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

Dr. Clair Thunes and Jill Jackson
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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.

  1. JAN 5

    Ep. 66: Joint Supplements for Horses: What Actually Works (and What Doesn’t)

    Do horse joint supplements actually work or are they just expensive hope in a bucket? In this episode, we take a science-based look at equine joint supplements and the ingredients most commonly used to support joint health. In this episode, you’ll learn: -Why joint supplements are so widely used across disciplines -How cartilage, synovial fluid and healthy joints function in the horse and what happens when things go wrong -The difference between preventative joint support and inflammation management -What the research says about glucosamine, chondroitin, HA, MSM, ASU, resveratrol, green-lipped mussel, collagen, and silica -Why a balanced base diet matters before adding a joint supplement -What supplement labels can and legally cannot claim -How to spot red flags in joint supplement marketing Whether you’re caring for an arthritic senior horse or a high-performing athlete and trying to decide if a supplement is worth the investment, this episode will help you make informed, evidence-based choices for your horse’s joint health.  Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com Thanks for riding along with us!

    1h 1m

  2. 12/22/2025

    Ep. 65: Stop Wasting Hay and Money: Research-Based Ways to Reduce Hay Waste

    This week, I’m joined by Dr. Krishona Martinson from the University of Minnesota, a leading expert in equine forage research. We take a look at her research on hay waste, what causes it, and how horse owners can significantly reduce loss and lower feeding costs. In this episode, we discuss: What research shows about hay waste across feeding methodsHow much hay horse owners typically waste and whyThe real financial impact of wasted haySimple ways to keep more hay in your horse, not on the groundFeeding strategies proven to reduce wasteCommon mistakes that increase hay lossHow to choose a feeding setup that fits your barnFeeding horses is expensive. It's even more expensive when their hay gets wasted.  If you’ve wondered how much money you are wasting and which hay-feeding methods actually work, this episode gives you clear, research-based answers that will benefit your horses and your wallet. References & Further Reading: • Martinson, K. et al. (2012). Round-bale feeder design and hay waste in horses. Journal of Animal Science https://academic.oup.com/jas/article/90/3/1047/4764420?login=false       Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com Thanks for riding along with us!

    59 min

  3. 12/08/2025

    Ep. 64: Feeding Fat Supplements to Horses: Different Types and What to Know

    Fat is one of the most misunderstood parts of a horse’s diet, yet it can be a powerful tool for weight gain, health, and performance. In this episode, we break down the most common fat sources for horses, how they differ, and when you should (or shouldn’t) use them. From rice bran and flax to oils, seeds, and supplements, we cut through the confusion so you can make informed feeding decisions. You’ll learn: The fundamental differences between different kinds of fatHow omega-3 and omega-6 fats impact health and inflammationWhich fat sources offer the best balancePros and cons of rice bran, flax, chia, canola, coconut, hemp, and moreWhy some horses benefit from EPA/DHA sources like fish oilHow to choose the right fat based on your horse’s needsA clear, practical guide to feeding fat the right way. Let’s dive in. Link to the article from Kentucky Equine Research discussed in the show https://ker.com/published/type-of-polyunsaturated-fatty-acid-supplementation-affects-red-blood-cell-fatty-acid-composition-in-exercised-thoroughbreds/?highlight=omega%203%20   For 10% of Kentucky Equine Research supplements click here https://shop.ker.com/scoop or the use discount code SCOOP at check out Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com Thanks for riding along with us!

    1h 10m

  4. 11/24/2025

    Ep. 63: Our Favorite Things 2025 - Gifts for Horse Lovers

    It’s officially Thanksgiving week which means Black Friday deals, holiday chaos, and the perfect time for our annual Favorite Things Episode!  Whether you’re powering through barn chores, traveling to see family, or braving the holiday madness, this episode is here to keep you company. Jill and Clair are sharing their 2025 favorite equine and barn-life essentials—from tack cleaning must-haves and barn organization tools to cozy clothing and practical gear that actually makes life with horses easier. Looking for gift ideas for your barn friends? Want to treat yourself to something that sparks a little joy? There’s truly something for everyone.  Tune in and discover a few new favorites to brighten your winter season!   No sponsorships, no commissions, no affiliations - just products we genuinely love and use.    Rompf Evelyn breech  Duluth Trading Women's Flexpedition Lined Straight Leg Pants  Epona Tacknology Sponge Extend-A-Reach Promo code: scoopandscale20 20% off entire order Minimum purchase of $50.00 Can’t combine with other discounts Active from Nov 24 to Dec 1 (1 week) Hemlock Lifeguard Hat  Chamois Butt'r   Flexzilla Garden Hose  Arma Air Motion Brushing Boots Promo code: SCOOP15 for 15% off order  Valid until December 8th, 2025 Carr & Day & Martin Canter Mane & Tail and Dreamcoat SmartMesh Ultimate Fly Sheet  Flexineb   Emily Cole Illustrations Calendar  Harbor Freight HAUL-MASTER Magnetic Trailer Alignment Kit     Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com Thanks for riding along with us!

    1h 39m

  5. 11/10/2025

    Ep. 62: Rooted in Science: Feeding Beet Pulp to Horses

    Beet pulp, is it a super feed or a risky choice? Used in rations for decades, beet pulp has recently become controversial and a polarizing topic in the horse world. We break down what beet pulp really is, how it fits into a balanced diet, and what the science says. In this episode, you’ll learn: -What beet pulp actually is and why it’s low in sugar despite its name -Why it’s called a “super fiber” and how it supports gut health -Whether you should soak beet pulp  -How much beet pulp is safe to feed and what horses can benefit from beet pulp -How beet pulp impacts calcium–phosphorus ratios and whether it causes “big head disease” -Whether you should be concerned about  aluminum and glyphosate levels Beet pulp doesn’t have to be confusing or controversial. Tune in as we separate fact from fiction and bring clarity to this long-debated feed ingredient. Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com Thanks for riding along with us!

    56 min

  6. 10/27/2025

    Ep. 61: Winter Horse Blanketing: Should You Do It? What the Science Says

    Blanket season is here and so are the annual blanketing opinion wars!  From “my horse never wears one” to “my pony has a full winter wardrobe,” every horse owner has an opinion. But what does the science actually say about blanketing horses? In this episode of The Scoop & Scale Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Michelle DeBoer from Equine, PhD to uncover the facts behind horse blanketing, coat growth, and thermoregulation. Dr. DeBoer’s research reveals surprising truths about how horses handle cold, when blanketing truly helps, and why no one-size-fits-all rule exists.  You’ll learn: What really triggers a horse’s winter coat to growHow breed, body condition, and climate affect coat thicknessWhether blanketing can actually prevent coat growthWhy wind and rain matter more than temperature aloneHow blanketing impacts hay intake and weight managementWhen blankets help… and when they might hurtTune in to get practical guidance to help you make smarter blanketing decisions this winter. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168159116302192  Reference: “Horses can learn to use symbols to communicate their preferences,” Applied Animal Behaviour Science, November 2016   Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com Thanks for riding along with us!

    1h 16m

  7. 10/13/2025

    Ep. 60: Chew on This: Equine Teeth, Dentistry & Nutrition (Part 2)

    We are back with Kai Yun Lai, a certified equine dental professional, to further explore the powerful connection between your horse’s teeth, their diet, and digestion.  In this episode: Why chewing and particle size matter for nutrient absorptionHow dental issues show up in manure & behaviorWhy poor dental health can cause weight lossHow your horse's dental health is linked to colic, and choke riskNutrition’s role in dental health, how the different things you feed and how you feed them impact your horse's teethWhether your horse is dropping weight, resisting the bit, just not thriving, or you want to understand the full impact of your feeding decisions on dental health, this episode examines the links between nutrition and dental health.  To learn more about or to contact Kai Yun Lai click HERE Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com Thanks for riding along with us!

    47 min

  8. 09/29/2025

    Ep. 59: Chew on This: Equine Teeth, Dentistry & Nutrition (Part 1)

    In part 1 of our 2 part series on the impact of equine dental health on equine nutrition, we focus on what makes equine teeth unique and why having a qualified equine dental professional as part of your horse's care team is vital to their health and well-being. Our expert guest, Kai Yun Lai, a certified equine dental provider with a master's in equine nutrition, shares invaluable insights on: The fascinating evolution of horse teeth over millions of years.How your horse's teeth change over their lifetime.The important roles that the different types of teeth play. Common dental problems and signs horse owners should watch out for.The link between poor dental health and emergencies like choke and colic.Why annual dental checks should occur at least annually, and what a routine appointment entails.Key differences between equine dentists and veterinarians and what they're legally allowed to do.Don't miss this essential episode to ensure your horse's optimal health and well-being through proper dental care.  To learn more about or to contact Kai Yun Lai click HERE Evolution of the Horse  Information and Graphics Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com Thanks for riding along with us!

    1h 7m
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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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