Ep. 157 | DOES CARBOHYDRATE LOADING WORK FOR PERFORMANCE HORSES? - The Starch Myth

🎧 Tune in for a heartwarming episode of small ponies making a BIG difference!Bryan and Ongelique chat with Lisa, the founder of Ponies of the Forest, about her incredible miniature pony visitation program bringing joy, companionship and connection to people in aged care, hospitals and palliative care.We explore the special bond between humans and horses, what goes into caring for a working miniature pony herd, and why good nutrition is just as important for a 7-hand pony as it is for an elite performance horse.Ponies Of The ForestWebsite Link: https://www.poniesoftheforest.com.auInstagram Link: https://www.instagram.com/poniesoftheforest/

In this episode: Bryan and Onge interview The 2026 ENSW Dressage Young Rider Of The Year - Tia Rose McKenzie and dive into her journey, achievements and the mindset behind her success!Tia shares how she handles pressure, setbacks, competition and the expectations that come with chasing big goals at a young age. Tia reveals how she feeds her dressage horses to build muscle and condition without sacrificing a cool, calm mind.An inspiring conversation for young riders, parents and anyone passionate about equestrian sport.Instagram : Tia Rose McKenzie

Winter can place extra demands on your horse’s digestive system, energy levels, hydration and immune health.In this episode, Bryan and Peter discuss 5 essential feeding and management tips to help your horse thrive throughout the colder months. They explain exactly whet is your horse’s internal heater? How to maintain healthy body condition, why winter hydration is often overlooked, and how sunlight, movement and a balanced diet support immunity and performance.Whether your horse is an easy keeper, a hard keeper, retired or in full work, this episode provides practical advice to keep them healthy, comfortable and performing at their best all winter.

The 2026 Tom Quilty Gold Cup 160km Event was held at Stirling's Crossing Endurance Club in Imbil, QLD, Australia. In this episode, Bryan chats to Amy Everett to unpack her remarkable debut victory aboard Box Hill Nifty in the event's historic 60th anniversary!Hear the full story behind this unexpected victory, her preparation and mindset to take on Australia's most prestigious endurance ride.If you're passionate about endurance horses, elite performance, and the stories behind the biggest victories, this episode is for you.Video - Post Race Interview With Amy EverettPhotos - Congratulations Amy Everett

What role can horses play in healing and helping rebuild lives?In this episode, Bryan chats with Rebecca Kennedy from the RSL LifeCare Spur Equine Program to discuss how horses are helping veterans and their families reconnect, build confidence, and improve their mental wellbeing. Rebecca shares the inspiring story behind the program, the unique bond between horses and people, and the remarkable transformations she's witnessed firsthand. It's an insightful conversation about resilience, purpose, and the powerful impact horses can have beyond the saddle.The Spur Ranch Equine Program Youtube Video Program Info: https://rsllifecare.org.au/veteran-services/spur

In this episode, Bryan & Peter take on a big question - does carbohydrate loading actually work in performance horses, or is it a myth borrowed from human sport?They break down how horses digest starch, what volume is the limit in the small intestine, and what really happens when you try to “load up” on grain before work. If your horse feels flat one day and explosive the next, this episode explains why and how to fix it by feeding in line with physiology.

In this episode of the CEN Nutrition Podcast, Bryan interviews Alistair McLean and Rikke Andreasen from McLean Sport Horses about their approach to developing confident, trainable young horses. Drawing on equine behavioural science, they explain how understanding a horse’s natural flight instincts and building simple foundational training can shape a horse’s temperament and long-term performance.They also discuss their unique training system for starting young horses, along with the critical role nutrition plays in behavior, condition, and trainability. The episode highlights how correct training, welfare, and a low-starch, hindgut-friendly feeding program combine to produce calm, resilient horses ready for performance.Maclean Sport Horses Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mcleansporthorsesLink:Dr Andrew McLean Interview Podcast

In this episode of the CEN Horse Podcast, Bryan sits down with valued CEN client Jessica Tzaferis, newly crowned 2026 TAS & SA Racing Woman of the Year, following the awards held on the Gold Coast.In this interview with Jockey/Trainer Jess Tzaferis, we dive into her 16-year career spanning almost every hands-on role in racing. She reflects on the importance of her support team, the realities of day-to-day racing operations, and why consistency, horse welfare, and patience remain non-negotiables in high-performance programs.Links:Tzaferis Racing

In this episode, Peter and Bryan break down the false economy of budget feeds for horses. We dive into real equine physiology, why volume matters, and why feeding less of the right feed always outperforms feeding more of the wrong one.

Bryan and Peter uncover the latest research showing that foal gut health in the first 28 days can predict a horse’s future performance & health. They break down the groundbreaking foal microbiome study and explain why early gut development is now considered one of the strongest indicators of future athletic potential in racehorses. Bryan and Peter outline what performance horse breeders, trainers, and horse owners can do to optimise foal gut health.Article Summary: https://cennutrition.com.au/foal-gut-health-can-predict-racehorse-performance/Journal Article: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-64657-6#citeas