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 expenses such as feed, bedding, and routine veterinary and farrier care can be very costly. Emergency veterinary expenses can soar depending on the illness or injury. Preparing for routine expenses and potential emergencies by budgeting can help horse owners obtain financial security for costs associated with horse ownership. In this episode of Ask TheHorse Live, two experts join us to answer common questions about budgeting and planning for horse expenses.

This podcast is brought to you by CareCredit.

About the Experts:

Jorge L. Colón, DVM, MBA, is an associate professor of practice in financial and organizational management at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM), in Ithaca, New York, and serves as the director of business education for the Cornell Center for Veterinary Business and Entrepreneurship. He received his BS and DVM from Cornell and his MBA from the College of Business at Colorado State University, in Fort Collins. Colón spent the first 25 years of his professional veterinary career as an equine ambulatory veterinarian in Lexington, Kentucky, concentrating in the areas of equine reproduction, neonatology, radiology, and Thoroughbred sales. He transitioned into academia in 2020, where he is now tasked with the development and implementation of the veterinary business educational curriculum at the Cornell CVM and with the management and administration of the Cornell CVBE Certificate in Veterinary Business and Management.

Wendy Krebs, DVM, is a partner at Bend Equine Medical Center in Bend, Oregon. She grew up in Western Oregon, where she participated first in 4-H and later in eventing. She graduated from Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine, in Corvallis, in 2002 and performed a yearlong equine internship, followed by a four-year American College of Veterinary Surgeons equine surgery residency. Her practice interests include surgery and performance horse care, as well as comprehensive preventive care. She lives on a small working ranch in Tumalo with her husband, two young children, and a bevy of animals, including nine horses. She enjoys riding her Oldenburg mare, Aria, emergency-schedule permitting.

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 horses and accounts for nearly 60% of all equine lameness cases. Horses of all ages can develop OA, but what can you do to slow its progression or treat this disease? Two experts weigh in to answer your common questions about equine OA.

This episode is brought to you by American Regent Animal Health.

About the Experts:

Steve Adair, MS, DVM, Dipl. ACVS, ACVSMR, earned his veterinary degree from Auburn University, after which he spent two years in private equine practice and completed a surgery residency at the University of Tennessee (UT). He is a professor in the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine at the UT Knoxville and is director of the Equine Performance Medicine and Rehabilitation Center. Besides his board certifications in the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (charter member of the latter), Adair is certified in animal chiropractic by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association and is a certified equine rehabilitation practitioner. His primary research areas include equine musculoskeletal conditions, regenerative medicine and equine rehabilitation.

Howland M. Mansfield, DVM, CVA, CVMMP, of Summerville, South Carolina, received her DVM from Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine, in Alabama, and completed internships in both general equine medicine and surgery and in advanced equine reproduction. She is certified in both veterinary acupuncture and veterinary medical manipulation. She has practiced along the East Coast over the course of 14 years, in addition to time in Germany providing veterinary care for some of the most elite show horses in Europe. In 2012 Mansfield was named by the South Carolina Horseman’s Council as the Horse Person of the Year for her efforts in equine rescue and in combating animal cruelty. She joined American Regent in 2023 as a technical services veterinarian where she can support the welfare of and improve health care for horses and small animals throughout the U.S.

Horses with insulin issues need to be managed carefully to live good-quality lives. Join our host, Shoshana Rudski, as she interviews Dr. Dianne McFarlane, of the University of Florida, and Dr. Vern Dryden, of Bur Oak Veterinary and Podiatry Services. You'll learn about the signs, causes, and treatment of insulin resistance in horses, and science-based steps you can take to combat it.   

This podcast is sponsored by Wellness Ready.

Dianne McFarlane, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, is a professor and chair of the University of Florida’s Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, in Gainesville. She has studied equine aging and age-related diseases for more than 20 years. She is most recognized for her work in equine endocrine diseases, including pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction and equine metabolic syndrome. McFarlane received her DVM from the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine. She then completed a large animal internship at the University of Georgia, followed by a residency in equine internal medicine at North Carolina State University. McFarlane completed her PhD at the Atlantic Veterinary College, on Prince Edward Island, Canada, where she investigated the cause of equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction.

Vern Dryden, DVM, CJF, APF, owns Bur Oak Sports Medicine and Lameness, in Lexington, Kentucky, and Wellington, Florida, where he focuses on individualized care for his patients. Dryden is also the co-founder and CMO of Wellness Ready, makers of the Wellness Ready Stall Side Insulin Test. After earning degrees from the University of Arizona and Oklahoma State Farrier School, Dryden completed his veterinary studies at Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine. He frequently lectures both nationally and internationally on podiatry care. At home, Dryden breeds and shows American Quarter Horses.

Botulism causes shaker foal syndrome in youngsters and severe neurologic disease in adults. Learn how to protect your horses from this invisible, scentless killer as we address more of your botulism questions.

Learn how to keep your arthritic horse sound, comfortable, and in work using best management practices.

Get the scoop on the American Association of Equine Practitioners’ updated parasite control guidelines.

A disease once considered a West Coast problem, veterinarians say pigeon fever is now on the move east. Learn how to protect your horses in this hour-long podcast.

It’s hot out there! Learn how to keep your horse cool and comfortable during exercise and rest on even the most scorching days.

Get your questions answered and learn about the latest advances in horse dental care in this live event.

Ever wonder which vaccines your horse needs to stay healthy and why? Learn about building equine immunity, how vaccines work, and proper vaccination handling and administration in this free one-hour event.

Our veterinary experts answer your questions about botulism in horses, which can be deadly in adult animals.

Our experts answer your questions about ulcers, GI tract problems, and general “tummy troubles” in horses.

Special Edition: We address current EHV-1 cases in North America and offer information to protect your horses.

Good nutrition and a balanced diet are important for all horses, but do senior horses have special requirements to consider? Join our host, Shoshana Rudski, as she interviews Dr. Shannon Pratt-Phillips, of North Carolina State University, and Dr. Kelly Vineyard, of Purina Animal Nutrition . You’ll learn about the nutritional requirements of senior horses, feeding the older horse with dental issues, how to help your senior gain weight, and much more!

This podcast is sponsored by Purina Animal Nutrition.

About the Experts:
Shannon Pratt-Phillips, PhD, received her Master of Science from the University of Kentucky and her Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Guelph, focusing on equine nutrition and exercise physiology. Pratt-Phillips joined the faculty at North Carolina State University in 2006, where she currently teaches equine nutrition in the Department of Animal Science. She is the director of the Distance Education Animal Science Programs, which includes the Master of Animal Science program, and her field of research focuses on glucose metabolism, insulin resistance, obesity, and laminitis prevention and management in horses.

Kelly Vineyard, MS, PhD, is a Senior Nutritionist, Equine Technical Solutions, with Purina Animal Nutrition. She is responsible for providing expert technical nutrition advice and insights in a variety of areas, including veterinarian and customer nutrition consultation, new product innovation and research, sales and dealer training, and social media activity. Since 2008, Vineyard has been directly involved in the research and development for numerous Purina Horse Feed products and supplements, including the recently patented Purina Equine Senior and Senior Active ActivAge technology. Vineyard earned her BS in Animal and Dairy Sciences from Auburn University and her MS and PhD in Animal Sciences with a focus on Equine Nutrition from the University of Florida. Her doctorate research focused on the effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on immune function in horses, and she received the Innovative Research award from the American Society of Animal Science for this work. Vineyard is a frequent publisher and lecturer on equine nutrition with expertise in omega-3 fatty acids, immune function, and performance horse nutrition. Her published work includes articles in the Journal of Animal Science and the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science and a chapter in the textbook Equine Applied and Clinical Nutrition. She has been involved with horses for most of her life and is a USDF bronze and silver medalist in dressage, earning both with her off-track Thoroughbred, The Roman Knows.

Experts answered reader questions live about what’s new in laminitis research and treatments.

Your mare is in labor and your foal is on his way. But what if something goes wrong? Offer your baby a great start by listening to this live audio event covering foaling, dystocia (difficult birth), passive transfer of immunity, and neonate health.

Young horses are in a critical stage of development, where careful management is essential to a healthy adult life. In this live audio event, our experts answer questions about young horse care, including growth, nutrition, exercise, and disease.

Equine nutrition, hydration, exercise, blanketing, and respiratory health can be concerns as temperatures dip.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative and career-compromising disease in horses.

Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID, or equine Cushing’s disease) is one of the most common endocrine disorders in horses and can cause secondary issues, including laminitis. But, proper supportive care can offer comfort to many PPID horses.

Mosquitoes are more than just annoying, blood-sucking pests—they also carry infectious diseases that can incapacitate or kill your horses.

Traveling with horses places them at risk for exposure to contagious disease, stress, and physical injury. Whether you’re transporting horses for sale or recreation, long distance or short, it’s important to keep them safe and healthy.

Stall rest is necessary for treating certain equine injuries and conditions. However, keeping a horse happy and healthy during recovery is often a challenge.

Is your horse a noisy and uncomfortable breather? Does he struggle to breathe when you’re riding? Is his performance suffering because of it?

Do you have an allergy-prone horse? Join our host, Shoshana Rudski, as she interviews Dr. Lara Tomich, of Dermatology for Animals. You'll learn about potential causes of allergic reactions, treatment and management options for allergy-prone horses, insect bite hypersensitivity, and much more!

This podcast is sponsored by Kinetic Vet.

About the Expert:
 Lara Tomich, DVM, grew up surrounded by horses, dogs, cats, chickens, pigeons, lizards, and fish in Warwick, New York, completed her veterinary degree at Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in 2015. Following graduation she completed a small animal rotating internship at Tufts VETS and a dermatology specialty internship and a dermatology residency at the University of Illinois.

Tomich’s interests include creative management of allergic dermatitis, laser surgery, and equine dermatology.  She enjoys playing soccer, riding horses, listening to live music, skiing, and cooking in her spare time. Neither she nor her dog, Theodore, enjoy running but occasionally give it another try.

Why do some horses seem predisposed to experiencing colic episodes? And, if your horse has colicked in the past, what can you do to help prevent it from happening again?

Complementary therapies such as acupuncture, chiropractic, homeopathy, and herbal medicine often generate controversy. Is there any real evidence that these therapies can help horses? What training do practitioners offering these modalities have?

How can you find the right horse to rescue or adopt? Our experts offer advice about rehomed horses.

A number of air quality factors in barns can make it harder for your horse to breathe, compromising his health and performance.

Learn how to ensure your horse arrives safely and legally at your destination.

The United States has a growing problem with “unwanted” horses–those their owners no longer want for various reasons.

Learn about how your horse’s body adapts to exercise and how to optimize his fitness.

What environmentally friendly management practices might work for you and your farm?

What weeds, trees, and shrubs are poisonous to your horses?

Proper nutrition, of course, is a critical factor in raising a healthy, sound foal–both for the broodmare before the foal is born as well as for the mare and foal throughout the foal’s development.

Does alfalfa make horses “hot”? Should they not eat before exercising? Many of our feeding practices are based on tradition, but what’s really best for our horses? Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews equine nutritionist Dr. Clair Thunes, of Clarity Equine Nutrition, and Dr. Robert Jacobs, of Purina Animal Nutrition. You'll learn about feeding horses alfalfa, beet pulp, and other feedstuffs, tips for feeding metabolic and insulin resistant horses, and much more!

This podcast is sponsored by Purina Animal Nutrition.

About the Experts: 
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.

Robert Jacobs, MS, PhD, is the Equine Innovation Manager at Purina Animal Nutrition. Jacobs and his team conduct innovative research focused on nutrition for horses, including palatability and eating behavior, gastrointestinal physiology, microbiome studies, exercise physiology, and growth and development. They perform their studies at the equine unit of the Purina Animal Nutrition Center in Gray Summit, Missouri, a 300-acre facility home to more than 80 horses ranging in age from newborn to 30. Jacobs earned his BS and MS in Animal Sciences from the University of Florida and continued his studies, completing his PhD in equine reproductive physiology and nutrition at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, where he investigated the role of omega-3 supplementation on the equine uterine environment and early pregnancy in obese, metabolically compromised horses. Research is a passion for Jacobs, but his favorite part of the day includes walking the pastures to check on the horses.

What hidden dangers lurk in your barn? Learn how to maximize air quality and improve safety in the stable.

All about equine colic, from when to call the vet to how well horses recover from surgery.

What makes the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games “bigger and better” from a horse care/management standpoint?

Weaning can be quite stressful for foals, mares, and their owners.

How do you battle parasites in your horses despite increasing resistance to common deworming medications?

Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) is notoriously difficult for veterinarians to diagnose and equally tricky to treat. But there’s hope as researchers continue to investigate this neurologic disease. Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews Dr. Sarah Colmer of the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center. You'll learn about EPM, how horses contract it, current diagnostic tests and treatments, and much more! 

This podcast is sponsored by Kentucky Performance Products. 

Sarah F. Colmer, VMD, is a third-year resident in large animal internal medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine’s New Bolton Center, in Kennett Square. Following the completion of her residency next month, she will begin a fellowship in large animal neurology at New Bolton Center. She has research interests in neurologic conditions of the horse, particularly degenerative diseases, as well as endocrinology.

An upset digestive system can lead to bigger problems, ranging from gastric ulcers to colitis to colic. Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews Dr. Alicia Long of the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center. You'll learn about the microbiome, gastric ulcers, diarrhea, colic, fecal water syndrome, and much more! 

This podcast is sponsored by Purina. 

Alicia Long, DVM, received her veterinary degree from the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. She then completed an internship at Rhinebeck Equine in New York, followed by another internship rotating between the large animal internal medicine department at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University and the Massachusetts Equine Clinic, an ambulatory private practice. She completed a residency at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center in large animal internal medicine and is currently a fellow in large animal emergency and critical care.

Regenerative medicine is giving us new options for treating horses with joint disease and other injuries. Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews Dr. Weston Warnock, of Brazos Valley Equine Hospital, and Dr. Bill King, a consultant for Zoetis with more than 15 years of experience in regenerative medicine in human and animal health. You’ll learn about different types of biologics available for horses, how they work, and different conditions or injuries that might benefit from orthobiologics. 

This podcast is sponsored by Zoetis. 

Weston Warnock, DVM, Dipl. ACVS-LA, is a veterinarian with Brazos Valley Equine Hospitals in Navasota, Texas. In addition to being a surgeon, he has an interest in treating equine lameness. His experience includes working with rodeo, race, and sport horses.

Bill King, PhD, MS, has more than 15 years of experience in regenerative medicine in human and animal health. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Bioengineering from the University of Toledo and master’s degree and PhD in biomedical engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He performed post-doctoral research at the University of Michigan. King helped develop regenerative medicine devices at Biomet/Zimmer Biomet before becoming clinical and research and development director for Owl Manor, a medical device company owned by Zoetis.

Laminitis is an extremely painful and often deadly hoof disease in horses with several causes. Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews Dr. Vern Dryden, of Bur Oak Veterinary and Podiatry Services, and Dr. Nicholas Frank, of the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. You'll learn about the different causes and risk factors of laminitis, feeding horses to prevent laminitis, shoeing and hoof care for the laminitic horse, and much more! 

This podcast is sponsored by Wellness Ready. 

Vern Dryden, DVM, CJF, APF, owns Bur Oak Veterinary and Podiatry Services, in Lexington, Kentucky, where he focuses on individualized care for his patients. Dryden graduated from the Oklahoma State Horseshoeing School in 1998 and shod horses through undergraduate school at the University of Arizona. He also worked as a farrier at the Washington State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital while studying for his veterinary degree. His research interests include laminitis and regenerative medicine. He frequently lectures on podiatry care both nationally and internationally.​

Nicholas Frank, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, is a professor of large animal internal medicine and associate dean for academic affairs at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, in North Grafton, Massachusetts. Frank grew up in the United Kingdom and then trained in the United States. He received his BSc Honors degree in biology from the University of North Carolina in 1989 and his veterinary degree from Purdue University in 1993. After working for two years in private equine practice in Illinois, he returned to Purdue University in 1995 to complete his residency training and PhD degree. Frank’s research interests include laminitis, metabolic disorders, PPID/equine Cushing’s, and many other internal-medicine related areas.

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.

Is your horse getting the nutrition he needs to reach his athletic potential? Are you looking to build his topline or increase his stamina? Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews Dr. Marty Adams, of Cargill Animal Health & Nutrition, and Dr. Clair Thunes, of Clarity Equine Nutrition. You'll learn about the nutritional needs of performance horses, protein and amino acid requirements, energy content in equine diets, and much more! 

This episode is sponsored by ProElite. 

Marty Adams, PhD, ARPAS, is a technical services equine nutritionist for Cargill Animal Health & Nutrition. Cargill owns and manufactures Nutrena Horse Feeds, including SafeChoice, ProForce, Empower and Triumph brands, as well as Legends, ProElite and Progressive Nutrition Horse Feeds and Supplements. He was formerly the equine nutritionist and horse feed manager for Southern States Cooperative. Adams also served as an assistant/associate professor at Louisiana Tech University after graduate school, and then was the equine nutritionist for Seminole Feed before taking the position at Southern States. Adams has two bachelor’s degrees from Missouri State University and earned his master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Missouri (Animal Science/Equine Specialty). American Registry of Professional Animal Science) certification.

Clair Thunes, PhD, is an independent equine nutrition consultant who owns Clarity Equine Nutrition, based in Arizona. She works with owners/trainers and veterinarians across the United States and globally to take the guesswork out of feeding horses. 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 United Kingdom Pony Club. Today, she serves as the regional supervisor for the Sierra Pacific region of the United States Pony Clubs. As a nutritionist she works with all horses, from WEG competitors to Miniature Donkeys and everything in between. 

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 by Purina.

About the Experts:

Frank M. Andrews, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVIM, is a graduate of Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine in Pullman, Washington, where he received a DVM and MS. After a year in private veterinary practice, he completed an Equine Medicine and Surgery Residency at The Ohio State University. After 20 years on the faculty at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, he is currently LVMA Equine Committee Professor and Head of The Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, as well as the Director of the Equine Health and Sports Performance Program at LSU Vet Med. Dr. Andrews is Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Large Animal Internal Medicine. Dr. Andrews’ has clinical and research interests in gastric ulcers, gastrointestinal disease, and endocrine diseases and is involved in clinical equine practice and has been doing scientific investigation for over 35 years.

Dr. Mary Beth Gordon is the Senior Director of Equine Technical Innovation for Purina Animal Nutrition (Land O'Lakes, Inc.) with responsibilities to lead and guide the research and technical teams for the horse business group. Her ambitious research team has completed over 350 research protocols at the Purina Animal Nutrition Center, leading to the creation of 18 new products and 20+ reformulated products in the equine market since 2005. This research encompasses exercise physiology, growth and reproduction, and digestive physiology including palatability, intake, and microbiome work. Mary Beth earned her BS in Animal Science from Delaware Valley University and PhD in Animal Science with a specialty in Equine Nutrition and Exercise Physiology from Rutgers University. Her graduate research focused on the effects of exercise on the hormonal regulation of appetite in horses and her work was the first to characterize the appetite stimulating hormone, ghrelin, in equine. She is published in numerous scientific journals including The Veterinary Journal, Equine Veterinary Journal, Journal of Animal Science, Journal of Equine Veterinary Science and Equine Comparative Exercise Physiology. She has also co-authored chapters in textbooks such as Equine Sports Medicine and Surgery. In addition to her work at Purina Animal Nutrition, Mary Beth is active in the horse world as a dressage rider, owning multiple warmbloods that keep her very busy!

Massage can promote relaxation, support your horse’s muscles, and improve his performance.  Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews Michele Haman, owner of Equi-Librium Therapy, LLC, and veterinarian Dr. Gina Tranquillo-Shade . You'll learn about equine massage therapy, how to find a qualified massage therapist for your horse, and how it can benefit certain types of horses. 

This episode is sponsored by Kentucky Performance Products. 

Michele Haman is the founder and owner of Equi-librium Therapy, LLC, based in Lexington, Kentucky and Wellington, Florida, which offers massage for equine athletes. She holds bachelor’s degrees in equine therapy, equine science, and equine management, as well as in accounting. She’s passionate about helping animals feel and perform their best and strives to grow and share her knowledge every day.

Gina Tranquillo-Shade, VMD, grew up showing Arabian horses and continued intercollegiate competition at Wilson College, in Pennsylvania. She earned her veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine and completed a field care internship at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, in Lexington, Kentucky. She later practiced equine medicine at All Points Equine, in Pennsylvania. Her interests include reproduction, preventive medicine, sports medicine, field care, and acupuncture. She also completed an equine sports massage therapy certification through Equissage, in Round Hill, Virginia. Although she recently transitioned her scope of practice to small animals, she’s an active horsewoman and enjoys riding, cooking, and spending time with family.

Your horse’s head, face, and mouth comprise sensitive nerves, bone, and soft tissue. While many of us focus on saddle fit, bridles and bits often get overlooked as a cause of discomfort. Bits can cause mouth pain and injury, and research shows many nosebands are adjusted too tight to the point of cruelty. Is your horse wearing the right bit and bridle?

Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews Dr. Hilary Clayton, Professor and Mary Anne McPhail Dressage Chair Emerita at Michigan State University. You'll learn about the importance of bit and bridle fit, how different types of bits fit and work in a horse's mouth, how to measure the tightness of a noseband, and much more! 

Dr. Hilary M. Clayton is a veterinarian, researcher and horsewoman. For more than 40 years she has performed innovative research in the areas of locomotor biomechanics, lameness, rehabilitation, conditioning programs for equine athletes, and the interaction between rider, tack, and horse. She has published seven books and more than 200 scientific articles on these topics. Clayton served as the Mary Anne McPhail Dressage Chair in Equine Sports Medicine at Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine from 1997 until she retired from academia in 2014. She continues to perform collaborative research with colleagues in universities around the world. Clayton is a charter diplomate and past president of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. She is an Honorary Fellow of the International Society for Equitation Science and has been inducted into the International Equine Veterinarians Hall of Fame, the Midwest Dressage Association Hall of Fame, and the Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame. She is a lifelong rider and has competed in many equestrian sports, most recently focusing on dressage in which she trains through the Grand Prix level and has earned U.S. Dressage Federation bronze, silver, and gold medals.