What Most Riders Miss About Horse Nutrition and Conditioning with Bethany Wiley

You ever had one of those days where you go out to feed your horse…
and suddenly you’re knee-deep in mud, covered head to toe, trying to figure out how you’re even going to get your clothes clean before you walk back inside?

Yeah. That’s horse life.

And that’s exactly why I wanted to bring today’s guest on the podcast.

Because while most people talk about the ride…
this episode is about everything that makes the ride possible.

Today, I’m sitting down with Bethany Wiley from Little Red and Her Horses, and she gives a real, honest look at what it actually takes to manage horses well—from feeding programs and forage testing to conditioning, groundwork, and the day-to-day responsibility that comes with owning and caring for them.

And here’s the part I really want you to hear:

Some of the biggest things affecting your horse’s performance…
have nothing to do with what you’re doing in the saddle.

🎧 Click here to listen to the latest episode now

In this conversation, Bethany shares:

• What finally clicked when she couldn’t get weight and muscle on her young horse—despite feeding what she thought was “enough”

• Why testing her hay (not guessing) completely changed how her horses look, feel, and perform

• How low-quality forage can quietly affect energy, topline, and overall health

• Why she moved away from randomly adding supplements and what she started focusing on instead

• The real signs your horse might not be thriving (even if they aren’t “skinny” or obviously struggling)

• What improved hoof quality, coat, and attitude told her about what was missing nutritionally

• Why some horses can stay forage-only… and why performance and growing horses often can’t

• The mistake she made early on with conditioning—and how it impacted one of her horses long-term

• How she now structures her program (balancing medium day, hard day, light day, and recovery) to support soundness and longevity

• The overlooked role of groundwork and small, consistent steps in building trust and confidence

• What it actually looks like to rebuild confidence after a scary moment with a young horse

This episode is such a good reminder that…

Your horse doesn’t just need rides.
They need support.

They need fuel.
They need conditioning.
They need consistency.

And sometimes, when something feels off—
it’s not a training issue…

…it’s something deeper that’s been getting overlooked.

🎧 Click here to listen to the latest episode now

Ride on,
Nicole