horse owners need to know about diagnosis and treatment especially regarding widely misunderstood topics like food allergies and blood testing. In this episode, we cover: The most common types of equine allergies (insects, environment, and more) and how they show up clinicallyWhen to call your veterinarian and what to expect during diagnosis and treatmentWhy blood allergy testing is often unreliable (especially for feed-related allergies)Practical management strategies, from fly control to environmental changes and nutrition supportAnd so much moreEquine allergies are often misunderstood, and this conversation helps separate common myths from what the science actually shows.   To learn more about Dr. Marsella https://www.vetmed.ufl.edu/profile/marsella-rosanna/  Consensus Statement  https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/vde.13168   Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com    Thanks for riding along with us!

    1h 17m

  2. May 11

    Ep. 75: Ration Balancers Explained: The Key to Filling Nutrient Gaps in Your Horse’s Diet

    Ration balancers are one of the most commonly recommended feeds in the horse world but what are they really doing, and does your horse actually need one? If your horse is living on pasture or hay looking good and maintaining weight, it’s easy to assume their diet is “complete". In reality, many diets fall short in key nutrients that support long-term health, topline, and performance. The effects of these deficiencies may not show up for a long time.  In this episode, we break down what ration balancers are, how they work, where they fit into your horse’s feeding program, and some of the most common misconceptions we see. We discuss: What a ration balancer is and how it differs from other feeds and supplementsWhy forage-only diets are often missing key nutrientsThe role of protein, minerals, and vitamins in balancing the dietRation balancer vs. ration-balancing supplements: what’s the differenceWhen you may need to add a ration balancer to other feeds that you are feedingAnd so much moreWhether you’re feeding a performance horse, an easy keeper, or anything in between, this episode will help you better understand how to support your horse’s nutrition without adding unnecessary calories. Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com    Thanks for riding along with us!

    55 min

  3. Apr 27

    Ep. 74: Foal Nutrition: Feeding for Healthy Growth from Birth to Adolescence

    Foal nutrition and young horse development set the foundation for a lifetime of health, soundness, and performance. From birth through weaning and into early training, feeding young horses correctly is critical, but often misunderstood. Nutrition during this stage directly impacts growth, joint health, metabolism, and long-term success. In this episode, we break down foal nutrition, weanling feeding strategies, and young horse development, including how the broodmare supports early growth through lactation, when to introduce feed, and how to avoid common mistakes that can impact soundness. In this episode, we discuss: Foal nutrition from birth, The important roles of protein and calcium in early growthWhen to introduce feed to foals and how to choose the right growth feed for weanlingsHow nutrition and growth rate influence developmental orthopedic disease (OCD) and joint healthBest practices for weaning, diet transitions, and maintaining steady, consistent growthAnd so much moreWhether you’re raising a foal, buying a weanling, or managing young performance horses, this episode will help you make more informed feeding decisions to support healthy growth, soundness, and long-term success.  Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com    Thanks for riding along with us!

    56 min

  4. Apr 13

    Ep. 73: Broodmare Nutrition: Why Your Foal’s Health Starts Before Birth

    Mare nutrition plays a far bigger role in foal development than most horse owners realize and the science is now showing that what happens during pregnancy can influence a foal for life. In this episode, we break down and explore how broodmare diet shapes foal growth, metabolism, and long-term soundness. From epigenetics and fetal programming to practical feeding strategies for pregnant mares, this conversation connects cutting-edge research with real-world feeding decisions for horse owners, breeders, and equine professionals. In this episode, we discuss: Why broodmare nutrition is critical before conception and during pregnancyHow epigenetics and fetal programming influence foal developmentThe role of energy intake, body condition score, and metabolic health in maresWhat research shows about overfeeding, restriction, and long-term foal outcomesAnd so much moreWhether you’re breeding performance horses, managing a small broodmare herd, or simply want to better understand equine nutrition science, this episode will change how you think about feeding mares and raising foals.  Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com    Thanks for riding along with us!

    47 min

  5. Mar 30

    Ep. 72: Vitamin E for Horses: Identifying Deficiency and Effective Supplementation

    Spring means more riding and possibly more oxidative stress for your horse. After a winter on hay, many horses may be low in vitamin E, a key antioxidant for overall health. In this episode, we cover: -What vitamin E is and why it matters -Why hay and limited pasture diets can lead to deficiency -Signs of low vitamin E and related issues -How to test and supplement correctly -Choosing the right form, dosing, and so much more Whether you have a performance horse, a pasture companion, or a horse recovering from illness, this episode will help you make informed decisions about equine nutrition, supplementation, and long-term health. Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com    Thanks for riding along with us!

    1h 5m

  6. Mar 16

    Ep. 71: Equine Asthma: Commonly Missed Signs, Causes and Treatments

    Equine asthma is one of the most common respiratory conditions affecting horses, yet many owners miss the early warning signs. In this episode  we speak with Dr. Laurent Couëtil, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, about equine asthma in horses, including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options. Dr. Couëtil, director of the Donald J. McCrosky Equine Sports Medicine Center at Purdue University, shares his expertise on equine respiratory health and why lung function is critical for performance horses. In this episode we discuss: -Early signs of equine asthma and what horse owners should watch for -Why coughing during exercise isn’t normal -How veterinarians diagnose respiratory disease, including BAL testing -Treatment and management options, from environmental changes to medications -New research, emerging therapies, and more Whether your horse occasionally coughs or you simply want to better protect your horse’s respiratory health, this episode offers practical insights backed by veterinary research. You can learn more about Dr. Couëtil and his research on the following website https://vet.purdue.edu/directory/person.php?id=12.  You can find his published researched HERE Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com    Thanks for riding along with us!

    1h 40m

  7. Mar 2

    Ep. 70: Stronger Horse Hooves: How Nutrition Improves Hoof Health and Quality

    Cracks, chips, weak hoof walls, and soft soles are common concerns for horse owners. But do hoof supplements actually work, and does nutrition really improve hoof quality? In this episode, we break down the biology of hoof growth and explain why strong feet start with a balanced diet, not just another supplement. We cover how hooves grow, the key nutrients involved in building durable hoof horn, and how to determine whether your horse actually needs additional support. In this episode, you’ll learn: What the hoof wall and sole are made of and why keratin mattersHow nutrition impacts hoof growth and long-term hoof strengthThe role of biotin, amino acids, zinc, and copper in hoof qualityWhy balancing the whole diet is more effective than stacking supplementsRealistic timelines for improving hoof healthStrong hooves are not built with quick fixes or magic ingredients. They are the result of consistent management, balanced nutrition, and patience. Understanding the science behind hoof growth will help you make smarter decisions and support long-term soundness.  Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com    Thanks for riding along with us!

    38 min

  8. Feb 16

    Ep. 69: Managing Overweight Horses Through Diet, Forage, and Exercise

    In this episode we discuss a challenge many horse owners face: fat or overweight horses. From disciplines where a “round” horse is seen as ideal to the health risks of carrying extra weight, we cover why managing body condition matters. Our guest, Madeline Boast, MSc, PAS, equine nutritionist and founder of Balanced Bay Nutrition, shares her research on safe weight loss programs for horses and explains how diet, exercise, and metabolic health work together to support long-term wellbeing. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why overweight horses are so common, especially easy keepersHow to check body condition and spot risky fat depositsSafe ways to help horses lose weight with diet and exerciseHow fat affects inflammation, laminitis, and metabolic healthTips for forage management, slow feeders, and practical weight controlTo learn more about Madeline and Balanced Bay Nutrition you can visit her website here https://balancedbaynutrition.com/  Here is an episode to Ep. 38: Body Weight, Condition Scoring and Equine Nutrition https://scoopandscale.com/ep-38-body-weight-condition-scoring-and-equine-nutrition/     Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com    Thanks for riding along with us!

    1h 4m
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Dr. Clair Thunes and Jill Jackson dish up the science and weigh the facts about equine nutrition, horse care, and industry topics.

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