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

In this episode, Dr. Nicole Rambo and Equine Specialist Sarah discuss the science of palatability in horses, exploring what and how horses taste. The conversation touches on how horses have significantly more taste buds than humans, why palatability matters, and how it influences the consumption of feeds, supplements, and medications. They delve into several studies examining horses' flavor preferences including interesting findings about flavor rankings and differences in human and equine treat perceptions. 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 focus on managing weight in senior horses during the winter. They discuss a case study of a 28-year-old quarter horse gelding struggling to maintain weight in cold weather. Key points include the importance of evaluating feeding programs, understanding the limitations of certain 'senior' feeds, and exploring practical solutions for better nutrient absorption and calorie intake. They highlight the necessity of personalized feeding plans and announce various ways listeners can contact Tribute Equine Nutrition for tailored advice. The episode underscores the value of individualized feeding plans and the benefits of fixed feed formulas to maintain horse health. 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 Sarah delve into the intriguing topic of enteroliths, or hidden stones, in horses' digestive tracts. They discuss what enteroliths are, how they form, and the nutritional and environmental factors that increase their risk. The hosts highlight the role of high-mineral diets, particularly those rich in alfalfa, and the importance of balanced nutrition and gut motility. They also offer practical advice on how to reduce the risk of enterolith formation through diet management and regular exercise for horses. The episode underscores the value of individualized feeding plans and the benefits of fixed feed formulas to maintain horse health. 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 Heather discuss a common wintertime issue faced by horse owners: molasses feeds turning into bricks in cold weather. They explain the science behind why molasses-coated feeds harden in low temperatures, and offer tips on how to mitigate the problem, including adjustments made in molasses formulation for different seasons. They also provide advice on proper storage practices and how to break up bricked feed safely. The episode highlights the importance of understanding feed composition and seasonal changes to ensure optimal nutrition for horses during winter. 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 Sarah engage with special guest Katie Van Slyke, creator of Running Springs Farm. The discussion centers around equine taste buds, the impact of seasonal weather changes on horse health, and nutrition strategies to prevent colic. They also tackle audience questions about improving nutrition for senior horses with health conditions, supplementation needs, and managing horses’ weight during breeding seasons. The episode highlights how proper nutrition and understanding horse behavior can enhance equine care. 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, equine nutritionists Dr. Nicole Rambo and Sarah, focus on recapping the most popular and memorable episodes from 2025. Key topics include optimal feeding and nutrition strategies, digestive health, metabolic and body condition issues, and specific case studies, including rescues and underweight horses. The hosts also discuss the importance of monitoring horse manure, preventing colic and choke, managing respiratory health during large shows, and best practices for traveling with horses. The episode is filled with insights, humor, and practical advice for horse owners looking to enhance their equine care routine. 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