Feeding Performance Horses

Feeding Performance Horses

Author: The Horse: Your Guide to Equine Health Care August 13, 2021 Duration: 1:06:04

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. 


Ever find yourself puzzling over a subtle change in your horse's behavior or wishing you had a clearer understanding of that latest veterinary study? Ask The Horse brings those conversations directly to you, transforming complex equine health topics into accessible, actionable knowledge. Each episode features recorded live sessions where seasoned horse owners pose their real-world questions to a rotating panel of top veterinarians and specialists. You'll hear discussions that range from everyday hoof care and nutrition management to explanations of emerging therapies and diagnostic techniques. The format captures the spontaneous, insightful dialogue that happens when curious minds meet expert experience, all without the filter of a script. This podcast, presented by The Horse: Your Guide to Equine Health Care, serves as a trusted resource for anyone invested in the wellbeing of their horse, whether you're a weekend trail rider or a competitive professional. It’s like having a front-row seat to a continuous learning community, where the shared goal is simply better care. Tune in to gain a deeper confidence in your decisions and to hear the nuanced, practical advice that can make a tangible difference in your daily routine with horses.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 150

Ask The Horse
Podcast Episodes
Training and Care: How to Improve Our Horses’ Welfare [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:37
Sometimes we as horse people get stuck in our traditions and habits or are influenced by mythology and marketing. But is there a better way? Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews Dr. Camie Heleski of the Un…
Winter's Coming: Is Your Horse Ready? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:35
How cold is too cold to ride? Does your horse need a blanket? What should your horse eat during frigid weather? Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews Karen Waite, PhD of Michigan State Extension. You'll lea…
Young Horse Growth and Development [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:41
Do you have a young horse in your life? Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews Dr. Brian Nielsen, a professor and researcher at Michigan State University. You'll learn about the importance of nutrition and e…
Natural Disasters: Do You Have a Plan for Your Horse? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:27
Surviving natural disasters becomes even more complicated when you’re responsible for horses and other animals. Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews emergency planning expert Rebecca Gimenez-Husted, PhD. Y…
Give Your Old Horse the Best Care! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:21
Aging horses often require individualized care to keep them comfortable and happy. Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews Dr. Bryan Waldridge of Park Equine in Lexington, Kentucky. You'll learn about managin…
Horse Hoof Care Basics [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:05
Your horse’s feet are his foundation. What does a healthy hoof look like? Does your horse need shoes, or is he fine barefoot? And what about hoof boots? Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews Dr. Scott Flemi…
Hot Summer Days and Your Horse [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:44
Summer is a great time to get out and enjoy your horse, but the season also comes with management challenges. As ambient temperatures rise, so does your horse’s risk of overheating. Horse trailers can become sweltering,…
Insect Control for Horse Farms [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:47
Bugs are beyond annoying for our horses. Insects spread diseases—some of them deadly—and can cause irritating and performance-limiting allergic reactions. Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews Erika Machtin…
Endocrine-Related Laminitis: Know Your Foe [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:49
Laminitis is one of the most common diseases in horses, and it has many different causes. Is your horse an easy keeper? He might be at risk. Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews Teresa Burns, DVM, and Jane…
Am I Feeding My Horse Right? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:30
Choosing the right diet for your horse can be a daunting task. Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews Clair Thunes, PhD, an independent equine nutritionist. You'll learn about horses' calorie requirements an…