Feeding senior horses especially over the winter can be a challenge as many lose condition over these colder months. Some senior horses require different approaches to feeding to ensure their needs are met as what worked in their younger years may not work any more. Chewing can become a challenge requiring frequent dental care and the possibility of needing alternative feed forms. Additionally some senior horses may benefit from supplements like joint support or digestive aids due to arthritic changes and less efficient digestion. By understanding these needs, paying close attention to their diet, overall health and living situation we can help senior horses live happy and fulfilling lives.

In this episode we discuss:
When does a horse become a senior horse;
What is any special nutrient requirements senior horses have;
What senior feeds are and when they may be necessary;
Other alternative feed forms that may benefit senior horses;
Dental needs and limitations senior horses;
How pain may impact your senior horse's body condition;
If and when to use blankets with your senior horse;
And so much more!

Thanks for riding along with us!

Feed labels are the informational panels found on the backs of feed bags or seen in to the bottom seem. These labels provide a wealth of important details about the contents and composition of the feed, allowing horse owners to make informed decisions about how the feed might meet the nutritional needs of their horse. While the majority of these labels share a lot of information about the specifics of the feed such as the ingredients included and the amounts of various nutrients such as protein, fat, fiber, they also omit some surprising things.

In this episode we discuss:
-the legally required label information;
-who decides what must be on a label;
-how to use ingredients lists to understand the feed;
- what nutrients are guaranteed and how to use this information;
-the measurements units often used on feeds;
-feeding directions why they can make or break whether a feed will work for your horse;
-answer listener feed label questions;
-and so much more!

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com

Thanks for riding along with us!

Many horses are fed hay at some point during the year. Whether only in winter when pastures are sparse or year round due to lack of pasture access, hay is a vital source of nutrition for your horse and a major investment for you. This is the time of year when many owners are making decisions on the type of hay they will feed for the next year and are filling their hay barns. But what type of hay is right for your horse, how do you tell if it's good quality and what are the differences between the different types? In this episode we discuss:

-Different types of grass hay and their different nutritional properties;
-How legume hays like alfalfa differ from grass hay;
-Which horses benefit from legume versus grass hays;
-How maturity at cutting impacts the hay's nutritional value;
-What happens when hay is baled when it is too wet;
-Hays you should avoid feeding;
-Pros and cons of large versus small bales;

And so much more!

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com

Thanks for riding along with us!