Body condition scoring is an objective technique used to determine whether a horse is in optimal condition or not. When a horse's body condition is less than or more than optimal it suggests that the dietary calorie intake needs to be adjusted. Once you know if your horse's condition is optimal, knowing its weight is important so that you can determine how to feed commercial feeds and supplements correctly. Various methods exist for estimating body weight when a scale is not available. But how accurate are these methods, and how do we know if this weight is actually a good one or not? In this episode we talk about:

• Why guessing your horse's weight is not a good idea
• How to use a weight tape and whether they are accurate
• Body weight calculations and whether they are better than weight tapes
• What condition scoring is and how to do it
• How to use body condition to determine whether your horse's current weight is ideal
• Considerations around breed, conformation and discipline when determining ideal body condition

For instructions on body condition scoring click HERE
For a video on body condition scoring click HERE
For a video on how to take weight measurements click HERE

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

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Protein is perhaps one of the more misunderstood nutrients in the horse's diet and one that is associated with several feeding myths. Involved in every cell in the horse's body, it is certainly of vital importance and yet it's not really protein that horses need but the amino acids they contain. Join us for this episode where we take a deep dive into all things related to protein including:

• What protein is
• What amino acids are and why some are essential
• Why protein on product labels is titled "crude protein"
• Why amino acid balance is important
• What constitutes quality protein
• Common sources of quality protein in the equine diet
• What can happen if your horse is not getting enough protein
• Protein supplement and how to feed them
• The downsides to feeding too much protein
• And so much more!

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

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It is Thanksgiving week, Black Friday Sale Week and the beginning of the Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa Countdown. To keep you company while you slowly lose your mind, we decided to do our favorite things episode. Jill and Clair share a few products that bring them delight, everything from horse treats, organization and more! Whether you are buying a gift for yourself or a horse friend, there is something for everyone.
***We received no compensation and have no affiliation with any of the products mentioned***

Canadian mints https://a.co/d/6yEkKt9

The Organized Barn & Trailer https://organizedbarn.com/

Tags 4 Nags - use code SCOOPANDSCALE10 at checkout between 25th Nov and 2nd Dec for a 10% discount.

https://tags4nags.co.uk/

https://www.etsy.com/shop/Tags4Nags

Disc Cones - https://a.co/d/eKV82Pd

- https://a.co/d/6wlXEOz

The Bedding Blocker - use code SCOOP for $5 off each item purchased

https://www.beddingblocker.com/

Charles Owen Kylo - https://www.charlesowen.com/products/kylo

Mountain Horse Veganza Ladies Winter Tall Boots https://mountainhorseusa.com/product/veganza-ladies-winter-tall-boot-mountain-horse/

Original MagicBrush https://www.magicbrush.com/en/product/magicbrush-brush-set-jellyfish/993169/947701

Halter Ego - https://shophalterego.com/

Lumiere Equestrian - https://www.lumiereequestrian.com/en-us

32 Degrees - https://www.32degrees.com/

Ororo Vest - https://www.ororowear.com/collections/heated-vest?srsltid=AfmBOoooF3qaUMWfL4lNvF4toXosjF1ww8ct2kZj2BnY-l2G4rnLkjri

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Although often considered a solution for overweight equines, the truth is, slow feeders can offer enrichment to all horses. By helping to mimic more natural grazing behaviours these feeders can be a tool to help combat boredom as well as to help manage calorie intake. Making horses work a little harder for their food has many benefits but not all enrichment needs to involve food. In this episode we take a good look at the following:

- slow feed nets
- slow feeders that do not require nets
- things to consider when introducing slow feeders
- how to get your barn owner on-board with slow feeders
- how to slow the consumption of grain
- the benefits of track systems
- stall toys

Promo Codes:
https://haychix.com/ discount code HCX20 for 20% off
https://www.gg-equine.com/ discount codeCLARITY15 for 15% off all hayplay bags
https://freedomfeeder.com/ 25% off Black Friday/cyber Monday sale from 11/29-12/2, shipping is always free in the USA for orders $150+. Use the code BFCM
https://fatponyfeeders.com/ discount code SCOOP15 for 15% off
https://savvyhorseproducts.com/ discount code SCOOPANDSCALE for 10% off Black Friday sale the week of Thanksgiving no codes needed
https://www.thehaypillow.com/ discount code ScoopandScale for 5% off
Drop N Slow - https://dropnslow.com/
Shires Carrot Ball - https://shop.shiresequestrian.com/carrot-ball-usa8100
Amazing graze -https://horsemenspride.com/products/amazing-graze-horse-toy?srsltid=AfmBOopa36V1LjJrvDJU-sAZ6m1eLbzPSC7i6Aflvc9aFNqwyF7rk1eP
Optimizer - https://wishingwell-ltd.com
Porta-Grazer - https://porta-grazer.com/
Pre-Vent Feeders - https://www.mypre-ventfeeders.com/

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Gastric ulcers can be a frustrating and costly burden for horse owners to manage, which is why any experienced equestrian who has had to deal with this debilitating condition is highly motivated to prevent them from reoccurring. For those who have been fortunate enough to avoid this affliction thus far it makes sense to take steps to try to avoid having your horse having them. As an equine nutritionist a large number of my clients are people whose horse has been diagnosed with gastric ulcers and in particular recurring ulcers. Often they are looking for a supplement that can offer support but while supplements may help the bigger picture requires a more extensive review of how their horse is being managed.

In this episode dive deeper into:
- why forage intake is key to gastric health
- different types of forage and how to use them to reduce ulcer risk
- why high starch grains are not ideal for horses at risk of gastric ulcers
- gastric buffers and how best to use them
- ingredients aimed at coating the stomach lining or making it more robust
- management issues that can be a big deal but are often overlooked
-and so much more!

Through a multipronged approach targeting diet, management, and supplementation, owners can significantly reduce the risk of their beloved horses having to deal with this all-too-common ailment, allowing them to maintain peak performance and overall well being.

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

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In this episode we delve into one of the most pressing concerns for horse owners: managing equine gastric ulcers. Many owners reach out to Dr. Clair for help managing their horses diagnosed with equine gastric ulcers, especially chronic and recurrent cases. In this episode we are joined by guest Dr. Phoebe Smith DVM DACVIM, Veterinarian and Internal Medicine Specialist at Riviera Equine Internal Medicine and Consulting in California. Dr. Phoebe helps us to understand this complex condition while Dr. Clair shares her personal experiences and frustrations of managing ulcers after facing them firsthand with her own horses. Join us as we explore the symptoms, causes, and effective management strategies for equine gastric ulcers. Whether you're a seasoned equestrian or a new horse owner, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you navigate this tricky condition.

In this episode we cover
- signs that your horse might have gastric ulcers;
- why scoping is the ultimate diagnostic;
- squamous vs glandular gastric ulcers;
- drugs commonly used to treat gastric ulcers and why one size does not fit all;
- important considerations on when and how to give these drugs;
- how to tell that it's ok to stop treating;
And so much more!

Tune in and empower yourself with knowledge to better support your equine companion!

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

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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!

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

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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!