Feeding the Performance Horse: Ensuring Optimal Nutrition for Athletic Excellence
When it comes to performance horses, proper nutrition plays a crucial role in their overall health, longevity, and ability to perform at their best. A performance horse is not solely defined by competing in a specific discipline but rather by the level of energy expenditure required on a daily basis. Whether they are actively competing or undergoing rigorous training, these equine athletes have higher energy needs compared to horses in maintenance. This article explores the essential components of a performance horse’s diet and provides insights into feeding strategies to ensure their well-being and optimal performance.
A performance horse can be described as a horse that works more than four days a week, engaging in activities such as walking, trotting, cantering, and jumping, for at least an hour each day. This level of work is considered medium-level activity, with anything less being classified as light work and anything more intense falling into the hard work category.
A well-designed diet is fundamental to meeting the increased nutrient demands of performance horses. Their diet should include a balanced mix of energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is crucial to tailor the feed program to the specific requirements of each horse, taking into consideration factors such as workload, age, breed, and overall health. Proper nutrition, combined with appropriate training, management, and veterinary care, helps ensure the horse’s health and enables them to perform at their maximum potential.
Regardless of the level of work a horse is engaged in, forage should always be the primary source of nutrients. Forage, such as hay and fresh grass, provides structural carbohydrates that horses can ferment in their hindgut to extract energy. Horses should consume a minimum of 1.5% of their body weight in hay per day. Sufficient forage intake not only fuels their activities but also promotes gut health, reducing the risk of digestive issues like colic and gastric ulcers.
Quality forage is essential for performance horses with higher energy demands. Lucerne, for example, is higher in energy and protein compared to traditional hays, making it an ideal choice for horses that require additional energy or weight gain without increasing the overall amount of feed. Beet products can also provide higher levels of fiber and energy per kilogram, allowing for maximum benefit in smaller quantities. Pasture grazing provides movement, essential nutrients, and various health benefits such as gastrointestinal motility, musculoskeletal strength, and mental stimulation.
Energy is a critical focus when designing a performance horse’s diet. Concentrates, which provide different sources of energy, are often included to meet the higher energy demands. Three main nutrients contribute to digestible energy: carbohydrates, fat, and protein.
Carbohydrates, including nonstructural carbohydrates (NSCs) like sugar and starch, can be found in ingredients such as maize, oats, and barley. These provide quick-release energy that can be readily utilized by the horse. However, NSCs should be used in moderation to avoid potential health issues such as hindgut acidosis, colic, and laminitis. Feeding smaller meals throughout the day can help reduce the risk of overload.
Fat is a safe and effective source of energy, particularly for horses in hard work. It is calorie-dense, containing 2.25 times more energy per weight than carbohydrates. Fat-based feeds also provide a cooling effect for easily heated horses. Introducing fat gradually into the diet allows for adaptation, typically taking up to six weeks.
While protein can be used for energy, it is an inefficient process, and the body will prioritize other energy sources if available. Protein’s primary role is to provide amino acids, which support protein synthesis throughout the body. Essential amino acids, which cannot be produced by the horse’s body, are crucial for muscle maintenance, building, hormone production, and immune support. Providing adequate amounts of hay and concentrates usually supplies the necessary protein levels, making additional protein supplements unnecessary.
Not all performance horses require extra calories from concentrates. Some easy keepers can maintain ideal body condition and energy levels solely on forage. However, hay alone may not provide all necessary nutrients, which is where balancers come in. Balancers are low-calorie feeds in the form of pellets, offering concentrated sources of nutrients such as proteins, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. They are beneficial for horses that need concentrates but not at recommended levels, ensuring essential nutrient requirements are met.
To determine if a horse is receiving enough energy, a simple tactic is to observe their weight. If the recommended amount of hay and feed is being provided, weight gain indicates excess energy intake, while weight loss suggests insufficient or incorrect sources of energy. Seeking in-depth nutritional advice from a knowledgeable professional is crucial for top-performing horses to achieve the appropriate balance of nutrients.
Supplements have their place in horse nutrition but should be supported by scientific evidence and provide detailed ingredient information. They should target specific issues or compensate for nutrient deficiencies rather than serving as a cure-all solution. Electrolyte supplementation, especially in hot and humid conditions, can help horses replace electrolytes lost through sweat. Adding salt to the diet is also beneficial for performance horses, as it aids hydration. However, caution should be exercised to ensure supplements do not contain prohibited substances in certain sport horse disciplines.
Feeding a performance horse requires careful consideration of their individual needs and energy requirements. Prioritising forage as the primary nutrient source, supplemented with appropriate concentrates and balancers, ensures the horse receives the necessary energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Monitoring body condition and seeking professional advice can help fine-tune the diet to optimize performance and overall well-being. By providing the right nutrition, horse owners can support their equine athletes in achieving athletic excellence and maintaining their long-term health.
