The Equine Connection Podcast

Dr. Nicole Rambo and equine specialist Heather cover common spring issues (dull coats, shedding, sweet itch, allergies, and inflammation) and how omega support can help. Fresh grass provides omegas, but levels drop in hay, making supplementation useful. They compare Omega Plus Oil (for calories, skin, and coat) with DHA pellets (for direct anti-inflammatory support). Dr. Rambo mentions recommendations vary by case, including sweet itch, poor-quality forage, breeding stallions, and respiratory concerns but to reach out to the Tribute team for any questions. 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 Sarah break down common herbal supplements for horses, why they’re used, and where caution is needed. They emphasize starting with the nutrition “pyramid”, with quality forage first, then balanced nutrients before turning to supplements. The episode explores ingredients like raspberry leaf, turmeric, chasteberry, and garlic, highlighting where evidence is limited or risks exist. They also warn about interactions with medications and banned substances, urging owners to involve their vet and review labels carefully. 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

In this special episode of The Equine Connection Podcast, Tribute’s Lexi Hernandez sits down with Taylor Sheridan, the force behind Yellowstone and owner of Bosque Ranch. Taylor shares how his work has helped fuel growth in the Western performance horse industry, along with insights into his breeding program, stallion selection, and vision for the future of the sport. He also discusses the role of nutrition in developing high-level equine athletes and why it’s foundational to performance, recovery, and longevity. From Hollywood to horsemanship, this episode offers a unique look at how one of the industry’s most influential figures is shaping the next generation of performance horses. 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 Lyme disease in horses, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi transmitted by black-legged ticks, and its growing prevalence in the U.S. They explain that diagnosis is challenging due to vague, variable signs such as shifting lameness, stiffness, behavioral changes, and occasional neurologic cases, with testing options including ELISA/SNAP and the Cornell Multiplex. Treatment typically involves antibiotics like doxycycline or oxytetracycline, alongside careful nutritional management. They emphasize low sugar/starch diets, separating calcium from doxycycline, supporting gut and immune health, managing inflammation with omega-3s, and using natural vitamin E with follow-up testing. 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 discuss a case where an allergy panel suggested a horse was allergic to wheat, explaining that true feed allergies in horses are rare and many blood or hair tests are unreliable. They describe how elimination diets followed by ingredient reintroduction are the most reliable way to confirm a feed reaction. The episode also explains why wheat middlings and wheat bran are commonly used in pelleted feeds, noting they provide moderate energy, protein, and fiber while improving pellet quality. They also clarify that, unlike humans with celiac disease, horses do not appear to have a gluten-triggered autoimmune response. 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 unpack equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), explaining that it’s not just a disease of overweight “easy keepers” but a form of insulin dysregulation that increases laminitis risk, even in lean or performance horses. They clarify its relationship to PPID and highlight steroid therapies as a common trigger that can temporarily worsen insulin sensitivity. Subtle warning signs, including mild hoof soreness and regional fat deposits, are often overlooked. The conversation emphasizes proactive testing, including fasted insulin, glucose, and oral sugar tests. They also outline practical feeding strategies focused on lower sugar and starch, higher fiber and fat to support metabolic stability. 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 review a case study of Leroy, an older toothless horse losing weight and struggling to consume enough long-stem fiber. They explain how toothless horses may appear to graze but often can’t ingest sufficient forage, making soaked forage products and a complete senior feed like Tribute Seniority® Pellet important to maintain fiber intake and body condition. The episode covers practical feeding strategies, including adding additional meals as needed and proper soaking guidelines to reduce choke risk while protecting nutrient integrity. They also share management tips such as feeding smaller, more frequent meals, monitoring manure output, and seeking personalized nutrition support if needed. 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 bladder stones (uroliths) in horses, an uncommon condition usually made of calcium carbonate that forms around debris in the urinary tract. Signs can be subtle at first (mild colic, attitude or performance changes) but may progress to blood in the urine and painful or frequent urination, with geldings affected more severely than mares. Risk factors include high-alfalfa diets, dehydration, poor bladder emptying, and prior infections, especially in older horses. Management focuses on lowering dietary calcium and improving hydration, while popular remedies like apple cider vinegar currently lack supporting evidence. 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

In this episode, Dr. Nicole Rambo and equine specialist Heather, focus on transitioning the diet of a mini horse named Goliath. They discuss the importance of a gradual change in feed to ensure digestive health, touching on the need for slow transitions for both concentrates and forages. The case study highlights that Goliath, a slightly overweight mini horse, will be moved to Essential K, a ration balancer, to meet his nutritional needs without adding extra calories. They also provide practical advice on the feed transition process and how to manage risks associated with dietary changes in horses. 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