The Equine Connection Podcast

equineconnectionpod

As horse owners, we always strive to do what's best for our horses. They are our soulmates and a lifelong passion! Brought to you by Tribute® Superior Equine Nutrition, The Equine Connection Podcast is where health, nutrition and love for the horse come together. We share helpful advice, tips and tricks to help all horse owners better care for their four-legged partners.

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23 episodes
weekly
Avg 17 min
English

Episodes 23

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#302
September 2 · 29 min
Safe Strategies for Significant Horse Weight Loss and Weight Gain
Dr. Nicole Rambo and Sarah explain how to safely help horses gain or lose significant weight. They discuss measuring forage and feed accurately, setting realistic timelines, and using weight tapes, photos, and body condition scoring to track progress. For thin horses, the focus is high-quality forage and balanced fat-and-fiber nutrition; for overweight horses, it is carefully managed forage and a ration balancer. If there is no clear progress after about 30 days, it may be time to investigate veterinary, dental, metabolic, or environmental causes. 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
#301
August 26 · 18 min
Tribute Equi-Librium: Ultra-Low NSC Nutrition for Horses
Dr. Nicole Rambo and Heather introduce Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition’s Equilibrium line, a four-product range developed through nearly five years of research into nutrition for horses with metabolic concerns. With a balancer, senior feed, unfortified forage blend and treats, every product contains 9.5% or less combined sugar and starch and is formulated without soy or alfalfa. They explain how sweet lupins, blended fiber sources and thoughtful ingredient selection may support metabolic stability and hindgut function. The conversation also explores the research behind the teff grass, timothy and beet-pulp forage blend, targeted nutritional support across the line, and how owners can access personalized feeding guidance. 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
#300
August 19 · 20 min
Pasture or Stall? Practical Tips for Every Horse
Dr. Nicole Rambo and Sarah explore how pasture and stall board shape a horse’s forage access, nutrition, and daily management. They compare grass versus hay, continual grazing versus meal feeding, and the greater ability to tailor individual diets on stall board. The conversation covers common risks, including seasonal pasture shifts, overgrazing, uneven group feeding, choke, and changing hay lots. They share practical strategies for monitoring condition and pasture health, avoiding long forage gaps, and selecting the right feeding approach for each horse. 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
#299
August 12 · 12 min
Wait, You Feed Your Horse How Much?
Dr. Nicole Rambo and equine specialist Heather explain how to accurately measure horse feed for personalized feeding plans. Terms like “one scoop” or “four cups” can be misleading because containers vary in size and feeds differ in density. They caution that one quart does not necessarily equal one pound, especially across pelleted, textured, and extruded feeds. For consistency, weigh one scoop with a kitchen scale, mark the container, and contact Tribute with feeding questions or for a personalized plan. 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
#298
August 5 · 17 min
Summer Trials and Tribulations with Horses
Dr. Nicole Rambo and Sarah explore common summer horse health challenges and practical management strategies. They discuss effective fly control, skin conditions such as sweet itch and hives, and the value of cleanliness, physical barriers and omega fatty acids. They also share tips for protecting hoof health, reducing respiratory irritation from heat, pollen, dust and smoke, and managing seasonal inflammation. Finally, they explain how to recognize and prevent dehydration using water intake, manure, skin and gum checks, salt and electrolytes. 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
#297
July 29 · 14 min
Help! My Horse Feed Is Out of Stock
Dr. Nichol Rambo and Heather explain what to do when your horse’s usual feed is unavailable. They discuss when similar formulas may be safely swapped, why most feed transitions should be gradual, and how to compare alternatives based on fiber, fat, and sugar and starch, not protein alone. They also share practical steps for finding stock and managing horses with digestive, metabolic, or other health concerns. 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
#296
July 22 · 19 min
Hot Horse? Here’s What to Do
Dr. Nicole Rambo and Sarah share research-backed strategies for cooling horses in hot, humid weather. They explain why continuous cold-water application over large muscle groups is the most effective method, why ice water is safe, and when sweat-scraping may help. They also discuss immediate access to drinking water, alternatives when hosing is unavailable, and how temperature, heart rate, and respiration can help determine when active cooling can stop. 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
#295
July 15 · 13 min
Weaning Foals: Nutrition for Healthy Growth
Dr. Nicole Rambo and equine specialist Heather answer common questions about weaning foals and supporting healthy growth. They discuss introducing creep feed before weaning, avoiding growth spurts, balancing key nutrients, choosing the right feeds for different forage types, and monitoring body condition to keep young horses on track. 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
#294
July 8 · 18 min
Anhidrosis in Horses: The Hidden Danger of Summer
Dr. Nicole Rambo and Sarah explain equine anhidrosis, a condition that prevents horses from cooling themselves properly. Learn the warning signs, when to call your veterinarian, how to safely cool an overheated horse, and practical nutrition and management strategies to help keep horses safe during hot weather. A must-listen for anyone caring for horses in the summer. 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
#293
July 1 · 13 min
Horse Sarcoids: What Nutrition Can (and Can’t) Do
Dr. Nicole Rambo and Heather answer a customer question about feeding a horse with sarcoids, explaining what they are, what causes them, and the treatment options available. They discuss why management varies from horse to horse and why veterinary guidance is essential. From a nutrition perspective, they emphasize that no diet or supplement can cure or prevent sarcoids, but a balanced diet can support immune function and healthy skin. They also share practical feeding tips and encourage owners to work with both their veterinarian and nutritionist to develop an appropriate care plan. 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
#292
June 24 · 20 min
Electrolytes 101 For Horses
Dr. Nicole Rambo and Sarah discuss the critical role of electrolytes—minerals such as sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium, and magnesium—in supporting hydration, performance, and recovery in horses. They explain how heavy sweating can lead to significant electrolyte losses, causing subtle signs such as reduced performance, soreness, poor recovery, and decreased appetite or thirst. The episode covers when plain salt may be sufficient and when a dedicated electrolyte supplement is warranted, along with practical ways to identify horses with high sweat losses. 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
#291
June 17 · 18 min
Hot Weather Nutrition For Your Horses
Dr. Nicole Rambo and Sarah discuss how hot weather affects horses and whether summer changes their nutritional needs. While heat doesn't usually increase calorie requirements, sweating can significantly increase the need for electrolytes, particularly salt, and for some working horses, potassium and other minerals. They explain how temperature, exercise, appetite, pasture intake, and insect pressure can influence body condition and performance. Practical tips include providing plenty of clean water, free-choice salt, appropriate electrolyte supplementation, and monitoring weight and condition throughout the summer. 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
#290
June 10 · 13 min
Ration Balancers for Horses: Does the Difference Really Matter?
Dr. Nicole Rambo and Heather discuss differences in ration balancers, explaining their ingredients, purpose, and how they compare. With Tribute's products, they note that while Wholesome Blends contains slightly higher NSC (15% vs. 12%) compared to Essential K, the actual sugar and starch difference at recommended feeding rates is small. The conversation highlights the role of ration balancers for easy keepers, the importance of forage quality and intake in managing weight and metabolic health, and the challenges of accurately assessing forage NSC, particularly on pasture. 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
#289
June 3 · 15 min
Management Strategies for a Horse with Lyme Disease and Anaplasmosis
Dr. Nicole Rambo and Heather share the case of Heather’s 21-year-old Quarter Horse mare, who was diagnosed with Lyme disease and anaplasmosis after developing depression, limb swelling, and mild neurological signs during peak tick season. They discuss diagnosis, hospitalization, antibiotic treatment, and the nutritional challenges of administering medication to a horse living primarily on pasture. The conversation covers practical feeding strategies during illness, the importance of maintaining forage intake, separating calcium-rich supplements from doxycycline to avoid reduced absorption, and simple ways to improve medication palatability while minimizing unnecessary dietary 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
#288
May 27 · 23 min
Nutrition Questions to Ask When Touring a Horse Boarding or Training Barn
Dr. Nicole Rambo and Sarah explore what horse owners should look for nutritionally when choosing a boarding or training barn. They discuss key questions around forage quality and access, feeding schedules, pasture management, turnout policies, grain and supplement flexibility, feed room organization, and hay sourcing. The episode also highlights common red flags including poor body condition, stereotypic behaviors, messy storage, and high boarder turnover, while also encouraging owners to ask questions, observe carefully, and trust their instincts when evaluating a facility. 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
#287
May 20 · 11 min
Bird Catcher Spots vs. Dapples: What Your Horse’s Coat Is Telling You
Dr. Nicole Rambo and equine specialist Heather discuss a customer case in which a horse developed new white spots after a feed change, initially suspected to be dapples but identified as “bird catcher spots.” They explain that bird catcher spots are small white flecks on darker-colored horses that can appear, disappear, or multiply, are considered cosmetic and harmless, and are not caused by nutrition. However, depigmentation around the eyes and muzzle can instead be linked to issues like copper deficiency. They also review dapples, noting they require genetic predisposition but tend to be associated with good overall health and quality 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
#286
May 13 · 19 min
Cool Energy or Quick Power? Feeding for Your Horse’s Sport
Equine nutritionist Dr. Nicole Rambo & Equine specialist Sarah explore how feeding strategies differ between aerobic horses fueled by fiber and fat, and anaerobic athletes relying more on glycogen from sugar and starch. They discuss discipline-specific nutrition, body condition scoring, and why many sport and pleasure horses thrive on lower-NSC “cool energy” diets with fat and fiber. The episode also covers metabolic risks of over-conditioning, feeding options for reiners versus hunters and trail horses, and the science behind the “second wind” in elite event horses. 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
#285
May 6 · 11 min
Vitamin E: What Horse Owners Need to Know
Vitamin E is one of the most discussed nutrients in equine nutrition today. Dr. Nicole Rambo and Heather discuss how much vitamin E your horse actually needs. In this case-study episode, the team breaks down EPM support, vitamin E safety limits, pasture intake, bloodwork interpretation, and the pros and cons of natural versus synthetic vitamin E sources. Listeners are encouraged to reach out to their team of experts for any nutritional advice or suggest a case study for a future episode. 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
#284
April 29 · 18 min
Spring Pasture Risks: How to Transition Horses Safely
In this episode, Dr. Nicole Rambo and Sarah explain how to safely transition horses onto spring pasture while avoiding key nutritional and metabolic risks. Spring grass differs from winter hay by being higher in moisture and often in water-soluble carbohydrates, especially after sunny days and cold nights. Horses prone to metabolic conditions face a higher risk of insulin spikes, meaning strategies like delayed grazing, grazing muzzles, or dry-lot management may be necessary rather than simply limiting time on pasture. They also discuss a gradual transition combined with careful monitoring and sound pasture management practices, is essential to protect both digestive and metabolic 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
#283
April 22 · 22 min
Inside 10,000 Horse Diets: Most Common Questions
Dr. Nicole Rambo and equine specialist Heather break down how Tribute’s personalized feeding plans are built, from detailed diet inputs and forage analysis to body condition, workload, and health considerations. They explain why asking the right questions leads to more accurate, long-term outcomes, even if it feels extensive upfront. The episode covers the most common owner questions, including gut health, feed transitions, ration balancers vs concentrates, and managing metabolic horses. They also share insights from 10,000+ cases, revealing key feeding trends, common condition misjudgments, and the most recommended products. 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

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