Ask The Horse

The Horse: Your Guide to Equine Health Care

Ask The Horse Live connects leading veterinarians and industry experts with horse owners to answer your equine health questions. Learn about cutting-edge research and hear practical advice for taking care of your horses. This podcast is a rebroadcast of Ask The Horse Live, which is recorded in front of a live audience. read less
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Episodes

Maintaining Senior Horse Joints
17-11-2023
Maintaining Senior Horse Joints
Maintaining joint health is important at all stages of your horse’s life, but he might need special considerations during his senior years. Two experts explain how to keep equine joints healthy and your senior horse sound in the long term. This podcast is sponsored by American Regent Animal Health. About the Experts: Luke Bass, DVM, MS, Dipl. ABVP is an associate professor in Equine Field Service at Colorado State University (CSU). He is board-certified through the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP-Equine) and is certified in equine acupuncture. He served on the American Association of Equine Practitioners board of directors from 2019 to 2021 and will be chair of AAEP’s Educational Programs Committee from 2024 to 2025. Bass leads the Equine Field Service at CSU with three faculty members and two interns focusing on general practice, lameness examinations, dentistry, and emergency care.Howland M. Mansfield, DVM, CVA, CVMMP, of Summerville, South Carolina, received her DVM from Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine, in Alabama, and completed internships in both general equine medicine and surgery and in advanced equine reproduction. She is certified in both veterinary acupuncture and veterinary medical manipulation. She has practiced along the East Coast over the course of 14 years, in addition to time in Germany providing veterinary care for some of the most elite show horses in Europe. In 2012 Mansfield was named by the South Carolina Horseman’s Council as the Horse Person of the Year for her efforts in equine rescue and in combating animal cruelty. She joined American Regent in 2023 as a technical services veterinarian where she can support the welfare of and improve health care for horses and small animals throughout the U.S.
Creating a Nutrition Plan for the Competition Horse
14-04-2023
Creating a Nutrition Plan for the Competition Horse
Developing a well-rounded and balanced nutrition plan for your competition horse can be challenging. He needs a feed program that meets all his basic nutritional needs while giving him enough energy to keep up with training and showing. Listen in to learn how to determine your horse’s nutritional needs and how to meet them in a safe way.This podcast is brought to you by Purina Animal Nutrition. About the experts: Shannon Pratt-Phillips, PhD, received her Master of Science from the University of Kentucky and her Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Guelph, focusing on equine nutrition and exercise physiology. Pratt-Phillips joined the faculty at North Carolina State University in 2006, where she currently teaches equine nutrition in the Department of Animal Science. She is the director of the Distance Education Animal Science Programs, which includes the Master of Animal Science program, and her field of research focuses on glucose metabolism, insulin resistance, obesity, and laminitis prevention and management in horses.Anna Pesta Dunaway, PhD, is a Nutritionist on the Equine Technical Solutions Team at Purina Animal Nutrition. She is responsible for helping to bring innovative solutions from the research team out to the field. She spends most of her time providing technical consultations and support to the sales team on the East Coast, as well as speaking on equine nutrition at horse owner meetings and professional conferences. Anna earned her BS in Animal Science from Kansas State University and received both her MS and PhD in Animal Nutrition from the University of Nebraska. Her graduate research focused on the use of high fat diets and manipulating the microbial community in the gut. Anna resides in Aiken, SC and is a lifelong equestrian with a special interest in the nutrition and development of the future sport horse.
Equine Pain and Discomfort
15-11-2022
Equine Pain and Discomfort
Horses can show discomfort for a plethora of reasons. Injuries, aging, veterinary procedures, and more can cause pain, and knowing how to manage it is paramount to equine welfare. Join our host, Alexandra Beckstett, as she interviews Dr. Lori Bidwell, of East West Equine Sports Medicine. You'll learn how to tell if your horse might be in pain,  discover successful pain management strategies, and how to keep your horse comfortable.This episode of Ask The Horse is sponsored by Zoetis. About the Expert: Lori Bidwell, DVM, Dipl. ACVA, is a 2001 graduate of Michigan State University, a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia, and a certified veterinary acupuncturist. She did her internship at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky, and completed her anesthesia residency at Michigan State University. She was the head of anesthesia at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital and Lexington Equine Surgery and Sports Medicine and has been on faculty at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine. In 2015 she co-founded East West Equine Sports Medicine, a sports medicine practice that covers veterinary services for hunter/jumper circuits on the West and East Coasts. Bidwell also consults in anesthesia for equine practices, teaches part of a study abroad program in Thailand and South Africa, and speaks and teaches nationally and internationally. Bidwell competes with her horses in the amateur owner jumper divisions.
Equine Joint Health
18-10-2022
Equine Joint Health
Prioritizing joint health is imperative to your horse’s comfort, both under saddle and in the field. Join our host, Shoshana Rudski, as she interviews Dr. Erica Secor, of Cornell University, and Dr. Julie Settlage, of Boehringer Ingelheim. You'll learn about early signs of joint discomfort, equine osteoarthritis, joint injections, nutritional management of joint disease, and much more! This podcast is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim Equine Health. About the Experts: Erica Secor, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS-LA, grew up riding and training horses in Vermont. She completed her undergraduate degree and veterinary school at Cornell University and completed her residency at the University of Illinois. After residency, she worked as a staff surgeon in private practice before returning to Cornell in 2021 for her PhD. She currently studies the immune system’s role in osteoarthritis and is working toward improving diagnostic capabilities and understanding how arthritis varies among individuals, with the goal of identifying how to better tailor osteoarthritis treatment to individual cases. Outside of research, Secor enjoys trail running (there is a lot of time to come up with research ideas during 60-mile trail runs), riding her 24-year-old Morgan horse, Mocha, and hiking with her favorite dog, Annie, and favorite husband, Andrew.Julie Settlage, DVM, MSc Vet Ed, Dipl. ACVS-LA, is a board-certified large animal surgeon with a keen interest in sustainable equine practice. She joined the Boehringer Ingelheim Equine Professional Services team in 2020. Previously, she was the chief of the equine internal medicine and surgery service at Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, in Blacksburg. Settlage is a member of ACVS, AVMA, VVMA, AAEP, and VAEP and past president of the SWVVMA. Her clinical interests include general surgery and sport horse medicine.
Understanding Equine Insulin Resistance
22-09-2022
Understanding Equine Insulin Resistance
Horses with insulin issues need to be managed carefully to live good-quality lives. Join our host, Shoshana Rudski, as she interviews Dr. Dianne McFarlane, of the University of Florida, and Dr. Vern Dryden, of Bur Oak Veterinary and Podiatry Services. You'll learn about the signs, causes, and treatment of insulin resistance in horses, and science-based steps you can take to combat it.   This podcast is sponsored by Wellness Ready. Dianne McFarlane, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, is a professor and chair of the University of Florida’s Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, in Gainesville. She has studied equine aging and age-related diseases for more than 20 years. She is most recognized for her work in equine endocrine diseases, including pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction and equine metabolic syndrome. McFarlane received her DVM from the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine. She then completed a large animal internship at the University of Georgia, followed by a residency in equine internal medicine at North Carolina State University. McFarlane completed her PhD at the Atlantic Veterinary College, on Prince Edward Island, Canada, where she investigated the cause of equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction.Vern Dryden, DVM, CJF, APF, owns Bur Oak Sports Medicine and Lameness, in Lexington, Kentucky, and Wellington, Florida, where he focuses on individualized care for his patients. Dryden is also the co-founder and CMO of Wellness Ready, makers of the Wellness Ready Stall Side Insulin Test. After earning degrees from the University of Arizona and Oklahoma State Farrier School, Dryden completed his veterinary studies at Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine. He frequently lectures both nationally and internationally on podiatry care. At home, Dryden breeds and shows American Quarter Horses.
Feeding Senior Horses
17-08-2022
Feeding Senior Horses
Good nutrition and a balanced diet are important for all horses, but do senior horses have special requirements to consider? Join our host, Shoshana Rudski, as she interviews Dr. Shannon Pratt-Phillips, of North Carolina State University, and Dr. Kelly Vineyard, of Purina Animal Nutrition . You’ll learn about the nutritional requirements of senior horses, feeding the older horse with dental issues, how to help your senior gain weight, and much more! This podcast is sponsored by Purina Animal Nutrition.About the Experts: Shannon Pratt-Phillips, PhD, received her Master of Science from the University of Kentucky and her Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Guelph, focusing on equine nutrition and exercise physiology. Pratt-Phillips joined the faculty at North Carolina State University in 2006, where she currently teaches equine nutrition in the Department of Animal Science. She is the director of the Distance Education Animal Science Programs, which includes the Master of Animal Science program, and her field of research focuses on glucose metabolism, insulin resistance, obesity, and laminitis prevention and management in horses.Kelly Vineyard, MS, PhD, is a Senior Nutritionist, Equine Technical Solutions, with Purina Animal Nutrition. She is responsible for providing expert technical nutrition advice and insights in a variety of areas, including veterinarian and customer nutrition consultation, new product innovation and research, sales and dealer training, and social media activity. Since 2008, Vineyard has been directly involved in the research and development for numerous Purina Horse Feed products and supplements, including the recently patented Purina Equine Senior and Senior Active ActivAge technology. Vineyard earned her BS in Animal and Dairy Sciences from Auburn University and her MS and PhD in Animal Sciences with a focus on Equine Nutrition from the University of Florida. Her doctorate research focused on the effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on immune function in horses, and she received the Innovative Research award from the American Society of Animal Science for this work. Vineyard is a frequent publisher and lecturer on equine nutrition with expertise in omega-3 fatty acids, immune function, and performance horse nutrition. Her published work includes articles in the Journal of Animal Science and the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science and a chapter in the textbook Equine Applied and Clinical Nutrition. She has been involved with horses for most of her life and is a USDF bronze and silver medalist in dressage, earning both with her off-track Thoroughbred, The Roman Knows.
Myths and Misconceptions About Equine Nutrition
13-06-2022
Myths and Misconceptions About Equine Nutrition
Does alfalfa make horses “hot”? Should they not eat before exercising? Many of our feeding practices are based on tradition, but what’s really best for our horses? Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews equine nutritionist Dr. Clair Thunes, of Clarity Equine Nutrition, and Dr. Robert Jacobs, of Purina Animal Nutrition. You'll learn about feeding horses alfalfa, beet pulp, and other feedstuffs, tips for feeding metabolic and insulin resistant horses, and much more! This podcast is sponsored by Purina Animal Nutrition. About the Experts:  Clair Thunes, PhD, is an equine nutritionist who owns Clarity Equine Nutrition, based in Gilbert, Arizona. She works as a consultant with owners/trainers and veterinarians across the United States and globally to take the guesswork out of feeding horses and provides services to select companies. As a nutritionist she works with all equids, from WEG competitors to Miniature Donkeys and everything in between. Born in England, she earned her undergraduate degree at Edinburgh University, in Scotland, and her master’s and doctorate in nutrition at the University of California, Davis. Growing up, she competed in a wide array of disciplines and was an active member of the U.K. Pony Club. Today, she serves as the district commissioner for the Salt River Pony Club.Robert Jacobs, MS, PhD, is the Equine Innovation Manager at Purina Animal Nutrition. Jacobs and his team conduct innovative research focused on nutrition for horses, including palatability and eating behavior, gastrointestinal physiology, microbiome studies, exercise physiology, and growth and development. They perform their studies at the equine unit of the Purina Animal Nutrition Center in Gray Summit, Missouri, a 300-acre facility home to more than 80 horses ranging in age from newborn to 30. Jacobs earned his BS and MS in Animal Sciences from the University of Florida and continued his studies, completing his PhD in equine reproductive physiology and nutrition at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, where he investigated the role of omega-3 supplementation on the equine uterine environment and early pregnancy in obese, metabolically compromised horses. Research is a passion for Jacobs, but his favorite part of the day includes walking the pastures to check on the horses.
Laminitis: Prevention, Detection, and Treatment
12-11-2021
Laminitis: Prevention, Detection, and Treatment
Laminitis is an extremely painful and often deadly hoof disease in horses with several causes. Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews Dr. Vern Dryden, of Bur Oak Veterinary and Podiatry Services, and Dr. Nicholas Frank, of the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. You'll learn about the different causes and risk factors of laminitis, feeding horses to prevent laminitis, shoeing and hoof care for the laminitic horse, and much more! This podcast is sponsored by Wellness Ready. Vern Dryden, DVM, CJF, APF, owns Bur Oak Veterinary and Podiatry Services, in Lexington, Kentucky, where he focuses on individualized care for his patients. Dryden graduated from the Oklahoma State Horseshoeing School in 1998 and shod horses through undergraduate school at the University of Arizona. He also worked as a farrier at the Washington State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital while studying for his veterinary degree. His research interests include laminitis and regenerative medicine. He frequently lectures on podiatry care both nationally and internationally.​Nicholas Frank, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, is a professor of large animal internal medicine and associate dean for academic affairs at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, in North Grafton, Massachusetts. Frank grew up in the United Kingdom and then trained in the United States. He received his BSc Honors degree in biology from the University of North Carolina in 1989 and his veterinary degree from Purdue University in 1993. After working for two years in private equine practice in Illinois, he returned to Purdue University in 1995 to complete his residency training and PhD degree. Frank’s research interests include laminitis, metabolic disorders, PPID/equine Cushing’s, and many other internal-medicine related areas.
Feeding Recreational Horses
15-10-2021
Feeding Recreational Horses
How do you feed recreational riding horses to meet their nutritional and digestive needs without causing weight gain? Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews equine nutritionists Abby Keegan, MS, PAS, of Cargill North America and  Clair Thunes, PhD, of Clarity Equine Nutrition. You'll learn about the nutritional needs of recreational riding horses, hay and forage options, how to ensure your horse is getting the salt, vitamins, and minerals he needs, and more! This podcast episode is sponsored by Nutrena.Abby Keegan, MS, PAS, is an equine nutritionist for Cargill North America. With more than 16 years professional experience, Keegan enjoys connecting research and development with real-world application, creating new products, services and solutions that support improving the health of the horse. Keegan is passionate about educating horse owners and veterinarians on equine nutrition, she has trained many consultants and taught continuing education courses for equine veterinarians across the United States. Keegan received her BS in Animal Science from Iowa State University, MS from Kansas State University, and also holds an ARPAS equine certification. Her roots run deep in agriculture as she grew up on a farm raising cattle and crops, showing livestock and horses, and continues that tradition today with her husband and two sons.Clair Thunes, PhD, is an equine nutritionist who owns Clarity Equine Nutrition, based in Gilbert, Arizona. She works as a consultant with owners/trainers and veterinarians across the United States and globally to take the guesswork out of feeding horses and provides services to select companies. As a nutritionist she works with all equids, from WEG competitors to Miniature donkeys and everything in between. Born in England, she earned her undergraduate degree at Edinburgh University, in Scotland, and her master’s and doctorate in nutrition at the University of California, Davis. Growing up, she competed in a wide array of disciplines and was an active member of the U.K. Pony Club. Today, she serves as the district commissioner for the Salt River Pony Club.
Feeding Performance Horses
13-08-2021
Feeding Performance Horses
Is your horse getting the nutrition he needs to reach his athletic potential? Are you looking to build his topline or increase his stamina? Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews Dr. Marty Adams, of Cargill Animal Health & Nutrition, and Dr. Clair Thunes, of Clarity Equine Nutrition. You'll learn about the nutritional needs of performance horses, protein and amino acid requirements, energy content in equine diets, and much more! This episode is sponsored by ProElite. Marty Adams, PhD, ARPAS, is a technical services equine nutritionist for Cargill Animal Health & Nutrition. Cargill owns and manufactures Nutrena Horse Feeds, including SafeChoice, ProForce, Empower and Triumph brands, as well as Legends, ProElite and Progressive Nutrition Horse Feeds and Supplements. He was formerly the equine nutritionist and horse feed manager for Southern States Cooperative. Adams also served as an assistant/associate professor at Louisiana Tech University after graduate school, and then was the equine nutritionist for Seminole Feed before taking the position at Southern States. Adams has two bachelor’s degrees from Missouri State University and earned his master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Missouri (Animal Science/Equine Specialty). American Registry of Professional Animal Science) certification.Clair Thunes, PhD, is an independent equine nutrition consultant who owns Clarity Equine Nutrition, based in Arizona. She works with owners/trainers and veterinarians across the United States and globally to take the guesswork out of feeding horses. Born in England, she earned her undergraduate degree at Edinburgh University, in Scotland, and her master’s and doctorate in nutrition at the University of California, Davis. Growing up, she competed in a wide array of disciplines and was an active member of the United Kingdom Pony Club. Today, she serves as the regional supervisor for the Sierra Pacific region of the United States Pony Clubs. As a nutritionist she works with all horses, from WEG competitors to Miniature Donkeys and everything in between.
The Benefits of Massage for Your Horse
11-06-2021
The Benefits of Massage for Your Horse
Massage can promote relaxation, support your horse’s muscles, and improve his performance.  Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews Michele Haman, owner of Equi-Librium Therapy, LLC, and veterinarian Dr. Gina Tranquillo-Shade . You'll learn about equine massage therapy, how to find a qualified massage therapist for your horse, and how it can benefit certain types of horses. This episode is sponsored by Kentucky Performance Products. Michele Haman is the founder and owner of Equi-librium Therapy, LLC, based in Lexington, Kentucky and Wellington, Florida, which offers massage for equine athletes. She holds bachelor’s degrees in equine therapy, equine science, and equine management, as well as in accounting. She’s passionate about helping animals feel and perform their best and strives to grow and share her knowledge every day.Gina Tranquillo-Shade, VMD, grew up showing Arabian horses and continued intercollegiate competition at Wilson College, in Pennsylvania. She earned her veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine and completed a field care internship at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, in Lexington, Kentucky. She later practiced equine medicine at All Points Equine, in Pennsylvania. Her interests include reproduction, preventive medicine, sports medicine, field care, and acupuncture. She also completed an equine sports massage therapy certification through Equissage, in Round Hill, Virginia. Although she recently transitioned her scope of practice to small animals, she’s an active horsewoman and enjoys riding, cooking, and spending time with family.
Bits, Bridles, and Equine Welfare
14-08-2020
Bits, Bridles, and Equine Welfare
Your horse’s head, face, and mouth comprise sensitive nerves, bone, and soft tissue. While many of us focus on saddle fit, bridles and bits often get overlooked as a cause of discomfort. Bits can cause mouth pain and injury, and research shows many nosebands are adjusted too tight to the point of cruelty. Is your horse wearing the right bit and bridle?Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews Dr. Hilary Clayton, Professor and Mary Anne McPhail Dressage Chair Emerita at Michigan State University. You'll learn about the importance of bit and bridle fit, how different types of bits fit and work in a horse's mouth, how to measure the tightness of a noseband, and much more! Dr. Hilary M. Clayton is a veterinarian, researcher and horsewoman. For more than 40 years she has performed innovative research in the areas of locomotor biomechanics, lameness, rehabilitation, conditioning programs for equine athletes, and the interaction between rider, tack, and horse. She has published seven books and more than 200 scientific articles on these topics. Clayton served as the Mary Anne McPhail Dressage Chair in Equine Sports Medicine at Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine from 1997 until she retired from academia in 2014. She continues to perform collaborative research with colleagues in universities around the world. Clayton is a charter diplomate and past president of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. She is an Honorary Fellow of the International Society for Equitation Science and has been inducted into the International Equine Veterinarians Hall of Fame, the Midwest Dressage Association Hall of Fame, and the Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame. She is a lifelong rider and has competed in many equestrian sports, most recently focusing on dressage in which she trains through the Grand Prix level and has earned U.S. Dressage Federation bronze, silver, and gold medals.
Calming Horses: Education and Options
10-07-2020
Calming Horses: Education and Options
From learning theory and counterconditioning to supplements and pharmaceutical options, we’ll take a look at ways to safely help nervous, high-strung, and energetic horses relax. Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews Camie Heleski, PhD, and Jenny Biehunko, PhD. You’ll learn about different health conditions that might contribute to a horse’s anxiety, how to handle a herd bound horse, different medications and supplements to help horses relax, and much more! This event is brought to you by Confidence EQ by Bimeda.Dr. Camie Heleski is an instructor and adviser in the University of Kentucky equine science and management program. Previously, she worked at Michigan State University, where she was the two-year horse management program coordinator for 25 years. Her applied research interests include equine behavior and welfare, horse-human interactions, and working equids in the world’s developing regions. She’s currently president of the International Society for Equitation Science and has served as scientific chair for the National Farm Animal Care Council’s Canadian equine welfare code committee. Her equine research and outreach efforts have taken her to Brazil, Mexico, Honduras, Egypt, and Mali. She enjoys dressage with her Arabian gelding, MSU Ducati.Dr. Jenny Biehunko is a 1998 graduate of the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. She’s practiced behavioral medicine in a private practice setting for over more than 20 years. In 2016, she began a residency with the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, working toward a specialty in veterinary behavior. Dr. Biehunko teaches ethology and behavior at both the Auburn and Tuskegee Colleges of Veterinary Medicine, and she has a special interest in equine behavior, as well as integrating lower stress and humane handling methods into the veterinary and training communities. Her grandfather was an equine veterinarian and rider, and Jenny was raised with horses. She has a small herd of Arabian horses, and rides dressage, trail, and endurance.
Forage-First Diets for Horses
12-06-2020
Forage-First Diets for Horses
Equine nutritionists and veterinarians agree: Forage should be the cornerstone of the equine diet. Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews Dr. Laurie Lawrence, of the University of Kentucky, and Dr. Stephen Duren of Performance Horse Nutrition. You'll learn about different forage options for horses, including beet pulp, alfalfa, and more. This event is brought to you by Standlee Premium Western Forage. Dr. Laurie Lawrence is an equine programs professor in the University of Kentucky’s College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment. Her research interests include nutrient requirements of broodmares and foals, nutrient requirements of exercising horses, equine digestive physiology, pasture and forage utilization, and equine exercise physiology.Dr. Stephen Duren completed his Bachelor of Science in animal sciences at the University of Idaho. He earned a Master of Science and a Doctor of Philosophy in equine nutrition and exercise physiology from the University of Kentucky. His research focus centered around feeding fat to racehorses and changes in blood flow distribution in fed and fasted horses during exercise. Dr. Duren has now formed Performance Horse Nutrition, LLC, where he consults with feed manufacturers and horse owners throughout the world. He has owned competitive horses and understands the investment of time and training and realizes that diet should be a factor that helps the horse, not limits the horse. Dr. Duren has been pivotal in the way Standlee Premium Western Forage ensures their forage nutritional and quality excellence.