Rhythm & Ration: Equine Nutrition Advisement by Dakota Discepolo PhD
Ever wonder if you really need that new supplement? Or if that hoof crack is dry weather or a mineral imbalance?
Let’s take the guesswork out of feeding with a nutritional assessment.
Meet Dr. Dakota Discepolo
Hello! My name is Dakota, and I am excited to be offering equine nutrition advisement in Southern California. I started Rhythm & Ration because I saw a need for science-informed nutrition support for the everyday horse owner. I am a fellow equestrian with a master’s and a PhD in animal science as well as an academic studying working animal performance and welfare. With professional registrations and other certificates that require continuing education, I am always learning how to better serve!
Rhythm and Ration offers a unique service. As a trained research scientist, I don’t just look at study results; I examine how the studies were conducted to determine whether the findings apply to my clients' situations. I work hard to find data-supported solutions for our equine partners.
I also don’t sell products or represent any feed companies. I’ll work with the brands you love or have access to and consider budgets, availability of products, feeding management, and more when making my recommendations. I work independently, so I can meet your needs without bias.
Includes an in-depth first visit which will cover feed routine, body condition assessment of the horse, and discussion of goals and limitations. This will culminate in a report on current ration nutrient composition and tailored recommendations for improvement to fit the needs of the horse, the facility, and the client’s goals.
Optional forage sample collection and processing for an additional fee is available, which is recommended for the best tailored feeding recommendations (cost dependent on shipping rates and laboratory fees at the time of request).
Individual Assessments and Packages
Follow-up appointments can be done virtually or in person (depending on the level of support required). Follow-ups include assessing progress after implementation of changes and any additional recommendations based on the response of the horse if required. Recommended to schedule these 1-2 months after diet changes are implemented. These are valid within 9 months of either a First-Time or Returning Customer Assessment.
This package includes everything listed in the “First Time Assessment” with the added benefit of four bi-weekly or tri-weekly follow-ups (maximum 2 in person) and access to phone support as needed during their horse’s dietary transition. This package also includes a tailored and detailed transition plan and is best suited for horses who require significant changes to their ration over a period of time. This is a $100 savings!
Similar to the first time assessment, but for clients who have horses whose needs or diets have changed and now require a new assessment or a new plan to meet new goals.
Travel fees are applied to appointments located more than 35 mi from Riverside, CA. Fees are based on mileage: 35-50 miles is $30, 51-70 miles is $45, and>65 miles is quoted at booking.
Facility and Group Packages
Have a training program or boarding facility and want to offer tailored nutrition programs to your clients? Monthly rates are available for facilities/programs that want their horses monitored and assessed more closely to ensure optimal provision. Please reach out for pricing.
For facilities that are education-focused, tailored educational experiences about equine nutrition and feeding management are available. These programs are available for all ages and all experience levels. Please reach out for pricing.
Multi-Horse Discount:
First-time assessments for those with more than one horse at a location will receive a $10 per horse discount.
If a single location has more than 3 horses receiving assessments and is in a location where a travel fee applies, then the travel fee will be waived.
The Process: In-Person Assessment
At your appointment, Dr. Discepolo will shadow you through a feeding, assess the body condition of your horse, and discuss your plans and goals for your horse. During this time, you will also discuss preferences to be considered in the recommendation.
Step 1
Schedule your assessment with Dr. Discepolo and complete the detailed intake form.
Step 2
Follow-up appointments are recommended 2-4 months after diet implementation to assess the reaction of the horse. A smaller report will be formulated if changes are required.
Step 3
Within 3 business days of your appointment, Dr. Discepolo will provide you with a full nutrition report, which will include a complete analysis of your current diet, identify any deficiencies or imbalances, make 1-4 recommendations for changes, provide analyses of nutrients in a new diet should changes be adopted, and a transition plan.
Step 4
Your Questions, Answered
What is Nutrition Advising?
Horses need a team. Veterinarians, saddle fitters, chiropractors, body workers, trainers, haulers— they all contribute to a horse’s life in some way. Why not a professional who's contributing to your horse's nutrition?
Like other equine professionals, I establish relationships with my clients, learn the individual preferences and needs of their horses over time, and become invested in the success of each horse! Whether success for that particular horse is simply being able to live out a happy life in the pasture or being a top-level performance athlete, they deserve the same commitment to fueling correctly.
Can my vet or farrier be involved?
Yes! Nutrition advising doesn’t work independently; it takes a village sometimes. Do you need me to communicate with your veterinarian about a prescription diet? Happy to, let’s get your horse what they need medically and also cover the base nutritional needs. Need help incorporating a hoof supplement your farrier recommended? Let’s do it in a safe way together! Nutrition advising is taking the guesswork out of feeding time no matter the situation.
What if the plan doesn’t work?
Each horse has their own unique needs, which may not be as straightforward as others’. I will do my best to get you where you need to be the first time, but sometimes adjustments are needed along the way. Nutrition advisement is an ongoing service that doesn’t stop at the assessment; the follow-up appointments assess progress and fine-tune the plan until we are where we want to be! Re-assessments are always available when the horse’s status changes.
Book an Appointment.
Ready to book your horse’s nutritional assessment? Book your appointment below.
Sample Report
Here are some examples from a client report!