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: 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…