Did Horses Evolve to Eat Poor Quality Forage?

It’s a common claim in the horse world — but is it actually true?

In this episode, we take a closer look at what equine digestive anatomy tells us about forage, fiber, and evolution. We’ll challenge some oversimplified internet narratives and talk about what “poor” and “rich” forage really mean.

This podcast is hosted by certified and independent equine nutrition advisor Annie Emery, from the USA. This is free from commercial sales of feeds and supplements.

Copyright Revolution Equine Nutrition, LLC

This is the work of the author and may not be used in any other format
Use all info at your own risk
https://revolutionequinenutrition.org/

Copyright Revolution Equine Nutrition, LLC

This is the work of the author and may not be used in any other format
Use all info at your own risk
https://revolutionequinenutrition.org/

Let's keep the conversation going! Annie and Jane discuss more about biomechanics and nutrition....this is part two of a three-part series. While nutrition will always be the foundation of this podcast, this series zooms out to look at how movement, training, and feeding work together.

Biomechanics is a buzzword right now, but it’s not new. As a dressage rider, I’ve seen how powerful things can be when nutrition and biomechanics support each other instead of living in silos.

I’m joined by Jane Braddock, my longtime trainer, for a thoughtful conversation about building the right team around the horse and supporting both the physical and mental side of performance.

Bios:

Jane has spent over 45 years riding, over 25 years teaching, and over 15 years improving her rider biomechanics coaching. Jane is certified through the USEA, a USDF Bronze medalist, and completed RWYM Teacher Training. Her unique professional background started with an engineering degree, and morphed into leading business workshops with participant-centered training techniques, all while pursuing her equestrian passions on the side. Her years of competing and training in dressage and eventing, combined with an engineer's understanding of forces and mechanics, give her a unique approach to integrating rider and equine biomechanics. In 2006, Jane founded “Focused Riding” as her professional equestrian brand to better help riders no matter what their goals. She is based out of her 60 acre facility in Hager City, WI, just east of the MN border, between River Falls, WI and Red Wing, MN. https://www.focusedriding.com/

Annie owns Revolution Equine Nutrition

At Revolution Equine Nutrition, the focus is on empowering clients with clear, practical feeding strategies and ongoing support. Whether addressing a long-standing issue or optimizing overall wellness, Annie is dedicated to helping horse owners make informed, confident decisions about their horses' diets in a supportive and encouraging way. With experience across hundreds of cases—encompassing every metabolic, gastric, and muscle disorder imaginable—she is equipped to help you navigate the best nutrition program for your horse, tailored to your goals, budget, and preferences. https://revolutionequinenutrition.org/

Link to info mentioned in the episode https://mary-wanless.com/

Copyright Revolution Equine Nutrition, LLC

This is the work of the author and may not be used in any other format
Use all info at your own risk
https://revolutionequinenutrition.org/

Wheat middlings appear on many feed tags—and they often trigger strong reactions. In this episode of The Scoop: Equine Nutrition Podcast, Annie Emery takes a thoughtful, science-based look at how wheat midds actually fit into horse diets.

Rather than focusing on ingredient fear or marketing claims, this episode explores how to evaluate wheat middlings in the context of the entire ration, how horses digest different types of ingredients, and why balance matters more than labels.

If you’ve ever questioned what wheat middlings really mean for your horse—or felt confused by conflicting advice—this episode offers clarity without hype.

Links

https://www.afia.org/news/afia-blog/there-s-nothing-mid-about-wheat-midds/

https://www.aafco.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2024_OP_Chapter_6_enc.pdf

https://ker.com/equinews/horse-feeds-understanding-product-ingredients/

https://www.smartpakequine.com/learn-health/minding-your-middlings

About the Host

Annie Emery, MS, CRC, CESMT, CENA, is an independent equine nutrition professional based in Minneapolis, MN.

Through virtual consultations, Annie has worked with hundreds of horses across the U.S. and Canada, helping owners improve health and performance through tailored, evidence-based nutrition plans. She works with all breeds and disciplines, with advanced training in diets for horses with muscle disorders, metabolic conditions, ulcers, hindgut issues, and complex medical cases.

Copyright Revolution Equine Nutrition, LLC

This is the work of the author and may not be used in any other format
Use all info at your own risk
https://revolutionequinenutrition.org/

On The Scoop Equine Nutrition Podcast, I’m kicking off a three-part series exploring the connection between nutrition and biomechanics. While nutrition will always be the foundation of this podcast, this series zooms out to look at how movement, training, and feeding work together.

Biomechanics is a buzzword right now, but it’s not new. As a dressage rider, I’ve seen how powerful things can be when nutrition and biomechanics support each other instead of living in silos.

I’m joined by Jane Braddock, my longtime trainer, for a thoughtful conversation about building the right team around the horse and supporting both the physical and mental side of performance.

This is Part One of a three-part series on how nutrition and biomechanics can work together to better support the horse.

Bios:

Jane has spent over 45 years riding, over 25 years teaching, and over 15 years improving her rider biomechanics coaching. Jane is certified through the USEA, a USDF Bronze medalist, and completed RWYM Teacher Training. Her unique professional background started with an engineering degree, and morphed into leading business workshops with participant-centered training techniques, all while pursuing her equestrian passions on the side. Her years of competing and training in dressage and eventing, combined with an engineer's understanding of forces and mechanics, give her a unique approach to integrating rider and equine biomechanics. In 2006, Jane founded “Focused Riding” as her professional equestrian brand to better help riders no matter what their goals. She is based out of her 60 acre facility in Hager City, WI, just east of the MN border, between River Falls, WI and Red Wing, MN. https://www.focusedriding.com/

Annie owns Revolution Equine Nutrition

At Revolution Equine Nutrition, the focus is on empowering clients with clear, practical feeding strategies and ongoing support. Whether addressing a long-standing issue or optimizing overall wellness, Annie is dedicated to helping horse owners make informed, confident decisions about their horses' diets in a supportive and encouraging way. With experience across hundreds of cases—encompassing every metabolic, gastric, and muscle disorder imaginable—she is equipped to help you navigate the best nutrition program for your horse, tailored to your goals, budget, and preferences. https://revolutionequinenutrition.org/

Copyright Revolution Equine Nutrition, LLC

This is the work of the author and may not be used in any other format
Use all info at your own risk
https://revolutionequinenutrition.org/

In this episode of The Scoop Equine Nutrition Podcast, Annie Emery discusses a common trap many thoughtful horse owners fall into.

Revolution Equine Nutrition is based in the United States and designs NRC-based, independent equine nutrition programs for horses across the U.S. and Canada, with focused expertise in advanced diets for muscle myopathies, metabolic disease (PPID, IR, EMS), kidney disease, gastric ulcers, and fecal water.

Whether your horse needs simple nutritional clarity or a full strategic rebuild, you’ll find evidence-based guidance grounded in real-world application.

Please note: This is original, independent work developed by Annie Emery of Revolution Equine Nutrition. If it sounds different, that’s because it is. Please don’t copy, scrape, or repurpose—especially for AI training. Use all info at your own risk.

Copyright Revolution Equine Nutrition, LLC

This is the work of the author and may not be used in any other format
Use all info at your own risk
https://revolutionequinenutrition.org/

How much hay does your horse ***really** need to stay warm?
What exactly is the LCT—and why does it matter?
And what should you watch out for when the temperature drops?

In this episode, Annie breaks down the science and the nuance behind winter hay needs, offering a fresh and practical perspective on the classic advice: “It’s cold—just give more hay.”

Short, clear, and easy to apply, this episode helps you make smart decisions without the guesswork.

Copyright Revolution Equine Nutrition, LLC

This is the work of the author and may not be used in any other format
Use all info at your own risk
https://revolutionequinenutrition.org/

In Episode 35 of The Scoop Equine Nutrition Podcast, we take a clear look at salt—a nutrient that’s often misunderstood in the equine world. Winter conversations tend to center around using salt to encourage drinking, but sodium and chloride play far bigger roles in overall health and daily body function. This episode breaks down why salt is needed year-round, what it actually does inside the horse, and how common practices and assumptions can miss the mark. Join Annie for a practical, evidence-based discussion that will help you understand salt requirements, choose appropriate sources, and avoid the most frequent mistakes owners make when managing this essential nutrient. This is the original work of the author and can not be used in any capacity without written permission.

Copyright Revolution Equine Nutrition, LLC

This is the work of the author and may not be used in any other format
Use all info at your own risk
https://revolutionequinenutrition.org/