Brooks - Performance Horse Feeds

Feeding Horses for Performance

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Feeding Horses for Performance

Exactly what constitutes a performance horse as opposed to a pleasure or show horse is probably open to interpretation since most horses perform at some level. However for purposes of categorization a performance horse is any horse ridden in an activity of high energy output such as racing, endurance, polo, cross country and some of the fast paced western games. Generally speaking this type of horse will burn over 30 Megacalories per day compared to 14-15 Mcal. for a horse at rest. Consequently the major nutrient of concern for performance horses is definitely energy.

Energy
Not only is the total energy requirement important but having energy supplied from different sources is also key to maintaining the horses stamina, and drive. Energy should come from a blend of soluble carbohydrates (starch), digestible fiber, and some added fat from corn, soy, or flax oil. This is because each source of energy follows a different metabolic pathway, meaning some energy is quickly available and some energy such as that from fiber is slower to become available to the horse.

A higher energy requirement does not equal a higher protein requirement !

Protein
Normally with the greater amount of feed consumed by performance horses enough protein is supplied without a higher protein grain mix. Generally grain rations for performance horses are between 12% and 14% protein.

Vitamins and Minerals
For general good health and the high demands of performance a balance of macro (calcium, phosphorus and magnesium) and trace (zinc, copper, manganese) minerals as well as vitamins are essential. These are more practically supplied as part of a well fortified grain ration such as Phase lll than topdressed as a supplement.

Suggested Feeding Rates

Most performance horses	.8 to 1.5 lbs. per 100 lbs. bodyweight
Hard keepers	As above but add 3-5 lbs. of a good fiber based feed (Phase 4, or Phase 5) and/or Flax Appeal/Rice Bran
Endurance Horses	As above but high fat feeds are beneficial (Un-ti, Flax Appeal)
High Strung Horses	Reduce the grain and add a fat and/or fibre based feed (Phase 4, Flax Appeal, Phase 5)
Horse prone to tying up	Phase 5 and/or Un-ti

The addition of 1 to 2 pounds of Flax Appeal or Rice Bran will raise the level of fat in the ration, increase the energy, and provide some digestible fiber at the same time, without additional starch.

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