Horse Feeding Myths Debunked – Expert Insights with Louise Scott | Just Horse Riders Podcast EP 25
Ever found yourself down a Google rabbit hole at 2 AM, worrying if carrots are secretly sabotaging your horse's diet? We've all been there! Thankfully, in Episode 25 of the Just Horse Riders Podcast, our host Aaron Englander sits down with equine nutrition guru Louise Scott from Dodson & Horrell to clear up the confusion. Watch now or read on to uncover some surprising truths about horse feeding.
Meet the Expert: Louise Scott
Louise, affectionately known as "Lou", is the senior nutritionist and product development manager at Dodson & Horrell. Combining a lifelong passion for horses with deep scientific knowledge, she brings clarity to the complex world of horse nutrition.
Busting Common Horse Feeding Myths
Myth 1: Grass Cuttings are Safe Treats
"Can I feed grass cuttings to my horse?" Aaron asks Louise directly. Her instant response? "No, I wouldn't recommend that one!" Freshly cut grass can ferment quickly, leading to digestive problems for your beloved horse. Instead, Louise recommends specially prepared products like Dodson & Horrell's "Just Grass".
Myth 2: Chocolate – A Sweet Surprise?
Chocolate isn’t just dangerous for dogs; it can also cause issues in horses. Louise explains, "Chocolate contains theobromine, which can trigger positive drug tests in competitive horses." Maybe save those treats for yourself next time!
Myth 3: Molasses are Always Bad News
Many horse owners fear molasses in feeds, believing it to be harmful. Louise clarifies, "A small amount of molasses helps with palatability, making feed tastier for picky eaters." It's all about moderation and understanding the overall sugar intake of your horse.
The Reality of "Over-Conditioned" Horses
Louise tactfully refers to overweight horses as "over-conditioned". Aaron humorously remarks, "I'm definitely going to start using 'over-conditioned' myself!" It's vital to monitor your horse's body condition regularly using a simple body condition scoring system, ensuring they stay at an optimal weight.
Practical Tips for Monitoring Your Horse’s Weight
- Use weight tapes regularly: Don't let them gather dust!
- Body condition scoring: Easily done at home – check out the Dodson & Horrell guide here.
Feeding Horses: Simple Yet Scientific
"Nutrition is complicated, but feeding should be simple," says Louise. Dodson & Horrell's free helpline helps you simplify your horse’s diet, making sure you’re providing the right balance without unnecessary complexity.
Confused about your horse’s diet? Don’t hesitate to reach out – as Aaron notes, "Knowledge is power!"
Exciting Developments at Dodson & Horrell
Louise shares details of their innovative new product: Slim Down, specifically formulated for over-conditioned horses using oat husks. Aaron amusingly responds, "Sounds like I could use some of that!" The clever use of oat husks—a previously wasted byproduct—helps horses feel fuller without extra calories. Genius!
Quality Assurance Matters
Dodson & Horrell proudly holds the Beta NOPS accreditation, demonstrating their commitment to quality ingredients and rigorous testing. Louise stresses the importance of choosing feeds from reputable companies to ensure your horse’s health and performance.
Become Part of the Community
To further support horse owners, Dodson & Horrell recently launched their Members Club. Stay informed, enjoy exclusive content, and join a community passionate about happy, healthy horses. Join the club today!
Listen or Watch the Full Episode
Don’t miss out on even more insights and hilarious moments from Aaron and Louise. Whether you're mucking out stables or relaxing after a hack, this episode is guaranteed to enlighten and entertain. Listen now on Spotify or watch the full conversation on YouTube.
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