Testimonials

Previously I worked with our local feed representative for nutrition planning and advice. I also consulted a large name supplement company that completes online analysis and balancing with brand specific nutritionists. The recommendations varied widely, as did the rationale behind each ‘individualized feeding plan’ that was also not consistent with new research in the field for metabolic horses. We continued to battle high insulin and laminitic symptoms as a result over a number of months. I was soaking hay, removed all grain and fed a balanced pellet and insulin wise only. As we continued to battle high insulin requiring medication despite these changes, I challenged the impact of her diet and the NSC levels of the balancer pellet. I was repeatedly told it was ok as the ration balancer was being fed in a very small volume and would not have an impact on her insulin despite my research suggesting otherwise. Perhaps the feed rep was right and my senior mare was declining. I wasn’t convinced and after contacting a number of universities and doing independent research, I wanted to try further changes. I contacted Madeline Boast of Balanced Bay Equine Nutrition, who specializes in metabolic horses. Working with Balanced Bay has allowed a completely individualized and specialized feed program for my senior mare with cushings and insulin resistance. The knowledge required to understand how these horses metabolize their feed is very different than that of regular horses and required the knowledge of a nutritionist rather than a feed representative, and the use of some different feed products. This resulted in a feed plan that met my horses specific needs, rather than feed company products and availability. In turn, my mare has been able for the first time in nearly a year to manage her insulin levels without the use of medications for 4 months now. Her insulin is the lowest it has even been and is stable. I am now able to avoid the negative impact of a number of side effects of the medications she needed for her insulin dysregulation, which then required additional medications to manage side effects of the original medication, and addressed the problem as close to the root as possible. The medications were also only effective on a time limited basis, so while we continued to win small battles, we were quickly loosing the war. I've saved the significant financial cost of medications, feed a very limited diet with minimal additives, and have a horse that is thriving on much less. While many other free alternatives are available, each is meeting the interest of their company, not your horse.

My mare was given a PSSM1 diagnosis, and I was requiring a knowledgeable source to help me to find out what the best diet would be to keep my mare on track and as symptom free as possible. Prior to working with Madeline, I was using the supplements that I "thought" would be best for her. Having Madeline support me in this difficult transition with my mare's new PSSM1 diagnosis has meant the world to me. I have learned so much in the last few months and I am diligently following her recommendations to help keep my mare feeling her best. I would highly recommend having Madeline assist you with all of your horses’ nutritional needs! She is knowledgeable, understanding, and very efficient!

My mare came down with laminitis and was significantly overweight. She is no longer overweight and she almost grew out her laminitic hoof line without any further issues. In addition, my gelding has also been profiting and is moving better and also has lost weight. I just really love that Madeline isn't associated with a company and she so genuinely cares about your horses and you. She always tries to suggest things that are doable and is very honest about limitations and lack of research. I never feel she is just trying to push something onto you, without a very good reason. Definitely super proud that we got my mare from a body score of more than 8 down to between 5 and 6.

Madeline is extremely knowledgeable about equine nutrition and is able to explain everything in a very clear and organized way. She's also fantastic with the horses. You may think you're feeding correctly, but as I learned with Balanced Bay, there is actually quite a lot of areas where your feeding may be deficient! I'd highly recommend consulting with Balanced Bay to be sure. She also presents all the information she gathers into a very detailed paper that breaks down everything including cost differences. I can't recommend her highly enough. 🙂

My plan for my mare Roxy is to do some line classes and hopefully go to the royal in 2025, she is coming along well to be a dressage horse. I plan to take her and some young horse classes and hopefully move up the levels together! Overall, working with Madeline has been great to further understand the young horse's dietary needs and better meet the requirements for the best possible results. Madeline has been flexible and professional throughout this entire experience. The educational opportunities and reported diet management with the annual program has been great and I hope that others can enjoy her one-on-one consultations regarding their horses programming and well being. She does truly care about each client's success.

Just started working with Madeline and I am so impressed with her service. She puts the horses and clients needs first and her willingness to work with the products you are comfortable with, always ensuring the horses needs are being met, makes me so happy. No judgement, no pressure. Also understanding that a diet plan may need to be tweaked a few times as we work things out. Thanks for being so open and available!

Jack has never looked better in his life. He is shiny and he is fit and he has been so chill and calm at rodeos and at home, whether he is with his buddy or not. He is a totally different horse. Your program is more than physically changing him! The tweaks that you gave me made such a difference and I am so appreciative! Thank you!

Equine nutrition is complex, and each horse is unique which is why it's important to work with a professional to support you. Madeline was friendly and approachable, she was timely with her communication, consultations, and turnaround for reports. She provided so much detail and many recommendations. She ensured to congratulate me on the areas in which I was doing well with and so I was never made to feel like I was doing something wrong or didn't know what I was talking about. My favourite aspect of Balanced Bay is the different packages for different needs, including year-round nutrition support. Seasonal changes are tough on horses and their needs change from damp falls to dry summers so it’s helpful to have someone essentially on-call throughout the year for ongoing support and to address your concerns.

I found balanced bay when my horse was experiencing a laminitis episode. The guidance and knowledge Balanced Bay possess of metabolic horses was an asset to my mare’s health team. Madeline has very quick response times to answer any questions I have. The ongoing support in the Personal Nutritionist package has been extremely important for me to help manage my mare’s metabolic concerns.

I had a wonderfully informative and useful experience with Madeline / Balanced Bay. “Easy keepers” are not all easy to manage when it comes to nutrition. I am so thankful to Balanced Bay for helping me understand the dynamics of a healthy diet for my Norwegian Fjord and how to implement them! Madeline is always above and beyond if you have a question or need explanations. An excellent communicator is essential and that’s exactly what you get.

I highly recommend Madeline, she is very knowledgeable and offers practical suggestions for improving your horse's diet. She considers all factors surrounding the horse, management and finances. She has my horse on a sustainable plan and I am already seeing positive results. Every horse owner should be working with a nutritionist to make sure your horse is reaching their potential (and also make sure you're not wasting money on unnecessary things too)!

The best bang for my buck was getting an independent nutritionist out. Balanced Bay tested my hay and send me a comprehensive report comparing what I was currently feeding to what she recommended based on the forage my horse was getting. And Madeline breaks down the cost of everything. Highly recommend her!

My favourite part of Balanced Bay was the very detailed report that showed the current diet with all the deficiencies and then a clear dietary plan with easy action items. I would highly recommend Balanced Bay to others, Madeline is extremely knowledgeable about what she does and offers unbiased and scientific nutritional evaluation of your horse. She even makes sure her proposed diet plan and action items are easy to implement for the owner, which is really nice as it makes for a smooth transition to an optimal diet. She did a very thorough analysis of my horse and his lifestyle and the end result was a very simple adjustment of his diet!

In the fall I contacted Balanced Bay for my 23 year old Quarter horse in order to support his hoof health and maintain his weight over the winter. Madeline came out to the farm, took full measurements of him and then analyzed our current feeding practices. She worked with me in order to find a food that would balance his diet, something that I could easily access at my regular feed store, and something that he would eat. It is now spring and I am happy to report that he hasn't lost any weight this winter and his hoof health is improving.

I hired Madeline to give me a diet that works for two different horses. One that is overweight and the other that has hindgut ulcers and at an average weight. I got my hay tested and sent her what I was feeding both horses. She sent me a report that allows me to feed both boys what minerals they were missing and a diet that will allow the overweight horse to hopefully trim up. I would highly recommend reaching out to her. I am now also saving money on supplements that they did not need.

It definitely takes the guess work out of managing your herd. Having varying ages, breeds and body condition in my herd, the needs can vary drastically. Madeline will find a way to simplify what can feel daunting for someone caring for multiple horses with differing needs.

I like that Madeline comes to the farm and assesses all aspects of the horse's life. This includes what their feeding schedule is, what their daily routine is and their overall daily life. Madeline is open to working with a variety of health and nutrition issues. In order to work as a team it helps to have all your animals health issues accessible so you can better address your animals needs.

My favourite aspect of Balanced Bay is that Madeline was able to work with the products we already fed, and did not push other brands/products. She was very easy to talk to and ask questions, during the consultation I felt that nothing was overcomplicated and I could easily follow what was being discussed. You can really see the love of horses in Madeline. She wasn't there for business, but really to help the animal.

Prior to working with Balanced Bay I didn’t have anyone with nutrition knowledge in my circle. Now I feel as though I’m doing the best for my senior horse. You do better when you know better. Getting a balanced diet was so worth it!! I wish I would have done it years ago and been on a better track.

I love that Balanced Bay is not affiliated with any specific brands. I would highly recommend Madeline to any horse owner that is concerned about their horse's nutrition. Getting someone to evaluate all aspects of your horse's diet is invaluable.

Very informative and helpful. Madeline inspired us knowing that we can get our horses on the best diet for them. She took the time to break down our hay analysis and touch on questions that we always needed answers to. This service is an essential part of horse health and vitality!

I highly recommend it. The cost of an experienced equine nutritionist will save you more money in the long run on feed and vet bills. Madeline has been so easy to work with, responsive and understanding of my horse's individual needs. I think everyone should invest in her services.My favourite aspect is knowing my horse is getting the nutrition she needs for her level of work. Also that Madeline is always there to answer my questions.

My favourite aspect of Balanced Bay was the expertise of Madeline and her willingness to listen. I also liked that she reported research results. It is a great service and was very helpful.

My favourite aspect of Balanced Bay is how thorough everything is! It is well worth doing to help your horse's health and well-being.