In this episode, Dr. Nicole Rambo and Heather discuss their gratitude for the opportunity to talk about horses, their listeners' questions, and the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. Heather introduces the new addition to her herd, a 17-month-old Quarter Horse draft cross named Chicago. She shares the criteria she looked for in this horse, such as temperament and size, for his future role in a Mounted Unit patrol. Heather also provides insights into the responsibilities and training involved in Mounted Unit work. They discuss Chicago's integration into her nutrition program, emphasizing the importance of gut health support and a gradual introduction to new diets.  You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition   

In this episode, Dr. Nicole Rambo and Sarah discuss the important topic of 'choke' in horses. They share experiences and insights on what choke is, the symptoms to look for, and immediate steps horse owners should take if their horse chokes. The hosts also delve into common causes of choke, including poor dentition, rapid eating due to anxiety or competition, and other contributing factors. They emphasize the importance of monitoring horses during and after feeding to prevent prolonged choking episodes and highlight strategies for reducing choke risk, such as using slow feed hay nets and soaking feed.  You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition   

In this episode, Dr. Nicole Rambo and Heather discuss a new addition to their research team, a 3-year-old standardbred gelding named Dewey, who has a significant parrot mouth. They delve into the challenges and strategies for feeding a horse with this conformational defect, including Dewey's specific nutritional plan and the adjustments made to ensure he gains weight and maintains health. The episode highlights the balance between research consistency and the need for flexible, tailored care for individual horses. Listeners are encouraged to suggest topics and reach out for personalized feeding plans. You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition   

In this episode, Dr. Nicole Rambo and Sarah discuss how the changing seasons can potentially increase the risk of colic in horses. They delve into various factors such as temperature and daylight shifts, reduced turnout time, decreased exercise, and changes in forage and water intake. They also provide practical tips on managing these risks, including the importance of maintaining hydration, making gradual dietary transitions, and adding salt to encourage water consumption. The episode emphasizes the importance of proactive management to ensure the health and well-being of horses during seasonal changes. You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition   

In this episode, Dr. Nicole Rambo and Heather discuss the impact of seasonal changes on equine behavior, specifically focusing on the transition to fall. They explore various factors such as dietary changes, decreased pasture quality, increased sugar content in grass, altered activity levels, cooler temperatures, and potential seasonal allergies. They emphasize the importance of reassessing feeding plans to ensure they suit the horses' changing needs and highlight the value of seeking personalized equine nutrition advice. You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition   

In this episode of the Equine Connection Podcast, Dr. Nicole Rambo and Sarah discuss the challenges of respiratory irritation or illness, commonly referred to as 'Congress Cough,' that horses may face during or after large, multi-week horse shows, such as the All-American Quarter Horse Congress. They delve into factors contributing to this issue, including environmental stressors, poor ventilation, and pathogen exposure. The hosts also provide practical equine nutrition and stable management tips to help prevent and mitigate these respiratory problems, emphasizing the importance of maintaining overall horse health.  You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition   

In this episode. Dr. Nicole Rambo and Heather discuss an intriguing case study about multiple horses experiencing mild to moderate colic. The common denominator was a new batch of hay from the same producer, highlighting the importance of hay quality, moisture content, and storage methods. They delve into potential causes including mold, fermentation issues, and nutritional changes, emphasizing the value of testing hay before feeding. They also address potential weed contamination and its effects on horse health. The episode offers practical advice for horse owners preparing for winter and handling feed transitions. You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition 

In this episode, Dr. Nicole Rambo and Sarah focus on the essential role of the hind gut in horses. The discussion covers the anatomy and function of the hind gut, its importance to overall equine health, and the risks associated with conditions like hind gut acidosis. Dr. Rambo emphasizes the importance of a forage-first diet, the impact of stress on gut health, and the role of prebiotics, probiotics, and other supplements in maintaining a healthy hind gut. They also delve into Tribute's unique nutritional technologies aimed at supporting equine digestive health. You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition 

In this episode, Dr. Nicole Rambo and Heather discuss the challenges of maintaining horse weight and nutrition during severe drought conditions. They delve into the effects of high-fat diets on horses and why overfeeding fat can be detrimental. The discussion includes insights into fat digestion in horses, the importance of balancing forage quality with fat intake, and practical tips for making dietary adjustments. They also offer guidance on how to approach feeding strategies as pasture quality diminishes and highlight the importance of proactive management in ensuring optimal horse health. Listeners are encouraged to reach out for personalized advice and support. You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition 

In this episode, Dr. Nicole Rambo and Sarah discuss whether a horse needs to gain muscle, weight, or both. They explore how to determine the specific needs of a horse through body condition and muscling scores, explain the Tribute Wellness System, and provide strategies for safely gaining weight and building muscle. The discussion also covers nutritional interventions, appropriate feeding programs, and the importance of addressing dietary needs before focusing on muscle development. Practical examples and tips are shared to help horse owners make informed decisions about their horse's health and nutrition. Tribute Equine Nutrition Wellness System link HERE  You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition 

In this episode of the Equine Connection Podcast, Dr. Nicole Rambo and Heather discuss the issue of grain mites in horse feed. They dive into a case study where a customer discovered what she thought was mold in her feed, which turned out to be grain mites. The hosts explain what grain mites are, how they thrive in warm and humid environments, and best practices for preventing and managing infestations. They also provide tips on proper feed storage, the importance of rotating feed, and maintaining a clean environment. The hosts answer common questions, debunk myths, and offer practical advice for horse owners dealing with these pesky pests. You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition 

Dr. Nicole Rambo and Sarah delve into the crucial topic of mycotoxins and their binders in horse feed. The discussion covers what mycotoxins are, how they develop, and their potential health risks for horses. The episode emphasizes the importance of ingredient selection and testing in feed production to minimize these risks, along with proper storage practices for both feed and hay. The hosts also offer practical tips for horse owners to safeguard their feed and forage from mycotoxin exposure, providing a comprehensive guide to maintaining equine health in the face of unavoidable environmental challenges. You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition 

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, and making adjustments based on the individual needs of the animal. The episode also provides details on how to create a personalized feeding plan for new equine arrivals. You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition 

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 findings, including the impacts of hay nets on dental health and body condition scores, and highlights significant cost-saving benefits from reduced hay waste.  You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition 

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 enough forage, and how hay types like Timothy, Orchard grass, and alfalfa compare in nutrition. Listeners are encouraged to pursue a forage-first diet to ensure their horses' health and happiness. The episode concludes with a reminder to check out Tribute's free personalized feed plans and their online presence for more information. You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition 

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 strategies and emphasize the importance of proper diet and hydration for maintaining a horse’s health during transportation. Listeners are encouraged to reach out for personalized equine feeding plans and further assistance. You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition 

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 importance of soaking times, potential nutrient loss, and practical considerations like avoiding mold growth. Listeners are encouraged to consider testing their hay to optimize these practices for their horses' individual needs.  You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition 

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 foal's growing needs and the critical nutrients such as trace minerals, vitamins, and amino acids. They also touch on when to transition foals to plant-based proteins and other growth formulas.  You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition 

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 dietary considerations to manage heat stress effectively. Importantly, the episode also covers best practices for cooling horses, debunking some traditional methods, and providing recommendations based on recent research. Listeners are guided on how to use the heat stress index to decide whether it's safe to work their horses and how to adapt training routines to ensure equine safety during hot weather. You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition 

In this episode Dr. Nicole Rambo and Heather explore and react to various trending TikTok horse feeding hacks. They assess the safety and effectiveness of different tips, which include feeding carrots and ice cubes as summer treats, adding molasses to make feed more palatable, using vegetable oil for quick weight gain, incorporating beet pulp for weight gain, relying solely on salt blocks, soaking beet pulp with apple juice, feeding straight oats, and using yogurt for gut health. They provide valuable insights and recommendations regarding each hack, emphasizing the importance of careful consideration and expert guidance in equine nutrition.   You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition