The Equine Connection Podcast

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 

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 

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   

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   

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