Performance horses, such as eventers, dressage mounts, and racehorses, have demanding energy requirements that go far beyond those of a pleasure horse. Their diet must be carefully balanced to provide sufficient fuel for intense work, support muscle recovery, and maintain overall health. Getting the nutrition right is essential for their wellbeing and performance longevity.
Our editorial team has researched the specific dietary needs of performance horses. Their feeding regimen typically revolves around high-quality forage as a base, supplemented with concentrates that provide additional energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals. The exact proportions depend on the horse’s workload, metabolism, and individual health status.
The Foundation: Forage and Fiber
Forage remains the cornerstone of a performance horse’s diet, providing essential fiber for gut health and a steady release of energy. Good quality hay or pasture should make up at least 50% of the daily intake by weight. Performance horses often require more calories than forage alone can provide, but cutting back on fiber can lead to digestive issues like colic or ulcers.
Many owners choose grass hay, such as timothy or orchard grass, which is lower in protein and energy than legume hays like alfalfa. However, alfalfa can be beneficial for its higher calcium and protein content, especially for horses in heavy training. The key is to balance forage type with the rest of the diet to avoid excess protein or energy.
Providing forage free choice or in multiple small meals throughout the day helps mimic natural grazing patterns and supports a healthy digestive system. Soaking hay can reduce dust for horses with respiratory sensitivities, a common concern in stabled performance horses.
Energy Sources: Grains, Fats, and Fiber-Based Feeds
To meet the high energy demands of training and competition, performance horses typically receive concentrate feeds. Traditional grains like oats, corn, and barley are common, but modern feeds often include processed grains for better digestibility. Oats are popular because they are relatively safe and palatable, but they are lower in energy density than corn. Barley is often rolled or steamed to improve digestibility.
Fat is an excellent energy source for performance horses, providing about two and a half times the energy of grains by weight. Adding vegetable oil, such as corn or soybean oil, can increase calorie intake without the risk of starch overload, which can lead to metabolic issues. Fat also helps improve coat condition and may reduce heat production during exercise.
Fiber-based concentrates, such as beet pulp or soy hulls, are increasingly used to provide energy with minimal starch. Beet pulp is a highly digestible fiber source that can be fed soaked to add moisture to the diet. These options are especially useful for horses prone to tying up or other starch-related problems.
Nutritional Supplements and Hydration
Performance horses often benefit from targeted supplementation to address specific needs. Electrolytes are critical for replacing sodium, potassium, and chloride lost through sweat. They can be added to feed or water, but it is important to ensure the horse is well hydrated before offering electrolytes. Salt blocks should always be available, but loose salt is often consumed more readily.
Vitamin and mineral supplements may be necessary if the forage and concentrate do not provide adequate levels. Calcium and phosphorus ratios are especially important for bone health, while vitamin E and selenium support muscle function and antioxidant defenses. Omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseed or fish oil can aid in reducing inflammation.
Hydration is paramount. Performance horses should have constant access to clean water, and during intense work, they may need encouragement to drink. Offering water at room temperature, adding electrolytes, or providing soaked feeds can help maintain hydration. Monitoring water intake and checking for signs of dehydration, such as skin tenting or dry mucous membranes, is part of good management.