THE HORSE GAZETTE health diet and hyper-active horses the way of the horse


Are you in love? Yes and no! You are


yourself, “Why does he act this way?”


And you are asking


tering in your stomach. Your knees are weak.


are sweating. There are butterflies flut-


By Eleanor Blazer © 2010 The palms of your hands


preparing to ride the lunatic you love.


your skills? Is he a nervous “hot” bred horse – such as an Arabian or Thoroughbred? Does he receive adequate exer- cise?


Does his training match


carbohydrate. It is digested in the large intestine or cecum. The beneficial bacterium within the cecum breaks down the molecules. Volatile fatty acids are produced and absorbed into the bloodstream to be used as energy. The remaining non- digestible material continues on its journey through the large intestine and is expelled by the horse. Sources of insoluble carbohydrates are pasture and hay.


not, is a major contributor to the behavior of hyper-active horses.


be the quantity and source of dietary energy being provided in his daily diet. Diet, more often than


problems with diet alone will not work – unless you create such a deficiency in nutrients he becomes sick and weak. Energy is needed by the


But trying to fix the The actual reason may


body for maintenance, repro- duction, lactation, growth and physical performance. The quality and quantity of the energy source will affect the horse’s behavior. Horses are herbivores


carbohydrates: simple, complex, and fiber. The chemical profile of the carbohydrate determines how and where the horse will utilize the sugars within his body.


bohydrates, also called soluble carbohydrates, break down in the small intestine to glucose and glycogen, which are the main sources of energy for


Simple and complex car-


– they eat plants. Plants use a process called photosynthesis to manufacture sugar. The sugars from the plants are also known as carbohydrates. There are three types of


used to compare the simple sugar content of feed sources. Feeds with a high glycemic rating break down in the small intestine quickly. The blood glucose levels rise and can make some horses react in a “hot” manner.


level headed while providing enough energy and nutrients can be a challenge. This is where knowing the glycemic index of a grain or product is helpful. The glycemic index is


energy requirements by using forage is the safest method. But some horses require more nutri- tion than can be provided by using just hay or pasture. Health problems may also necessitate feeding soluble carbohydrates. Trying to keep a horse


Meeting the horse’s


anaerobic work. Examples of soluble carbohydrate are corn, oats, barley, and wheat. Fiber is an insoluble


Alfalfa Hay: 26, Alfalfa and Molasses: 85, Bermuda Grass: 23, Wheat: 71, Ride Bran: 22, Vetch Blend Hay: 53, Beet Pulp: 1


can scientifically determine what feeds can spike the blood glucose levels of a horse. When molasses is added to oats the glycemic index increases. No- tice the grain with the highest level is corn. This observation can lead to the conclusion that popular sweet feeds which contain corn and molasses will raise the blood glucose level of horses.


blood glucose levels make some horses hyperactive? Glucose is the only food the brain can uti- lize. Some horses are affected by the highs and lows of the fluctuating glucose levels. Energy is only a small


oats the glycemic rating drops! This supports research that oil (fat) as an energy source is good for performance horses that need to stay calm. Why does a spike in


When oil is added to Using this study, you


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versity concluded a study of 16 popular feeds used in horse di- ets. Oats were given the glyce- mic rating of 100 and the other feeds were scored according to where they fell in comparison to the oats. A group of horses were fed the 16 feeds at different times and blood glucose levels were checked. The results fol- low: Corn: 117, Carrots: 51, Oats and Molasses: 105, Wheat Bran: 37, Barley: 101, Timothy Hay: 32, Oats: 100, Alfalfa Cubes: 30, Oats and Oil: 86,


California State Uni-


management practices can pre- vent many problems associated with caring for horses. You can learn how to provide your horse with a better life-style by taking the online courses “How to Feed for Maximum Perfor- mance” and “Stable Manage- ment” taught by Eleanor Blazer. Go to www.horsecoursesonline. com for more information. Visit Eleanor’s web site at www.thewayofhorses.com


part of the balanced equine diet. Protein, vitamins, and minerals must not be neglected. When choosing a horse feed be sure to pick one that provides the nutrients which are lacking in the forage. Then look for a feed that gets most of its energy from fat and fiber. Choose a product from a reputable company and follow the feeding directions. * Proper nutrition and


There’s something for everyone at Callahan’s! We carry fresh hay & Capitol Feeds!


We’re not just a feed store, or western wear, hardware, tack, house wares, lawn and garden or gifts...we’re ALL of that and MORE!


501 Bastrop Highway - Austin, Texas


Phone: (512) 385-3452 - Toll Free: (800) 950-8602 Fax: (512) 385-0932


Website: www.callahansgeneralstore.com


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