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Supporting Your Horse's Immune System

What does it take to optimize the equine immune response and fight off disease?

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Rhodococcus equi Pneumonia: Rethinking Treatment to Fight Resistance
Skill, Science, and Sensitivity: Unpacking Horse Training Misconceptions
Rehabilitating the Neurologic EPM Horse
Building a Balanced Diet for Your Mare and Foal
Joint Health Matters: Top Therapies for a Successful Season
The Abscess Ruptured, But My Horse is Still Lame. Now What?
Understanding Horse Aggression
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Wisconsin Quarter Horse Tests Positive for Strangles

Post-Foaling Red Flags

Virginia Mare Tests Positive for Strangles

Virginia Horse Tests Positive for EHV-4

Strangles Case Confirmed in Michigan

16 Saskatchewan Horses Test Positive for EIA

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How Much Does It Cost to Own a Horse?

September 26, 2024

Dealing With Equine Colic: Here are 33 Do’s and Don’ts

June 25, 2024

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Promoting Longevity in Performance Horses

Managing Your Performance Horse’s Joints

Everything You Need to Know About Laminitis in Horses

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West Nile Virus in U.S. Horses

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Rationing Hay for Horses With Metabolic Problems

March 10, 2025

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Madeline Boast, MSc

Madeline Boast, MSc 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.

Articles by: Madeline Boast, MSc

Vitamin E Supplementation for Horses

Madeline Boast, MSc March 11, 2025

Horses need the essential nutrient vitamin E for proper muscle and cell function. Here’s how you can be sure you’re meeting their requirements.

Rationing Hay for Horses With Metabolic Problems

Madeline Boast, MSc March 10, 2025

Sourcing lower-energy hay and implementing slow-feeding strategies can help reduce your horse’s risk of becoming obese and developing metabolic problems.

Can My Horse Eat Hay with Preservatives?

Madeline Boast, MSc March 9, 2025

Although researchers have shown horses prefer untreated hay, it is safe for horses to eat hay treated with preservatives. An equine nutritionist explains why.

How Can I Change My Horse’s Hay Safely?

Madeline Boast, MSc February 24, 2025

An equine nutritionist explains the best way to switch your horse to a new hay and what to do if you have limited hay storage.

How to Choose a Ration Balancer for Your Horse

Madeline Boast, MSc February 20, 2025

An equine nutritionist explains why you should consider your individual horse’s needs and forage source before choosing a ration balancer.

Pre-, Pro- and Postbiotics for Horses

Madeline Boast, MSc February 12, 2025

Understanding how these products work and what to look for on their labels can help you make the best decision for your horse.

4 Things You Need to Know to Prevent Endocrinopathic Laminitis

Madeline Boast, MSc February 5, 2025

Manage at-risk horses’ diet and exercise to help avoid this painful condition.

Slow Hay Feeders for Horses: Pros and Cons

Madeline Boast, MSc January 20, 2025

Learn why your horse might benefit from a slow hay feeder and how to choose the right one.

What Hay is Safe for My EMS Horse?

Madeline Boast, MSc December 21, 2024

An equine nutritionist explains why NSCs, ESCs, and WSCs are important factors to consider when choosing hay for your EMS horse.

Nutrition Terms to Know When Managing Metabolic Horses

Madeline Boast, MSc December 16, 2024

An equine nutritionist breaks down nutrition terms and acronyms, including NSC, WSC, and ESC. Understanding these concepts can help you manage horses with metabolic problems.

High-Fiber vs. High-Starch Feeds for Equine Gut Health

Madeline Boast, MSc November 18, 2024

Researchers say a high-fiber diet can help improve the health of your horse’s gut microbiome. Here’s what you need to know.

Managing the Hard-Keeping PPID Horse

Madeline Boast, MSc November 4, 2024

Learn how to add calories safely to a metabolic horse’s diet without putting him at a greater risk of developing laminitis.

Researchers Develop Regional Fat Scoring System for Horses

Top Tips for Safe Equine Weight Loss

Madeline Boast, MSc October 18, 2024

Can horses lose weight too fast? Does exercise or dietary restriction work better for equine weight loss? Two experts answer these questions and more.