Scoop & Scale: An Equine Podcast (Mostly) About Nutrition

When a wildfire, flood, hurricane, or other disaster threatens your horses, every minute matters. In Part 2 of our disaster preparedness series, we walk through what a real horse evacuation looks like from receiving the first warning to loading horses, navigating chaotic roads, and arriving at an evacuation facility. Joining us is Amy Hausmann, who shares her firsthand experience during California's devastating Tubbs Fire and the lessons she learned from living through multiple subsequent wildfire evacuations.
In this episode, we discuss:
• The Ready, Set, Go evacuation system and why horse owners should leave at Level 1
• How to prepare your horses, trailer, go-bags, documents, feed, and emergency contacts before disaster strikes
• What happens when evacuation plans fall apart, including horses that won't load and situations where animals must be left behind
• What to expect at evacuation centers, how to care for stressed horses, and common health risks after a disaster
• The critical role of volunteers, community response teams, and evacuation networks during large-scale emergencies
Whether you live in wildfire country, flood-prone areas, hurricane zones, or tornado alley, this episode provides practical, real-world guidance that could help save lives when disaster strikes. 

Watch Duty - https://app.watchduty.org/
Fleet of Angels - https://www.fleetofangels.org/ 
Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com   
Thanks for riding along with us!

Every year, natural disasters force horse owners to make critical decisions with little warning. In Part 1 of this two-part series, we cover the essential steps you can take now to prepare your horses, property, and support network before an emergency happens.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why every horse needs permanent identification and up-to-date records
• Building an emergency support network and connecting with local resources before disaster strikes
• Creating an evacuation plan, including destinations, routes, and transportation logistics
• Preparing emergency supplies, feed, medications, and essential paperwork for your horses
• Why practicing trailer loading and emergency procedures can make all the difference when time is limited

Whether your risk is wildfire, flood, hurricane, tornado, derecho, or another natural disaster, the best emergency plan is the one you create before you need it.  This episode will give you the tips you need to get that done. 
Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com   
Thanks for riding along with us!

Summer means horse shows, trail rides, vacations, and long days on the road with our horses. But are you prepared for the unique challenges that come with trailering horses in hot weather? In this episode we discuss how to keep your horse safe, comfortable, and healthy while traveling during the summer months.

In this episode, we cover:
• Trailer safety and pre-trip checks
• Preventing heat stress during travel
• Hydration, salt, and electrolytes
• Emergency gear every trailer needs
• Biosecurity and travel paperwork

Whether you're heading to a horse show, trail riding destination, clinic, or summer getaway, this episode will help you travel safely and confidently with your horse.

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com   
Thanks for riding along with us!

Hay season is here! While most horse owners focus on buying and feeding hay, few have firsthand experience with what it actually takes to grow, harvest, and store quality horse hay. In this episode, Jill shares her journey from boarding barns in Arizona to purchasing hay in Colorado and ultimately becoming a hay producer in Iowa. Along the way, we discuss the realities of hay farming, the challenges of producing quality forage, and answer listener questions about hay testing, nutrition, storage, and feeding.
In this episode, we discuss:
• Jill's journey from horse owner to hay farmer
• The challenges of growing and harvesting horse hay
• Hay testing, cuttings, and nutrient differences
• Feeding fresh hay and evaluating hay quality
• Hay costs, production realities, and so much more
Whether you're buying a few bales, storing a year's worth of hay, contemplating growing your own, or simply curious about where your horse's forage comes from, this episode offers valuable insights into the world of hay production and equine nutrition.
Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com   
Thanks for riding along with us!

Seasonal itching, hives, and respiratory issues: equine allergies can be frustrating, confusing, and difficult to manage. In this episode we’re joined by special guest Dr. Rosanna Marsella. Dr. Marsella is a board-certified veterinary dermatologist and professor at the University of Florida. She has authored more than 150 peer-reviewed articles, written several books and contributed to numerous others. She has also served as president of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology and co-editor of Veterinary Dermatology.
Together, we unpack the most common causes of allergies in horses, how they present clinically, and what horse owners need to know about diagnosis and treatment especially regarding widely misunderstood topics like food allergies and blood testing.
In this episode, we cover:
The most common types of equine allergies (insects, environment, and more) and how they show up clinically
When to call your veterinarian and what to expect during diagnosis and treatment
Why blood allergy testing is often unreliable (especially for feed-related allergies)
Practical management strategies, from fly control to environmental changes and nutrition support
And so much more
Equine allergies are often misunderstood, and this conversation helps separate common myths from what the science actually shows.  
To learn more about Dr. Marsella https://www.vetmed.ufl.edu/profile/marsella-rosanna/ 
Consensus Statement  https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/vde.13168  
Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com   
Thanks for riding along with us!