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

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 pregnancy
How epigenetics and fetal programming influence foal development
The role of energy intake, body condition score, and metabolic health in mares
What research shows about overfeeding, restriction, and long-term foal outcomes
And so much more
Whether 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 [email protected]   
Thanks for riding along with us!

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 [email protected]   
Thanks for riding along with us!

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 [email protected]   
Thanks for riding along with us!

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 matters
How nutrition impacts hoof growth and long-term hoof strength
The role of biotin, amino acids, zinc, and copper in hoof quality
Why balancing the whole diet is more effective than stacking supplements
Realistic timelines for improving hoof health
Strong 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 [email protected]   
Thanks for riding along with us!

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 keepers
How to check body condition and spot risky fat deposits
Safe ways to help horses lose weight with diet and exercise
How fat affects inflammation, laminitis, and metabolic health
Tips for forage management, slow feeders, and practical weight control
To 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 [email protected]   
Thanks for riding along with us!