thereby increase the horse’s well-being. Feeds with low cereal content are ideal, as they are low in starch. A feed with fiber and oil releases its energy much more slowly to provide sus- tainable energy. Dressage horses (as well as all top competi- tion horses) need vitamin and mineral supplements, usually supplied by a compound feed, to maintain and correct the functioning of the horse’s body systems.
Endurance: Arabian and Anglo/ Arabian horses (generally weighing 900-1100 pounds) have the perfect physique for the grueling 100 mile courses they face in endurance. Whenever possible, they should have daily access to pasture to pro- vide fiber which also helps to keep them hydrated from the mois-
ture in fresh grass. Hay and alternative forages (hay cubes, chopped forage, chaff, etc.) should be available to them at all other times as a sustainable energy source for the long work on the trail. A combination of cereal grains, vegetable fat and vitamin-mineral supplements are recommended; some beet pulp, a highly digestible fiber source can be added to the mix. The starch in cereal grains will provide the horse with glucose for replenishment of glycogen stores. If using a com- pound feed it should have a fat content of 6-12 percent, but additional sources of fat can be used as well. When not using a compound feed, an additional vitamin/mineral supplement is necessary, particularly to supply antioxidants like selenium and vitamin E to maintain muscle integrity. Water and electrolyte replacement is equally important.
Water should be offered on the trail and at each checkpoint, and electrolyte paste should be delivered via dosing syringe before and during the ride. Largeamounts of alfalfa hay is not recommended for endurance horses on a daily basis; however, it is commonly used during the day of the com- petition because of its excellent palatability and the high calcium content.
Eventing: This sport, as every event rider knows, is truly an equine triathlon. These horses are generally lighter in weight with a large proportion of Thoroughbred blood in their breeding. Since their levels of exercise are higher and extended over a three day
period, they expend great amounts energy. To maintain con- ditioning and performance, the event horse gets its energy from fiber, starch and oil. A compound feed that has a bal- ance of the three energy sources, one that is high in oil (oil contains three-times more energy than the same amount of starch) and fiber, but fairly low in starch, will give the horse the energy it needs. Feeding a high-end compound feed will also provide the correct balance of vitamins and minerals needed for strenuous work. To provide the essential fiber and
18 September/October 2014
additional protein, mixed grass hay, alfalfa hay, hay pellets or haylage should be added to the horse’s regimen to maintain a healthy digestive tract and promote tissue and muscle repair. Additional electrolytes, especially during the competi- tion days, can help maintain proper hydration.
Reining: The majority of rein- ing horses are of stock horse breeding, such as Quarter Horses and Paint Horses. They tend to be easy keepers and do well on high fiber diets with additional fat and small amounts of starch. The easi-
est way to accomplish this is to use fat-added feed, rice bran or top-dressing with fat at the time of feeding. Another way of replacing energy from starch is to utilize high fiber ingre- dients like sugar beet pulp or soy hulls. These horses will do their best when they are fed small meals and frequently fed with a variety of energy sources in addition to plenty of grass or alfalfa hay. Some type of vitamin/mineral supplement is recommended if a compound feed is not used. Usually, pro- viding free-choice salt is the only electrolyte supplement that is necessary. An additional electrolyte supplement may be utilized if the horse sweats profusely during competition.
Show Jumping: These horses need to have enough energy to perform to the best of their ability but at the same time they need to remain level headed. They are intermediate in body size, conditioning and energy require- ments. Fiber sources such as hay or haylage should make up the majority of their diet, with a lower energy feed
to supply balance. Usually, most owners prefer a feed with a little higher cereal content, such as oats; this provides the horse with the fast burst of energy needed for the jumping rounds. Show jumpers require vitamin and mineral supple- mentation which is usually supplied by a compound feed, as well as extra anti-oxidants, and Vitamin E. Due to the sweat- ing that occurs in a competition, these horses need enough electrolytes in their diet; the loss of electrolytes can affect muscle function which is needed to clear high fences.
* * * While feed is not the most glamorous aspect of competi-
tion, it’s one important element in producing a champion- ship performance. Clearly, these talented equine athletes could not excel in the individual disciplines without a care- fully planned and executed feeding regimen. As Napoleon famously said, “An army marches on its stom-
ach.” A successful equine competitor wins, at least in part, on his. Bon appétit!
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