27. Horse Nutrition Q&A: Ryegrass Staggers, Mycotoxins, Grain Processing & Faecal pH

Dr. Nerida and Orla are back with another Q&A episode that tackles everything from freaky behaviour on ryegrass and mycotoxin binders to a virtually unknown reason your horse might be completely off its feed, plus, how to tell if your grain is safe to feed.

What You’ll Learn:
• The early signs of ryegrass staggers (and why some horses go totally “goblin mode” 👻)
• Which pasture mycotoxins are most dangerous and how to manage them
• Why mycotoxin binders don’t work the same for all toxins—and when they do work brilliantly
• The truth about cooking grains: does heat destroy nutrients or improve digestibility?
• How to test if your horse’s grain is properly processed (and why faecal pH is your new secret weapon)
• Real-world case studies from broodmares to racehorses, including why fescue can delay foaling
• The surprising fact that some horses seem more resistant to pasture toxicity than others

Dr. Nerida and Orla also cover how starch is packaged up like “golf balls” in raw grain and how heat + moisture busts those open for efficient digestion.

Plus, you’ll learn how the MyHappy.Horse app can help you track your horse’s gut health using real data like faecal pH; practical, evidence-based tools every horse owner should be using.

🎙️ Whether you're managing a quirky pony or fine-tuning a racehorse’s diet, this episode will help you decode behaviour, evaluate risk, and feed with clarity and confidence.

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Discover and download the MyHappy.Horse app: https://apps.apple.com/app/myhappy-horse/id6633422324

And ask your nutrition questions 24/7 with Dr Nerida AI: https://www.myhappy.horse/nerida-ai

Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a review—it helps more horses get fed right. ❤️