Feeding Show Horses

Feeding Show Horses

Show Horses Are Still Horses All feeding rules still apply, and become even more important during times of stress such as new housing, travel or shows. No less than 1% of their body weight in forage per day. Use of a slow feed net or small frequent meals to avoid periods of fasting

Show Horses Are Still Horses Yearlings will need to be on their foal ration, senior horses on senior feed, etc. Year round healthy diet and body condition monitoring will make show time fitness much easier to achieve. Every horse should be fed as an individual.

Halter Horses

Halter Horses Halter horses should be fit, but NOT thin – don’t get over-zealous on weight loss. Smooth topline = fat cover. Thin does not equal refined. Show the horse you have to their best advantage, not the horse you wish they were.

Shine Comes From Inside Adding a high fat concentrate, oil, or supplementing with flax or other coat conditioners will help get a healthy coat. Since Miniature Horses are shown clipped, they need a very healthy coat to shine. It takes time for feed changes to show; start 2 months ahead of show season.

“Smooth-bodied” Fat (and muscle!) over topline. Sufficient protein in diet to keep “hay belly” away and help build muscle. At least 14%, if young 16%. Beet pulp can fill in topline – so can pasture.

Fitness No replacement for actual muscles. Turnout with friends very effective for young horses – lots of room to play. Too much round pen not good for developing bones or mental wellbeing. As with all developing fitness, start slow and gradually build duration and intensity.

Forage Options Some people feel long stem hay will prevent the tucked up look they are wanting in the show ring. Switching to a cube or pellet form of forage is an acceptable option, but will need more frequent meals, avoid fasting. Never reduce forage less than 1% of body weight daily.

Performance Horses

Forage First Some performance horses, with an appropriate amount of quality forage, may not need additional feed source. Building muscle requires protein and energy, if you’re not confident in the value of your forage, you may want to supplement.

Cool Calories In most cases, source a high fat, low starch/sugar feed. Cool energy from fat sources will give them the energy and condition they need, without making them “hot.” Unless you are an experience driver and want them “breathing fire” avoid feeds high in carbohydrates.

Supplements Supplements are available for everything from coat conditioning to temperament improvement. While some may be beneficial, don’t spend all your money hoping for a “magic” result. Simple good nutrition will most often be all you need for your show horse.

Making Changes Make any feed changes well in advance of the show season – don’t double up on stress. If feeding pasture at home, switch to other forage source (at least partially) a couple weeks prior to the show. Make sure they’ll drink out of a pail, and if they’re picky, add flavouring.