by Clair Thunes | Feb 2, 2026 | Alfalfa, Alfalfa For Horses, Dr. Clair Thunes, Forage, Hay, Hay Cubes, Hay Pellets, Horse Hay, Podcast, Uncategorized
Alfalfa is one of the most debated feeds in equine nutrition, and few forages generate as many myths. In this episode, we take a science-based look at alfalfa for horses and break down where common beliefs come from and whether they are actually supported by research....
by Clair Thunes | Dec 22, 2025 | Dr. Clair Thunes, Dr. Krishona Martinson, Equine Nutrition, Forage, Hay, Hay Nets, Hay Waste, Podcast, Round Bale Feeder
This week, I’m joined by Dr. Krishona Martinson from the University of Minnesota, a leading expert in equine forage research. We take a look at her research on hay waste, what causes it, and how horse owners can significantly reduce loss and lower feeding costs. In...
by Clair Thunes | Nov 10, 2025 | Beet Pulp, Dr. Clair Thunes, Equine Nutrition, Forage, Forage Based, Podcast, Senior Horses
Beet pulp, is it a super feed or a risky choice? Used in rations for decades, beet pulp has recently become controversial and a polarizing topic in the horse world. We break down what beet pulp really is, how it fits into a balanced diet, and what the science says. In...
by Clair Thunes | Oct 27, 2025 | Blanketing Horses, Cold Weather Horse Management, Dr. Clair Thunes, Dr. Michelle DeBoer, Equine Nutrition, Equine, PhD, Forage, Horse Blankets, Podcast, Winter Horse Care
Blanket season is here and so are the annual blanketing opinion wars! From “my horse never wears one” to “my pony has a full winter wardrobe,” every horse owner has an opinion. But what does the science actually say about blanketing horses? In this episode of...
by Clair Thunes | Sep 15, 2025 | Dr. Clair Thunes, Dr. Krishona Martinson, Forage, Hay, Pasture Management, Podcast, Poisonous Plants, Toxic Plants, University of Minnesota Equine Extension Program
Trees can be beautiful in the Fall but those pretty leaves and seeds may be toxic to your horse. In this episode of Scoop and Scale, we sit down with Dr. Krishona Martinson, Professor and Equine Extension Specialist at the University of Minnesota, to talk about...
by Clair Thunes | Aug 4, 2025 | Alfalfa, Asthma, Dr. Clair Thunes, Equine Nutrition, Forage, Free Fecal Water Syndrome (FFWS), Hay, Hay Cubes, Hay Pellets, Podcast, Respiratory
In this episode of Scoop & Scale, we explore the practical and nutritional role of hay pellets and cubes in the equine diet. Typically associated with senior horses with poor teeth or as a carrier for supplements, these hay alternatives have so many more uses and...
