Dr. Thunes is also available for collaboration both in person and via video conferencing with veterinary practices seeking nutritional support for their patients.
With extensive experience as a consulting nutritionist to international feed and supplement companies, Dr. Thunes is a valuable asset in any phase of development
Dr. Clair Thunes is a dynamic speaker and educator dedicated to empowering horse owners with the knowledge to make sound decisions when it comes to feeding their herd
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Feeding horses is expensive and inefficiencies in feeding systems quietly add to those costs. In our newest episode of Scoop & Scale, we’re joined by Dr. Krishona Martinson (University of Minnesota) to discuss published research on hay waste in horses, what drives it, and how feeding method choices can significantly impact both forage utilization and overall feeding costs.
This conversation focuses on practical, research-based strategies horse owners and barn managers can apply immediately to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and make more informed decisions around forage management.
We love seeing the American Association of Equine Practitioners drawing attention to the importance of trace minerals in the equine diet. As their post highlights, trace minerals play a vital role in overall health, performance, and long-term soundness.
What’s important to understand, though, is how those needs are best met.
When a horse’s forage is properly evaluated and the diet is correctly balanced with a fortified feed or a well-formulated ration balancer, additional trace mineral supplementation is typically unnecessary.
Many standalone trace mineral supplements, even those produced by reputable companies, simply don’t provide meaningful levels of fortification. The same applies to mineral blocks. These products only work if consumed in sufficient quantities every single day, which rarely happens. And even when a horse consumes enough to meet daily sodium needs, the concentration of trace minerals is often so low that they contribute little to overall requirements.
This is why diet evaluation matters. Trace mineral adequacy isn’t about adding more products, it’s about ensuring the base diet is correctly balanced.
Hay waste adds up fast… and this question sparks a lot of discussion 👀
Jump over to the Scoop and Scale podcast page to vote in their pop quiz about hay waste and definitely catch next week’s episode with Dr. Krishona Martinson who did the research hay waste. www.facebook.com/share/p/1DgcPEgbKx/⭐️ POP QUIZ: Hay Waste & Round Bale Feeders ⭐️
Based on published research, what percentage of hay do you think is wasted when horses are fed round bales with NO feeder?
👇 Cast your vote in the poll below 👇 (No Googling… we’ll talk about the answer soon 😉)
Hay waste is one of the biggest costs in horse ownership, especially during times when hay prices are high. Research has shown that feeder design (or lack of one) has a huge impact on how much hay actually ends up in your horse versus in the mud, manure, or bedding.
💡 Join us next week on the Scoop and Scale podcast when the author of this study, Dr. Krishona Martinson (University of Minnesota), joins us to break it down.
This is one of those topics where the data might surprise you. 🤯
📊 Vote now and then tune in next week to see how close you were.
A. 10–20% B. 25–35% C. 40–50% D. Over 50%
#haywaste #roundbalefeeder #equinenutrition #horsemangement #barnmanagement #horseowners #equinepodcast ... See MoreSee Less
Excited to share our latest episode of Scoop and Scale. Fat is one of the most misunderstood areas of equine nutrition, and this conversation breaks down the science in a way horse owners can actually apply. If you’ve ever wondered which fat source is best and why, this is a great place to start.
Listen here 👉https://podcasts.apple.com/kh/podcast/ep-64-feeding-fat-to-horses-different-types-and-what-to-know/id1722362615?i=1000740217653
Ep. 64: Feeding Fat to Horses: Different Types and What to Know
Fat is one of the most misunderstood parts of a horse’s diet, yet it can be a powerful tool for weight gain, health, and performance. In this episode, we break down the most common fat sources for horses, how they differ, and when you should (or shouldn’t) use them. From rice bran and flax to oils, seeds, and supplements, we cut through the confusion so you can make informed feeding decisions.
You’ll learn: -The fundamental differences between different kinds of fat -How omega-3 and omega-6 fats impact health and inflammation -Which fat sources offer the best balance -Pros and cons of rice bran, flax, chia, canola, coconut, hemp, and more -Why some horses benefit from EPA/DHA sources like fish oil -How to choose the right fat based on your horse’s needs
A clear, practical guide to feeding fat the right way. Let’s dive in!
An excellent summary of what we can expect this next week from the EHV-1 outbreak. If we can stay the course this can be over quickly. ... See MoreSee Less
Feeding horses is expensive and inefficiencies in feeding systems quietly add to those costs. In our newest episode of Scoop & Scale, we’re joined by Dr. Krishona Martinson (University of Minnesota) to discuss published research on hay waste in horses, what drives it, and how feeding method choices can significantly impact both forage utilization and overall feeding costs.
This conversation focuses on practical, research-based strategies horse owners and barn managers can apply immediately to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and make more informed decisions around forage management.
👉Listen now by clicking the link below or on your favorite podcast app
#equinenutrition #haywaste #horsefeed #equinepodcast
www.facebook.com/share/p/14MMMASu6ez/ ... See MoreSee Less
Ep. 65: Stop Wasting Hay and Money: Research-Based Ways to Reduce Hay Waste - Scoop & Scale
scoopandscale.com
Dec 22, 2025 | Dr. Clair Thunes, Dr. Krishona Martinson, Equine Nutrition, Forage, Hay, Hay Nets, Hay Waste, Podcast, Round Bale Feeder0 CommentsComment on Facebook
We love seeing the American Association of Equine Practitioners drawing attention to the importance of trace minerals in the equine diet. As their post highlights, trace minerals play a vital role in overall health, performance, and long-term soundness.
What’s important to understand, though, is how those needs are best met.
When a horse’s forage is properly evaluated and the diet is correctly balanced with a fortified feed or a well-formulated ration balancer, additional trace mineral supplementation is typically unnecessary.
Many standalone trace mineral supplements, even those produced by reputable companies, simply don’t provide meaningful levels of fortification. The same applies to mineral blocks. These products only work if consumed in sufficient quantities every single day, which rarely happens. And even when a horse consumes enough to meet daily sodium needs, the concentration of trace minerals is often so low that they contribute little to overall requirements.
This is why diet evaluation matters. Trace mineral adequacy isn’t about adding more products, it’s about ensuring the base diet is correctly balanced.
If you’d like help evaluating your horse’s forage and feeding program, consultations can be scheduled through our website.
#equinenutrition #equinenutritionistphd #horsefeed #horsecare #horsemanagement
www.facebook.com/share/p/1DCz925XMS/ ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Hay waste adds up fast… and this question sparks a lot of discussion 👀
Jump over to the Scoop and Scale podcast page to vote in their pop quiz about hay waste and definitely catch next week’s episode with Dr. Krishona Martinson who did the research hay waste.
www.facebook.com/share/p/1DgcPEgbKx/⭐️ POP QUIZ: Hay Waste & Round Bale Feeders ⭐️
Based on published research, what percentage of hay do you think is wasted when horses are fed round bales with NO feeder?
👇 Cast your vote in the poll below 👇
(No Googling… we’ll talk about the answer soon 😉)
Hay waste is one of the biggest costs in horse ownership, especially during times when hay prices are high. Research has shown that feeder design (or lack of one) has a huge impact on how much hay actually ends up in your horse versus in the mud, manure, or bedding.
💡 Join us next week on the Scoop and Scale podcast when the author of this study, Dr. Krishona Martinson (University of Minnesota), joins us to break it down.
This is one of those topics where the data might surprise you. 🤯
📊 Vote now and then tune in next week to see how close you were.
A. 10–20%
B. 25–35%
C. 40–50%
D. Over 50%
#haywaste #roundbalefeeder #equinenutrition #horsemangement #barnmanagement #horseowners #equinepodcast ... See MoreSee Less
9 CommentsComment on Facebook
🆕New Podcast Episode
Excited to share our latest episode of Scoop and Scale. Fat is one of the most misunderstood areas of equine nutrition, and this conversation breaks down the science in a way horse owners can actually apply. If you’ve ever wondered which fat source is best and why, this is a great place to start.
Listen here 👉https://podcasts.apple.com/kh/podcast/ep-64-feeding-fat-to-horses-different-types-and-what-to-know/id1722362615?i=1000740217653
#EquineNutrition #equinepodcast #fatsupplements #Omega3 #omega6 #flaxseed #chiaseeds #ricebran
www.facebook.com/share/p/17aAf7ZsDS/🎙️New Episode Just Dropped
Ep. 64: Feeding Fat to Horses: Different Types and What to Know
Fat is one of the most misunderstood parts of a horse’s diet, yet it can be a powerful tool for weight gain, health, and performance. In this episode, we break down the most common fat sources for horses, how they differ, and when you should (or shouldn’t) use them. From rice bran and flax to oils, seeds, and supplements, we cut through the confusion so you can make informed feeding decisions.
You’ll learn:
-The fundamental differences between different kinds of fat
-How omega-3 and omega-6 fats impact health and inflammation
-Which fat sources offer the best balance
-Pros and cons of rice bran, flax, chia, canola, coconut, hemp, and more
-Why some horses benefit from EPA/DHA sources like fish oil
-How to choose the right fat based on your horse’s needs
A clear, practical guide to feeding fat the right way. Let’s dive in!
👉Listen here podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-64-feeding-fat-to-horses-different-types-and-what-to-know/id1722...
#equinepodcast #EquineNutrition #Omega3 #omega6 #ricebran #flaxseed #chiaseeds #cornoil #drclairthunes ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentsComment on Facebook
It's Giving Tuesday. What are you favorite equine non-profit organizations? Ours include Brooke USA, The United States Pony Clubs Inc., (USPC) Official Page, and Colorado Horse Rescue Network. Tag yours in the comments. ... See MoreSee Less
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Send a message to learn more0 CommentsComment on Facebook
An excellent summary of what we can expect this next week from the EHV-1 outbreak. If we can stay the course this can be over quickly. ... See MoreSee Less
2 CommentsComment on Facebook