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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The Equine Disease Communication Center is monitoring an outbreak of EHM that originated at the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) World Finals and Elite Barrel Race event Nov 5-9. To dat...
In light of the current EHV-1/EHM outbreak I wanted to share this excellent post from my friend Ali who knows better than many the realities of dealing with this disease. A little known fact about me is that I used to work in epidemiology specifically modelling infectious animal diseases. Good biosecurity protocols are crucial not just during an outbreak but all the time because horses are often contagious before they are diagnosed. What biosecurity measures are you practicing both in your barn and when on the road? ~ Dr Clair ... See MoreSee Less
Excellent information summarizing the research on hand versus power dental floats from Dartmouth's personal dental professional.Hand Files vs. Power Tools for Equine Dentistry — What Research Says
This is one of those topics that divides horse people, but the science behind it is actually pretty straightforward. Both methods can be safe and effective — it all comes down to training and technique, not the tool itself.
Below is a summary of what veterinary research, dental associations, and equine hospitals say, with sources you can cite.
✅ Power Dentistry (Motorized Tools)
What the research says:
1. Power tools allow more precision and less fatigue.
According to the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), motorized dental equipment gives veterinarians greater control, improved visibility, and a smoother finish — especially when correcting major issues. Source: AAEP Dental Care Guidelines, 2019 aaep.org/sites/default/files/Guidelines/DentalGuidelines.pdf
2. The risk of soft-tissue injury is lower with proper training.
Equine Veterinary Education (EVE) published studies showing that power tools do not burn or damage teeth or soft tissue when used correctly, and the risk of cutting the tongue/cheeks is actually higher with sharp hand rasps. Source: Easley et al., EVE, 2005; 2008.
3. Heat damage is not an issue when used properly.
Studies show that tooth temperature remains in the safe range as long as the operator uses short passes and proper water cooling. Source: Dixon & Dacre, Equine Dental Pathology, 2005 (Wiley-Blackwell).
4. More accurate correction of sharp points, hooks, and wave mouth.
Colorado State University’s Equine Dentistry Program states that motorized tools allow more even balancing and better molar arcades. Source: CSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital – Equine Dentistry.
✅ Hand Floating (Manual Files/Rasps)
What the research says:
1. Lower learning curve for minor work.
Hand tools can be effective for routine smoothing of sharp points and mild dental maintenance. Source: Ramey, Equine Dentistry: A Practical Guide, 2004.
2. Higher risk of soft-tissue cuts in the wrong hands.
The AAEP warns that unguarded rasps can easily cut cheeks, gums, or the tongue if the horse moves suddenly. Source: AAEP Dental Care Guidelines, 2019.
3. Limited ability to correct significant dental problems.
Manual tools cannot correct severe hooks, tall ramps, wave mouth, shear mouth, or caudal hooks with the same precision. Source: Dixon & Dacre, Equine Dental Pathology, 2005.
4. Fatigue reduces accuracy.
Research shows that hand rasping leads to operator fatigue, which increases the chance of uneven reduction and accidental abrasion of soft tissue. Source: Equine Veterinary Journal (EVJ), 1999; 2003.
So which is better?
According to the AAEP and veterinary dental specialists:
“The safety and effectiveness of equine dental procedures depend more on the training, skill, and experience of the practitioner than on the type of instrument used.” — AAEP Dental Guidelines (2019)
Both methods work — but power tools give better accuracy, are safer for soft tissue, and reduce operator fatigue when used by a trained veterinarian. ... See MoreSee Less
I love helping horse owners make confident, informed feeding decisions and this week’s Scoop and Scale episode does exactly that.
In Ep. 62: Rooted in Science: Feeding Beet Pulp to Horses, we break down one of the most debated feeds in the horse world. Is beet pulp a super feed or a risky choice? Tune in to get the facts, understand the science, and learn how it can (or can’t) fit into your horse’s diet.
Beet pulp, is it a super feed or a risky choice? Used in rations for decades, beet pulp has recently become controversial and a polarizing topic in the horse world. We break down what beet pulp really...
Is your barn ready for the chill? ❄️ From frozen buckets and feeding adjustments to hoof care and blanketing decisions, a little preparation now means a healthier, happier horse all winter long.
Here is a round up of Scoop and Scale episodes to help you tackle winter horse care with confidence, covering everything from nutrition and hydration to respiratory health and blanketing science. 🎧🐴
👉 Check them out, get your barn winter-ready, and share with your horse friends so they can prepare too!
Forecasts show below-normal temperatures across much of the Midwest and East Coast from Sunday into Monday, the perfect reminder to make sure your barn and horses are winter-ready.
Winter brings unique challenges for horse owners, from frozen water buckets and feeding adjustments to hoof care and blanketing decisions. If you’re not already adding 2 tablespoons of plain salt 🧂 daily, now’s the time to start! It’s one of the simplest and most effective ways to support hydration and encourage water intake during cold weather.
To help you prepare, we’ve rounded up five must-listen episodes each packed with insights and practical strategies for winter horse management.
🎧 Listen and get ready for winter: • 𝐄𝐩. 𝟔: 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐲𝐭𝐞𝐬, 𝐇𝐲𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐲 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐭 👉 tinyurl.com/ScoopandScaleEp6
A quick PSA addressing feeding high levels of lysine as a precaution to EHV1. ... See MoreSee Less
3 CommentsComment on Facebook
This will be a great resource of factual information as the EHV outbreak evolves. ... See MoreSee Less
EHM Outbreak Counts | Equine Disease Communication Center
equinediseasecc.org
The Equine Disease Communication Center is monitoring an outbreak of EHM that originated at the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) World Finals and Elite Barrel Race event Nov 5-9. To dat...0 CommentsComment on Facebook
In light of the current EHV-1/EHM outbreak I wanted to share this excellent post from my friend Ali who knows better than many the realities of dealing with this disease. A little known fact about me is that I used to work in epidemiology specifically modelling infectious animal diseases. Good biosecurity protocols are crucial not just during an outbreak but all the time because horses are often contagious before they are diagnosed. What biosecurity measures are you practicing both in your barn and when on the road? ~ Dr Clair ... See MoreSee Less
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Send a message to learn more1 CommentsComment on Facebook
Excellent information summarizing the research on hand versus power dental floats from Dartmouth's personal dental professional.Hand Files vs. Power Tools for Equine Dentistry — What Research Says
This is one of those topics that divides horse people, but the science behind it is actually pretty straightforward. Both methods can be safe and effective — it all comes down to training and technique, not the tool itself.
Below is a summary of what veterinary research, dental associations, and equine hospitals say, with sources you can cite.
✅ Power Dentistry (Motorized Tools)
What the research says:
1. Power tools allow more precision and less fatigue.
According to the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), motorized dental equipment gives veterinarians greater control, improved visibility, and a smoother finish — especially when correcting major issues.
Source: AAEP Dental Care Guidelines, 2019
aaep.org/sites/default/files/Guidelines/DentalGuidelines.pdf
2. The risk of soft-tissue injury is lower with proper training.
Equine Veterinary Education (EVE) published studies showing that power tools do not burn or damage teeth or soft tissue when used correctly, and the risk of cutting the tongue/cheeks is actually higher with sharp hand rasps.
Source: Easley et al., EVE, 2005; 2008.
3. Heat damage is not an issue when used properly.
Studies show that tooth temperature remains in the safe range as long as the operator uses short passes and proper water cooling.
Source: Dixon & Dacre, Equine Dental Pathology, 2005 (Wiley-Blackwell).
4. More accurate correction of sharp points, hooks, and wave mouth.
Colorado State University’s Equine Dentistry Program states that motorized tools allow more even balancing and better molar arcades.
Source: CSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital – Equine Dentistry.
✅ Hand Floating (Manual Files/Rasps)
What the research says:
1. Lower learning curve for minor work.
Hand tools can be effective for routine smoothing of sharp points and mild dental maintenance.
Source: Ramey, Equine Dentistry: A Practical Guide, 2004.
2. Higher risk of soft-tissue cuts in the wrong hands.
The AAEP warns that unguarded rasps can easily cut cheeks, gums, or the tongue if the horse moves suddenly.
Source: AAEP Dental Care Guidelines, 2019.
3. Limited ability to correct significant dental problems.
Manual tools cannot correct severe hooks, tall ramps, wave mouth, shear mouth, or caudal hooks with the same precision.
Source: Dixon & Dacre, Equine Dental Pathology, 2005.
4. Fatigue reduces accuracy.
Research shows that hand rasping leads to operator fatigue, which increases the chance of uneven reduction and accidental abrasion of soft tissue.
Source: Equine Veterinary Journal (EVJ), 1999; 2003.
So which is better?
According to the AAEP and veterinary dental specialists:
“The safety and effectiveness of equine dental procedures depend more on the training, skill, and experience of the practitioner than on the type of instrument used.”
— AAEP Dental Guidelines (2019)
Both methods work — but power tools give better accuracy, are safer for soft tissue, and reduce operator fatigue when used by a trained veterinarian. ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
🎙️ New Episode Alert!
I love helping horse owners make confident, informed feeding decisions and this week’s Scoop and Scale episode does exactly that.
In Ep. 62: Rooted in Science: Feeding Beet Pulp to Horses, we break down one of the most debated feeds in the horse world. Is beet pulp a super feed or a risky choice? Tune in to get the facts, understand the science, and learn how it can (or can’t) fit into your horse’s diet.
𝑇𝑎𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑔𝑢𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘 𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑜f 𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑛𝑢𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 ~ 𝐷𝑟. 𝐶𝑙𝑎𝑖𝑟
#EquineNutrition #HorseFeed #beetpulp #equinenutritionistphd
www.facebook.com/share/p/1FmkzH3atm/ ... See MoreSee Less
Ep. 62: Rooted in Science: Feeding Beet Pulp to Horses - Scoop & Scale
scoopandscale.com
Beet pulp, is it a super feed or a risky choice? Used in rations for decades, beet pulp has recently become controversial and a polarizing topic in the horse world. We break down what beet pulp really...1 CommentsComment on Facebook
🌬️ Cold weather is on the way!
Is your barn ready for the chill? ❄️ From frozen buckets and feeding adjustments to hoof care and blanketing decisions, a little preparation now means a healthier, happier horse all winter long.
Here is a round up of Scoop and Scale episodes to help you tackle winter horse care with confidence, covering everything from nutrition and hydration to respiratory health and blanketing science. 🎧🐴
👉 Check them out, get your barn winter-ready, and share with your horse friends so they can prepare too!
#EquineNutrition #horsecare #winterhorses #equinepodcast #ColdWeatherCare #horsefeed
www.facebook.com/share/p/1BpVDP8zaM/🌬️ Cold weather is coming!
Forecasts show below-normal temperatures across much of the Midwest and East Coast from Sunday into Monday, the perfect reminder to make sure your barn and horses are winter-ready.
Winter brings unique challenges for horse owners, from frozen water buckets and feeding adjustments to hoof care and blanketing decisions. If you’re not already adding 2 tablespoons of plain salt 🧂 daily, now’s the time to start! It’s one of the simplest and most effective ways to support hydration and encourage water intake during cold weather.
To help you prepare, we’ve rounded up five must-listen episodes each packed with insights and practical strategies for winter horse management.
🎧 Listen and get ready for winter:
• 𝐄𝐩. 𝟔: 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐲𝐭𝐞𝐬, 𝐇𝐲𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐲 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐭
👉 tinyurl.com/ScoopandScaleEp6
• 𝐄𝐩. 𝟏𝟐: 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬 f𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡
👉 tinyurl.com/ScoopandScaleEp12
• 𝐄𝐩. 𝟒𝟎: 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐝: 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞 F𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 f𝐨𝐫 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫
👉 tinyurl.com/ScoopandScaleEp40
• 𝐄𝐩. 𝟒𝟏: 𝐇𝐨𝐨f 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡: 𝐍𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬
👉 tinyurl.com/ScoopandScaleEp41
• 𝐄𝐩. 𝟔𝟏: 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐃𝐨 𝐈𝐭? 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐲𝐬
👉 tinyurl.com/ScoopandScaleEp61
❄️ 🐴Stay ahead of the chill. A little preparation (and a pinch more salt!) means a healthier, happier horse all winter long.
If you found this helpful, please share it with your horse friends to help them get winter-ready too.
#equinenutrition #HorseCare #horsehealth #winterhorse #equinepodcast #horsemanagement #HydrationMatters ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentsComment on Facebook