Ofelia Del Principe, B.S., NFTA
Whitfield Equine Nutrition LLC
Ofelia Del Principe, B.S., NFTA
High Falls, New york
Hi! I am a full-time, Independent Equine Nutrition Consultant and believe strongly in the power of nutrition as the foundation of a collaborative approach to long-term equine health and well-being. I hold two certifications in equine nutrition (Legacy Equine II & Rutgers University) and am a certified hay sampler through the National Forage Testing Association (NFTA).
Whether in-person (northeast US) or virtual (any location), my approach is rooted in meticulous attention to detail and a deep appreciation of how current, equine-specific science and research can positively inform our feeding and management decisions. Together, we set achievable, individualized goals for your horse, addressing body condition and topline, the significance of forage, nutrient balance, and any unique health or performance concerns. I understand the challenges of caring for our horses – and bring a practical, compassionate perspective as a current small farm owner and former barn manager.
While I work with many equine athletes and at-home horse owners, I have a special soft spot for seniors, especially those with endocrine or metabolic concerns, and cherish the opportunity to support these horses and their owners when health issues become complex. My own 1997 (29 y.o. at time of writing) QH Whitley, remains a guiding inspiration and daily reminder of how both a preventative and proactive approach to feeding and care can profoundly shape our horses’ lives – as youngsters, athletes, our cherished friends, and everything in between. I would be honored to be part of your horse’s story.
Testimonials
“I have worked with Ofelia for almost two years now, and I truly cannot express how important she has been as part of Scooter’s care team. My horse is nearly 27 years old and has a long list of challenges: he’s extremely picky with his food, has Cushing’s disease, is insulin resistant, underwent EOTRH surgery in 2020 that required multiple teeth extractions, was diagnosed with EPM in 2020, and most recently experienced a bout of cold laminitis just two months ago.
Managing a horse with such complex needs can be overwhelming, which is why having someone like Ofelia on my team—alongside an amazing veterinarian and podiatrist—has made all the difference. She is incredibly knowledgeable, supportive, and genuinely invested in her clients and their horses. No matter the time of day, she answers my questions and is always willing to help. She has even responded while on vacation, which speaks volumes about her dedication.
Even though I’ve had Scooter for almost seven years, I still consider myself a first-time horse owner because he continues to teach me something new every day. Having an exceptional support team around me has been invaluable, and Ofelia is a huge part of that.
As the owner of a senior horse herself, Ofelia truly understands the unique challenges that come with caring for aging horses. She and I are constantly brainstorming ideas, discussing nutrition options, and thinking outside the box to find solutions that work. When Scooter recently developed cold laminitis, she helped me transition him safely onto a new diet and taught me so much along the way—from weighing hay correctly to measuring feed portions accurately. When you’re caring for an insulin-resistant horse, every detail matters, and Ofelia helped me understand just how important those details are. What I appreciate most is that Ofelia never takes a one-size-fits-all approach. She listens, adapts, and creates plans tailored to the individual horse. With a horse as medically complex as Scooter, that level of care and attention is priceless.
I am incredibly grateful for her guidance, expertise, and unwavering support. I truly don’t know where Scooter and I would be without her, and I wholeheartedly recommend Ofelia to anyone looking for an equine nutritionist who will go above and beyond for both horse and owner.”
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