Emily Smith

Emily Smith, MS

Equine Nutritionist

Platinum Performance®

Emily Smith, MS, is a lifelong equestrian and competitive hunter rider. A passionate equine nutritionist, Emily is a graduate of Texas A&M University and holds a master's degree in equine nutrition from New Mexico State University, where she was a collegiate equestrian team coach. She is regarded as an inspiring educator, with deep knowledge of equine nutrition and a keen ability to bring clarity and simplicity to challenging cases. Emily has authored numerous articles on a wide range of equine health and nutrition topics and supports both veterinarians and riders with her expertise.

Articles by Emily Smith

An Equine Guide to Poisonous Plants

Oct 5, 2026

Identify common poisonous plants, trees and shrubs for horses, learn possible warning signs, and reduce exposure through pasture and hay management.

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Equine Dentition | Dentistry in Horses

Jul 1, 2026

Dental health is a key component of overall equine well-being and performance. Learn about the anatomy, function and common dental problems in horses.

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Equine Blood Work

Apr 6, 2026

Blood testing and analysis are useful for the diagnosis of disease, pre- and post-surgical monitoring, routine health checkups and monitoring treatment. Learn more.

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Equine Cushing’s Disease

Dec 4, 2025

How the critical influence of nutrition can support a chronic endocrine disorder that affects one-third of horses over 15 years of age.

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HYPP in Horses

Sep 15, 2025

The causes, symptoms and management of a profound muscle disorder.

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Summertime Safety: Horse Care in the Heat

Jun 13, 2025

Learn the signs of heat stress, how to cool a hot horse and ensure proper hydration to enjoy a worry-free summer. An equine nutritionist provides tips.

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Wild Card: Lyme Disease in Horses

Jun 13, 2025

Early diagnosis and treatment are the keys to preventing serious illness in horses from this tick-borne disease. Find out about early symptoms and treatment.

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Preparing for Allergy Season

Apr 4, 2025

Targeted supplementation can significantly impact the equine allergic response.

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Trinity: Wellness, Digestive & Joint Care

Apr 4, 2025

Research shows a novel combination of turmeric, tamarind, Omega-3s and other nutritional ingredients can support a horse’s joint and GI health.

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Equine Lameness Exams for the Layman

Jan 8, 2025

See how a step-by-step guide through an equine lameness exam and a veterinarian’s explanation of different treatment options can help return a horse to health.

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Feeding the Recipient Mare

Jan 8, 2025

Focus on the recipient mare to maximize a foal’s genetic potential.

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The Power of Protein in Horses

Oct 15, 2024

Critical to building body and muscle strength, protein also supports a horse’s immune system and hoof growth. Learn how much high-quality protein horses need.

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Too Hot to Handle: Mares in Heat

Jul 26, 2024

Mares have heart, are special and have hormone-related opinions at times.

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Moon Blindness in Horses: Equine Recurrent Uveitis

Apr 10, 2024

How this far-reaching and historically problematic condition affects horses.

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Senior Horses: Feeding to Support Longevity

Apr 10, 2024

A look at the special considerations of how to feed an older equine athlete.

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Feeding a Horse With a Metabolic Issue

Dec 4, 2023

Nutrition is key in supporting metabolic horses and can have a profound impact.

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Winter Care for Horses

Dec 4, 2023

How to avoid cold-weather pitfalls and some helpful caregiver intervention for a happy winter.

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Captain America: Olympian McLain Ward

Oct 4, 2023

Leading U.S. Show Jumping for decades, he is the embodiment of hard work paying off.

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How to Feed Your Pony for Optimal Health

Oct 4, 2023

Ponies require a different feed management program, not just a scaled-down ration.

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Avoiding Gas Colic: Management Strategies to Deal With Gas Issues

Apr 1, 2023

Excessive amounts of gas or if it's unable to pass, distention, bloating and pain occur.

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Equine Sarcoids: Causes & Management

Apr 1, 2023

A look at the potential cause, transmission and treatment considerations of this condition.

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Inflammation Implications

Oct 22, 2022

Chronic inflammation can contribute to various disease states; however, diet can help.

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Fueling the Endurance Horse to Go the Distance

Jun 13, 2022

Endurance is one of the most demanding disciplines with some nutritional nuances.

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Liz Halliday-Sharp’s Need for Speed

Jun 13, 2022

She doubled as a pro racecar driver and an international CCI5* 3-day eventer for years.

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Meet Elite Endurance Rider Holly Corcoran

Jun 13, 2022

One of America’s best, she was the No. 1-ranked FEI endurance rider worldwide in 2020.

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Equine Wellness Exams: The Pay Off of Prevention

Apr 5, 2022

Annual equine wellness exams find issues before they become major health concerns.

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Operation Legacy: Breeding Season Support

Apr 5, 2022

Management and dietary considerations throughout all stages of reproduction.

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Equestrian Olympic Dreams

Dec 15, 2021

Platinum Athletes Add to Medal Count for Team USA in Tokyo.

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Let’s Just Calm Down

Dec 15, 2021

Ingredients to Support Quiet Behavior During Stressful Events.

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The Often Misunderstood Trace Mineral Iron and Its Role in the Equine Diet

Dec 15, 2021

Setting The Record Straight: Iron Overload is More Likely an Issue Than a Deficiency.

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At Your Service: Seizure Service Dogs Impact Owners’ Lives

Jul 26, 2021

Seizure response and seizure alert dogs are uniquely capable of assisting and supporting people with epilepsy

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Double Duty: Canine Service Champions

Jul 26, 2021

Theresa Musi-Brantly's decorated world champion disc dogs perform "life-changing" service destecting seizures

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Feeding Donkeys and Mules

Jul 26, 2021

Donkeys and mules are super efficient animals when it comes to feeding. Learn what to feed and what to avoid. An equine nutritionist provides recommendations.

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Headshaking in Horses: Putting the Pieces of the Puzzle in Place

Jul 26, 2021

A closer look at Trigeminal Mediated Headshaking, recent advancements and practical advice for management.

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Mighty Magnesium: Why Supplementation May Help

Jul 26, 2021

Critical for the normal functioning of the musculoskeletal system, nervous and endocrine systems and brain function.

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The ABCs of Horse Vitamins and Their Vital Role in Equine Health

Jul 26, 2021

Incredibly relevant to your horse’s health, potency of vitamins decreases with storage time of forage and feeds.

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Feeding Young Horses: How Platinum Helps Growing Horses

Apr 9, 2021

Providing daily support ensures the diet is balanced and dense with nutrients, including vitamins, minerals and more.

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Supporting The Equine Joint: What, Why, Who, When and How

Apr 9, 2021

Efforts to keep joints healthy, sound and functioning are at the forefront of the care and management of every horse.

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Tori Colvin: The Natural Hunter Jumper Rider

Apr 9, 2021

Talent, hard work and a positive attitude catapulted her into being a household name in the hunter jumper world.

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An Elite Group: The Dressage Foundation's Century Club

Jan 9, 2021

The Century Club recognizes dressage horse and rider pairs whose combined ages total 100 years or more.

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From the Ground Up: Supporting Healthy Hooves with Nutrition

Jan 9, 2021

Top dietary factors for strong, healthy equine feet, ingredients to help and top farriers weigh in on common issues.

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Mayday! Troubleshooting Common Hoof Issues

Jan 9, 2021

Top farriers weigh in on concerns affecting the equine foot.

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When Disaster Strikes: Managing Horses Amid Emergencies

Jan 9, 2021

When Mother Nature is at her worst, will you and your horses be prepared for an emergency evacuation?

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Cross-Pollination of the Arts

Sep 15, 2020

Dressage isn’t just for dressage horses. Elite trainers help other disciplines reach new levels

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LRK3DE: Eventing’s Elite Equine Showdown

Sep 15, 2020

Demanding test of physical stamina and mental acuity, Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event now has CCI5*-L status

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The Skinny on Weight Gain for Horses

Sep 15, 2020

Genetics play a large role in a horse's metabolic rate, but optimizing forage may also be significant. Learn about feeding hard keepers

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Flying High: Disc Dogs and Their Handlers at the Top of the Sport

Aug 11, 2020

Top Canine Disc handlers share a love for the sport and the incredibly athletic dogs that make it all possible.

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Lionheart: The Path to Lauren Kieffer Eventing’s Success

Aug 11, 2020

A closer look at Lauren Nicholson’s journey from being a horse-obsessed child to the top American eventer.

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Big, Little Fats: Omega-3s

Mar 24, 2020

The benefits of omega-3 essential fatty acids & your horse.

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For The Win: Behind the Scenes, Castle Hill Farm Groom Plays Key Role

Mar 24, 2020

Lee McKeever has played a pivotal role in every step of McLain Ward’s decorated professional career

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Hay is For Horses

Mar 24, 2020

A Look at the Differences in Long-Stem vs. Short-Stem Forage

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Long Live Seniors

Oct 24, 2019

M.Y., The Super Senior Horse; Joining Our Family, His Role & How We Feed Him

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Nourishing the Senior Horse as Digestive Processes Change

Oct 24, 2019

Dietary adjustments that maximize digestive efficiency and support fiber digestion will help a senior horse

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Managing Common Muscle Disorders in Horses

Jul 18, 2019

Management procedures and specific dietary interventions can help reduce the severity and the frequency of episodes

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summer-support

Jul 18, 2019

Seasonal Support to Keep Your Horse Healthy in the Heat & During Travel

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The Pursuit of Happiness: Rae-Dawn Arabians' Success

Jul 18, 2019

Captivated by the allure of the Arabian, Murray and Shirley Popplewell turn a hobby into an international business

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Don’t Sweat It

Jul 5, 2018

Understanding Electrolytes & Ensuring Proper Hydration

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Let Health Shine

Jul 5, 2018

Preparing Horses for Sales from the Inside Out

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Happy Feet: The Art of Nourishing the Equine Hoof

Apr 1, 2018

Nutrition can be the Difference Between having the Potential for a Hoof Problem and Actually Developing One

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Support For Sires: All Hail the King

Apr 1, 2018

Open Me A Corona's Tale of Racing Royalty & Reproductive Redemption with Therapeutic Nutrition

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A Companion with a Cause

A Celiac Disease Service Dog 'Heralds' Life Change for Veterinary Student; The Process of Finding and Training Him

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Carbohydrate Confusion & The Equine Diet

Carbohydrates are a horse’s best source for energy and here’s why: fiber is a carbohydrate.

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Colic in Horses: Top 10 Management Tips

Learn More About the Top Tips to Prevent Colic From Occurring.

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Feeding Frenzy: A Forage-First Approach

It's Time to Change Traditional Feeding; Forage as the Foundation, or Entirety, of the Diet is the Healthiest Choice

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Horses Prone to Colic

A Holistic Approach to Support Digestive Health.

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Nutritional Benefits of Flaxseed for Horses

Learn about the nutritional benefits of flaxseed for horses. An equine nutritionist answers questions on quality, omega-3 fatty acids and grinding your own flaxseed.

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Nutrition for Horses' Skin & Coat Health

Give Your Horse a Variety of Nutrients for a High-Gloss Coat.

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Probiotics & Functional Nutrition

Research is Pointing at Digestive Well-Being Having Far-Reaching Implications in Significant Areas of Health.

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Simple Feeding

Supplementing Forage-Based Equine Diets.

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The Power of Vitamin E

A Deep Dive into Antioxidants, Oxidative Stress, Vitamin E Diseases, Selenium and More.

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To Everything There is a Season

Weaning Season, What to Expect and How to Provide the Nutritional Support Your Mare and Foal Need

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Understanding a Hay Analysis: Getting to Know the Nutrients

There is value in knowing what you are feeding your horse, so you can better fill in any nutritional gaps

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