Feeding Recreational Horses

Feeding Recreational Horses

Author: The Horse: Your Guide to Equine Health Care October 15, 2021 Duration: 1:06:21

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.


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: 50

Ask The Horse
Podcast Episodes
Budgeting and Planning for Horse Expenses [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:32
Do you feel like you can’t afford your horse? You’re not alone. Understand how to manage horse expenses to lessen the stress of horse keeping. The cost of horse ownership varies from region to region, but even basic expe…
Equine Joint Care Strategies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:09
Osteoarthritis (OA, also known as degenerative joint disease) is characterized by the degeneration of articular cartilage that lines the ends of bones inside a horse’s joints. OA is the No. 1 cause of poor performance in…
Understanding Equine Hindgut Health [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:15
Two experts weigh in on common equine hindgut problems and how you can manage them. Learn more and get your questions answered during the live recording of our podcast.This episode of Ask TheHorse Live is brought to you…
Navigating Skin Problems in Horses [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:46
Managing skin problems in horses can be challenging, especially in warmer months. Two experts explain how to identify and manage skin problems in your horse and when you involve your veterinarian. This podcast is sponsor…
Maintaining Senior Horse Joints [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:58
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 soun…
Maintaining the Equine Gut Microbiome [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:43
The horse’s gut microbiome is important to digestion, nutrient absorption, ulcer prevention, and overall health, so you need to support it properly. Learn how to cultivate a diverse and healthy gut microbiome in your hor…
Managing the Itchy Horse [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:01
Whether your horse has chronic seasonal allergies or occasionally comes in from the field with mysterious hives or rubs from scratching himself on the fence, managing his discomfort can be difficult. He needs a treatment…
Creating a Nutrition Plan for the Competition Horse [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:31
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 train…
Equine Pain and Discomfort [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:09
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 s…
Equine Joint Health [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:59
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 Bo…