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

Every year, natural disasters force horse owners to make critical decisions with little warning. In Part 1 of this two-part series, we cover the essential steps you can take now to prepare your horses, property, and support network before an emergency happens.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why every horse needs permanent identification and up-to-date records
• Building an emergency support network and connecting with local resources before disaster strikes
• Creating an evacuation plan, including destinations, routes, and transportation logistics
• Preparing emergency supplies, feed, medications, and essential paperwork for your horses
• Why practicing trailer loading and emergency procedures can make all the difference when time is limited

Whether your risk is wildfire, flood, hurricane, tornado, derecho, or another natural disaster, the best emergency plan is the one you create before you need it.  This episode will give you the tips you need to get that done. 
Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com   
Thanks for riding along with us!

Summer means horse shows, trail rides, vacations, and long days on the road with our horses. But are you prepared for the unique challenges that come with trailering horses in hot weather? In this episode we discuss how to keep your horse safe, comfortable, and healthy while traveling during the summer months.

In this episode, we cover:
• Trailer safety and pre-trip checks
• Preventing heat stress during travel
• Hydration, salt, and electrolytes
• Emergency gear every trailer needs
• Biosecurity and travel paperwork

Whether you're heading to a horse show, trail riding destination, clinic, or summer getaway, this episode will help you travel safely and confidently with your horse.

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com   
Thanks for riding along with us!

Hay season is here! While most horse owners focus on buying and feeding hay, few have firsthand experience with what it actually takes to grow, harvest, and store quality horse hay. In this episode, Jill shares her journey from boarding barns in Arizona to purchasing hay in Colorado and ultimately becoming a hay producer in Iowa. Along the way, we discuss the realities of hay farming, the challenges of producing quality forage, and answer listener questions about hay testing, nutrition, storage, and feeding.
In this episode, we discuss:
• Jill's journey from horse owner to hay farmer
• The challenges of growing and harvesting horse hay
• Hay testing, cuttings, and nutrient differences
• Feeding fresh hay and evaluating hay quality
• Hay costs, production realities, and so much more
Whether you're buying a few bales, storing a year's worth of hay, contemplating growing your own, or simply curious about where your horse's forage comes from, this episode offers valuable insights into the world of hay production and equine nutrition.
Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com   
Thanks for riding along with us!

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 clinically
When to call your veterinarian and what to expect during diagnosis and treatment
Why blood allergy testing is often unreliable (especially for feed-related allergies)
Practical management strategies, from fly control to environmental changes and nutrition support
And so much more
Equine 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!

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 supplements
Why forage-only diets are often missing key nutrients
The role of protein, minerals, and vitamins in balancing the diet
Ration balancer vs. ration-balancing supplements: what’s the difference
When you may need to add a ration balancer to other feeds that you are feeding
And so much more
Whether 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!