Hay – STALL and STABLE

This episode is brought to you by Load Trail Trailers and Purina Omega Match.

Show Notes

What’s the latest in forage-based diets for horses? What myths have plagued you, and what do we need to know in 2021 about feeding hay to keep our horses healthy and happy? Do horses need omega-3 supplements? Is beet pulp all that helpful? What gut supplement can actually help prevent ulcers?

Carey Williams, Ph.D., a research scientist and professor at Rutgers University Equine Science Center, joins Helena to discuss how to can keep our horses’ digestive systems functioning well by focusing on forage. Listen in!

Rutgers Equine Science Center “Ask the Expert” Articles

Photo showing a few different hay types side by side

Get a hanging hay scale!

Stall and Stable Podcast

EP 61: Shopping for Hay with Coach Jenn

March 18, 2021March 18, 2021

This episode is brought to you by: Lucas Equine Equipment, makers of fine quality stall components and accessories. And, by Tangent Materials, smart fencing for safer farms.

Even if your horses graze on acres of lush pasture for most of the year, there is always a need for hay on a horse farm. For many horses, and for many different reasons, pasture is not an option as a primary source of forage, which means buying hay becomes a critical part of every barn manager’s or horse owner’s job. And it can be a tricky task. In this episode, Helena is joined by her good friend and fellow hay geek, Coach Jenn from Horse Radio Network, as they compare notes and ideas about the realities of shopping for hay. Listen in!

For more information:

10 Tips for Choosing the Best Hay for Your Horse from the AAEP

Forage for Horses – Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Office

The Importance of Hay Analysis – University of Connecticut

An interesting study in horse preference

Bale Bandit

Stall and Stable Podcast

EP 49: Frustrations

September 30, 2020October 1, 2020

This episode is sponsored by: Lucas Equine Equipment and Airlite USA

When you finally get your horses home, there is no other feeling like it. Looking out your window and seeing your favorite creatures enjoying life under your care is one of THE most gratifying experiences for a horse lover.

But there’s a flip side. Happy Horsekeeping isn’t as easy as it sometimes seems. While we can design our barns, yards, and turnout to keep our horses safe, feed them the best hay and grains, and provide a low-stress environment for them, there are times when that’s still not enough. Listen in!

For more information:

Habronema and Summer Sores
Encysted Redworms in Horses
Upward Fixation of the Patella (Sioux’s stifle issue)
Changes in Hindgut Microbiota and Behavioral Indicators (article abstract)
Controlling Hindgut Acidosis (PDF)
Horse Personality Questionnaire (PDF)

Summer sore on horse's lip — *Summer Sore caused by Habronema spp*

Stall and Stable Podcast

EP 24: Itchy Professionals

October 15, 2019October 15, 2019

I think we’ve all experienced that dreaded moment when your farrier says, “I have bad news; I’m moving to the moon.” Ha! It doesn’t matter where she or he is moving, if they can’t take care of your horses feet anymore, they may as well be moving to the moon. Your heart sinks, you start to sweat, and then the real panic sets in. Where on earth am I going to find someone as good?!

Or maybe you run a boarding barn and your stall mucker showed up late one too many times for her own good. Where do you start? Craigslist? Indeed? Your local paper? Just the thought of all this logistical malarkey is enough to make any horse person break out in hives. And that’s what we’re talking about today – a new online service that connects horse owners with horse professionals.

Oh, and we’ve got something to say about hives, as well. If you’ve ever handled hay and walked away with itchy, screaming welts or hives, you don’t want to miss this episode, so listen in!

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Cool Business / Product Featured in this Episode:

HorseWise, Equestrian Professional Finder

Straw Itch Mites

Straw Itch Mites on PestWeb

All About Mites from NC State Extension

Public Health Fact Sheet from OK State Dept of Health (PDF)

Stall and Stable Podcast

EP 14: From Hayfield to Hayloft

May 7, 2019July 23, 2019

Have you ever wondered where your hay comes from? In this episode, we learn about what it takes to produce the most important component of a horse’s diet. Plus, we learn about things like how to spot a good bale when you see one, how to measure moisture content, prevent spontaneous combustion, and more. Hay farmer, Nikki Alvin-Smith from Willowview Hill Farm Dressage, brings a ton (🤣) of really interesting information. LISTEN IN!

Feature photo: Nikki Alvin-Smith

For more information:

The Seven Deadly Sins of Hay Making

Buy Good Hay and Keep it That Way

Heavy Duty Hay Apron

If you like these podcast episodes, subscribe today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. It’s FREE!