Monthly Archives: November 2017

Does when we feed as well as what we feed affect the performance of our sports horses? There is little evidence as yet, but there are some strategies that could help maximise performance and maximum recovery after exercise. Feeding for healthy sports horses Before we investigate strategies for timing and specific nutrients to try and affect performance, it is worth … Continue reading →

Make all dietary changes gradually to ensure the horse’s digestive tract adapts to the new diet. This applies to both hard feed and forage, including grass, hay and haylage.  Many horse owners are aware of making changes to their horse’s hard feed gradually, but some don’t realise this rule of feeding also applies to forages and indeed any change to … Continue reading →

When less grass is available, some horses struggle to maintain weight, which means they need their energy intake from forage and supplementary feed increased. Forage assessment is the first step, followed by adding concentrate feed and, if required, vegetable oil or oil-rich supplements. Weight gain or an increase in condition requires an increase in dietary energy (calorie) intake, over and … Continue reading →