Advertise on podcast: The Equine Connection Podcast

Dr. Nicole Rambo and Sarah explore how fall weather and slower hoof growth contribute to cracks, weakened nail holes, and other hoof challenges. They discuss abscesses, when to involve your veterinarian, and practical ways to protect the hoof after a pulled shoe. They explain why balanced nutrition comes before supplements, highlighting key hoof nutrients and why results can take 9–12 months. The conversation also covers fall laminitis risk and white line disease, with tips for managing grazing, diet, and the horse’s environment. 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 explore lupins, a key ingredient in Tribute’s new Equilibrium line. They explain how commercially grown sweet lupins differ from wild varieties and provide protein with very little sugar or starch. The discussion covers lupins as a non-soy protein option, comparisons with soybean meal, and their use in Australia and Europe. They also discuss equine research, limited U.S. availability, and where to find feeding support. 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  explain when, why and how much fat to feed horses for energy and weight gain. They compare common fat sources, including oils, rice bran and omega-oil fats, and discuss palatability and digestion. Learn why forage should remain the foundation and why checking your feed’s existing fat content matters before adding supplements. They also explore what to investigate when a horse struggles to gain weight despite adequate calories. 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

Why do some horses insist on dunking their hay in water before eating it?  Dr. Nicole Rambo and Sarah explore this curious behavior and whether it's simply a preference or a sign of an underlying health issue. From dental problems and possible gastric discomfort to the messy consequences of dirty water buckets, they discuss when horse owners should be concerned. Learn practical strategies for managing hay dunking, including softer forage, soaked hay, and alternative feeding options to keep your horse comfortable and healthy. 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 explain how to assess body condition and topline, confirm what your horse is actually being fed, and test hay rather than assuming its quality is the same as last year. They discuss managing easy keepers early and helping thin horses gain weight before colder weather raises their energy needs. They also share a case where a change in hay called for a more calorie-dense feed and explain why supplements should fit the individual horse. 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 Tribute’s new Equilibrium range for metabolic and digestive support. Its four products—a ration balancer, senior feed, forage blend, and treats—contain 9.5% or less sugar and starch. They compare the balancer and senior feed with Essential K and Seniority, highlighting lower NSC levels and targeted nutritional support. They also explain how Equilibrium Forage can replace or supplement hay, while Equilibrium Treats offer a higher-fiber, lower-sugar reward. 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 explain why pasture sugar can become a hidden risk during the fall, especially for horses with insulin dysregulation or a history of laminitis. Although sugar is often lowest in the early morning, cool nights, drought, poor growth and other conditions can cause it to remain dangerously high. They also explain why short, brown or frost-damaged grass is not necessarily safe and why limited turnout may cause horses to consume grass more rapidly. Learn how grazing muzzles, dry lots and careful pasture management can help reduce risk while still supporting movement and social interaction. 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 talk all about cribbing, which is a common horse behavior that is often linked to stress and may become an addictive coping habit. In this episode, they explain how cribbing differs from wood chewing and clear up myths about ulcers, “sucking air,” and horses copying each other. They also look at possible links to genetics, gut bacteria, and certain types of colic. Finally, they discuss practical ways to manage cribbing through better forage, lower stress, and understanding each horse’s triggers. 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 an update on Chicago, Heather’s Quarter Horse–Brabant cross, as he begins light training at two. Bred for a future mounted patrol role, Chicago is growing quickly but remains an easy keeper, so the priority is supporting development without excess calories. Heather explains his current plan: Essential K ration balancer, careful pasture management, and Constant Comfort before hauling. They also discuss growth spurts, early training, and the value of adjusting nutrition to the individual young horse. 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 explain how to safely help horses gain or lose significant weight. They discuss measuring forage and feed accurately, setting realistic timelines, and using weight tapes, photos, and body condition scoring to track progress. For thin horses, the focus is high-quality forage and balanced fat-and-fiber nutrition; for overweight horses, it is carefully managed forage and a ration balancer. If there is no clear progress after about 30 days, it may be time to investigate veterinary, dental, metabolic, or environmental causes. 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 introduce Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition’s Equilibrium line, a four-product range developed through nearly five years of research into nutrition for horses with metabolic concerns. With a balancer, senior feed, unfortified forage blend and treats, every product contains 9.5% or less combined sugar and starch and is formulated without soy or alfalfa. They explain how sweet lupins, blended fiber sources and thoughtful ingredient selection may support metabolic stability and hindgut function. The conversation also explores the research behind the teff grass, timothy and beet-pulp forage blend, targeted nutritional support across the line, and how owners can access personalized feeding guidance. 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 how pasture and stall board shape a horse’s forage access, nutrition, and daily management. They compare grass versus hay, continual grazing versus meal feeding, and the greater ability to tailor individual diets on stall board. The conversation covers common risks, including seasonal pasture shifts, overgrazing, uneven group feeding, choke, and changing hay lots. They share practical strategies for monitoring condition and pasture health, avoiding long forage gaps, and selecting the right feeding approach for each horse. 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 equine specialist Heather explain how to accurately measure horse feed for personalized feeding plans. Terms like “one scoop” or “four cups” can be misleading because containers vary in size and feeds differ in density. They caution that one quart does not necessarily equal one pound, especially across pelleted, textured, and extruded feeds. For consistency, weigh one scoop with a kitchen scale, mark the container, and contact Tribute with feeding questions or for a personalized plan. 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 common summer horse health challenges and practical management strategies. They discuss effective fly control, skin conditions such as sweet itch and hives, and the value of cleanliness, physical barriers and omega fatty acids. They also share tips for protecting hoof health, reducing respiratory irritation from heat, pollen, dust and smoke, and managing seasonal inflammation. Finally, they explain how to recognize and prevent dehydration using water intake, manure, skin and gum checks, salt and electrolytes. 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. Nichol Rambo and Heather explain what to do when your horse’s usual feed is unavailable. They discuss when similar formulas may be safely swapped, why most feed transitions should be gradual, and how to compare alternatives based on fiber, fat, and sugar and starch, not protein alone. They also share practical steps for finding stock and managing horses with digestive, metabolic, or other health concerns. 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