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

Laminitis is one of the most serious and misunderstood conditions affecting horses. But what actually happens inside the hoof when a horse develops laminitis?
Our guest for this two-part series is François-René Bertin, DVM, MS, FHEA, PhD, DACVIM (LAIM), a Professor and Director of the Nancy Fair Link Laminitis Research Centre at Mississippi State University. In Part 1 of this two-part series, we take a closer look at what laminitis is, which structures of the hoof are involved, what happens when those structures become damaged, and why laminitis can be so devastating to the horse. We also explore the causes of laminitis in horses and the different pathways that can trigger the disease. From metabolic dysregulation to systemic illness, when it comes to treatment and prevention, understanding the underlying cause matters.
You'll learn:
• What laminitis actually is and what happens inside the hoof
 • The hoof structures involved, including the laminae and coffin bone
 • How damage to these structures can affect the hoof
 • The common causes and pathways that can lead to laminitis
 • Why identifying the underlying cause matters for treatment and prevention
If you've ever wondered what laminitis really is, what is happening inside the hoof, or why a horse develops it in the first place, this episode will give you the foundation you need to better understand this complicated disease.
Learn more about Dr. Bertin and his research HERE 
Scoop & Scale is proudly sponsored by GG Equine.
We’re excited to partner with GG Equine, makers of thoughtful slow-feed systems trusted by horse owners, veterinarians, and professionals.
Go graze! Scoop & Scale listeners receive 15% off GreenGuard muzzles with code SCOOPSCALE15
Shop GreenGuard & save 15%  
Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com   
Thanks for riding along with us!

If you have an older horse, you’ve probably heard of Cushing’s disease, but how much has changed in what we know about diagnosing and managing it? In this episode, we take a closer look at pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), the condition commonly called Cushing’s in horses, and explore why fall is an especially important time to think about testing.
We discuss:
• The early signs of PPID that are easy to mistake for normal aging
• Why the seasonal rise in ACTH makes fall an important testing window
• How ACTH testing and TRH stimulation testing differ, and how results are interpreted
• Why insulin status matters alongside a PPID diagnosis, especially when it comes to laminitis risk and nutrition
• Current approaches to treatment, monitoring, and feeding the PPID horse
If you have a senior horse, suspect PPID, or already have a horse diagnosed with Cushing’s, this episode offers an updated look at what horse owners should know about recognizing, testing, and managing this common endocrine disorder. 
Scoop & Scale is proudly sponsored by GG Equine.
We’re excited to partner with GG Equine, makers of thoughtful slow-feed systems trusted by horse owners, veterinarians, and professionals.
Go graze! Scoop & Scale listeners receive 15% off GreenGuard muzzles with code SCOOPSCALE15
Shop GreenGuard & save 15%  
Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com   
Thanks for riding along with us!

What are amino acids, why do they matter, and does your horse actually need an amino acid supplement? In this episode we break down the science behind amino acids, protein quality, muscle development, and the many claims surrounding equine amino acid supplements.
You’ll learn:
The difference between essential and non-essential amino acids
What a limiting amino acid is and why lysine, methionine, and threonine are important
Why amino acids matter for muscle, hooves, hair, and more
How to evaluate amino acid supplements and what meaningful doses actually look like
What BCAAs and leucine can really do for muscle
How much we actually know about amino acid requirements in horses, and more!
If you've ever wondered whether your horse needs more protein, an amino acid supplement, or a product marketed for topline and muscle development, this episode will help you understand what the research supports and what may be more marketing than science. 
Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com   
Thanks for riding along with us!

How much salt does your horse really need? Are salt blocks enough? When should you feed electrolytes and do you actually need them if you're already feeding salt? In this episode we answer your biggest questions about horse salt, electrolytes, and hydration, separating fact from fiction with practical, research-backed advice.
In this episode we explore:
How much salt your horse actually needs
Salt blocks vs. loose salt vs. electrolytes and which to use when
Different types of loose salt and which are best
Whether salt and electrolytes cause gastric ulcers?
...and more!
Whether your horse is competing, trail riding, or simply coping with summer heat, you'll walk away with practical tips to help support hydration, performance, and overall health. 
Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com   
Thanks for riding along with us!

When a wildfire, flood, hurricane, or other disaster threatens your horses, every minute matters. In Part 2 of our disaster preparedness series, we walk through what a real horse evacuation looks like from receiving the first warning to loading horses, navigating chaotic roads, and arriving at an evacuation facility. Joining us is Amy Hausmann, who shares her firsthand experience during California's devastating Tubbs Fire and the lessons she learned from living through multiple subsequent wildfire evacuations.
In this episode, we discuss:
• The Ready, Set, Go evacuation system and why horse owners should leave at Level 1
• How to prepare your horses, trailer, go-bags, documents, feed, and emergency contacts before disaster strikes
• What happens when evacuation plans fall apart, including horses that won't load and situations where animals must be left behind
• What to expect at evacuation centers, how to care for stressed horses, and common health risks after a disaster
• The critical role of volunteers, community response teams, and evacuation networks during large-scale emergencies
Whether you live in wildfire country, flood-prone areas, hurricane zones, or tornado alley, this episode provides practical, real-world guidance that could help save lives when disaster strikes. 

Watch Duty - https://app.watchduty.org/
Fleet of Angels - https://www.fleetofangels.org/ 
Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com   
Thanks for riding along with us!