Cracks, chips, weak hoof walls, and soft soles are common concerns for horse owners. But do hoof supplements actually work, and does nutrition really improve hoof quality?

In this episode, we break down the biology of hoof growth and explain why strong feet start with a balanced diet, not just another supplement. We cover how hooves grow, the key nutrients involved in building durable hoof horn, and how to determine whether your horse actually needs additional support.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What the hoof wall and sole are made of and why keratin matters
• How nutrition impacts hoof growth and long-term hoof strength
• The role of biotin, amino acids, zinc, and copper in hoof quality
• Why balancing the whole diet is more effective than stacking supplements
• Realistic timelines for improving hoof health

Strong hooves are not built with quick fixes or magic ingredients. They are the result of consistent management, balanced nutrition, and patience. Understanding the science behind hoof growth will help you make smarter decisions and support long-term soundness.

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com

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In this episode we discuss a challenge many horse owners face: fat or overweight horses. From disciplines where a “round” horse is seen as ideal to the health risks of carrying extra weight, we cover why managing body condition matters.

Our guest, Madeline Boast, MSc, PAS, equine nutritionist and founder of Balanced Bay Nutrition, shares her research on safe weight loss programs for horses and explains how diet, exercise, and metabolic health work together to support long-term wellbeing.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why overweight horses are so common, especially easy keepers
• How to check body condition and spot risky fat deposits
• Safe ways to help horses lose weight with diet and exercise
• How fat affects inflammation, laminitis, and metabolic health
• Tips for forage management, slow feeders, and practical weight control

To learn more about Madeline and Balanced Bay Nutrition you can visit her website here https://balancedbaynutrition.com/

Here is an episode to Ep. 38: Body Weight, Condition Scoring and Equine Nutrition https://scoopandscale.com/ep-38-body-weight-condition-scoring-and-equine-nutrition/

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com

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Alfalfa is one of the most debated feeds in equine nutrition, and few forages generate as many myths. In this episode, we take a science-based look at alfalfa for horses and break down where common beliefs come from and whether they are actually supported by research. We discuss protein, calcium, behavior, ulcers, and health concerns so horse owners can make informed feeding decisions based on the individual horse, not barn lore.

In this episode, we cover:

• Does alfalfa make horses hot or more reactive
• Protein, kidney health, and joint development myths
• Calcium levels
• Why alfalfa is often recommended for ulcer-prone and performance horses
• Differences between long-stem alfalfa, pellets, cubes, and chopped forage

This episode is designed to help horse owners evaluate alfalfa for horses using evidence-based nutrition rather than opinion.

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com

Thanks for riding along with us!