Horse breeding from planning through foal care

Prevention and treatment for problems of the equine foot

Proper feeding practices for foals, adult horses, and older horses

Discussions about the welfare of our equine friends

Horse-heath-problem risk factors, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment

How to care for the basic health needs of horses

All aspects of caring for performance horses

Design and maintain a healthy horse operation

Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of leg lameness

News and issues for equine health professionals

Cover Story

The Many Faces of Equine Metabolic Syndrome

Unveiling what EMD and ID really look like.

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Post-Foaling Red Flags
HERDA 20 Years Later
Strangles: An Old Disease in a Modern World
Before She Foals: Managing Broodmares
Beneath the Hoof Wall: Soft Tissues Injuries of the Equine Foot

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Performance Horse Health

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What Is the Horse’s Gut Microbiome?

September 18, 2023
Posted by Haylie Kerstetter

Equine nutritionist Madeline Boast describes what the horse’s gut microbiome is and how owners can assess its state.

Topics: Anatomy & Physiology, Digestive System, Media, Podcasts

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Each horse has a unique gut microbiome so it can be difficult to assess your horse’s individual status. Madeline Boast, an independent equine nutritionist based in Canada, explains what signs owners can look for that might indicate if their horse has a healthy gut microbiome.

This podcast is an excerpt of our Ask TheHorse Live Q&A, “Maintaining the Equine Gut Microbiome.” Listen to the full recording here.

About the Expert

Madeline Boast

Madeline Boast completed her master’s in Equine Nutrition at the University of Guelph and started an independent nutrition company known as Balanced Bay. She has worked with a variety of equids—from Miniature Ponies to competing Thoroughbreds. Boast designs customized balanced nutrition plans that prioritize equine well-being, both for optimal performance and solving complex nutritional issues and everything between.

Written by:

Haylie Kerstetter

Haylie Kerstetter, Digital Editor, holds a degree in equine studies with a concentration in communications and a minor in social media marketing. She is a Pennsylvania native and, as a horse owner herself, has a passion for helping owners provide the best care for their horses. When she is not writing or in the barn, she is spending time with her dog, Clementine.