Energy from feed: instant power or stamina?

Energy from feed: instant power or stamina?

Does your horse need quick energy for short runs, or endurance for long runs? Depending on this, the appropriate feed – starch, superfiber or oil varies.

You may sometimes feel that your horse needs more energy. But before you go for the new food, determine whether he needs immediate energy for short, quick exercises or endurance for long ones. You can then adjust the feed dose accordingly.

First, rule out other causes

Before blaming the feed, check other factors:

• Is the horse fit enough for the job you want him to do?
• Is he overweight or unfit?
• Does he feel any pain or discomfort?
• Does he get enough bulky food every day?
• Is it drinking enough?

If the horse has lost energy suddenly or for no apparent reason, consult a veterinarian first to rule out pain or health problems before changing feeding.

Feeding for appropriate energy

What is instantaneous energy?

Instantaneous energy is a fast-release fuel suitable for, for example:

• Dressage horses that need more sparkle for demanding exercises,
• When the horse is lazy,
• Parking bicycles requiring a fast response.

How to Give a Horse Immediate Energy

• Choose foods with a higher starch content from grains such as oats, barley and corn.
• Look for foods where cereals are listed first on the label (oats, barley, corn = more starch).
• Remember, starch breaks down quickly into glucose, which provides quick energy and replenishes muscle glycogen stores.

Did you know that? Despite its reputation, oats have the highest fibre and lowest starch content of all cereals used in horse feed.

Feeding for endurance

Why Endurance Is Important

In longer workouts, all-around races, endurance riding or hunting, perseverance is essential. Horses need a slow release of energy that supports controlled performance without unnecessary "jumping".

Fibre for endurance

• Feed a sufficient amount of bulky feed (grass, hay, straw).
• Look for superfibers in the core feed: soya husks, alfalfa, barley cuts.

These highly digestible types of fiber provide the same energy as grains, but in a slow-release form that reduces the risk of overeating.

Oil for endurance

• Horses are well adapted to a high-fat diet (up to 20% total fat).
• Oil is a safe and energy-concentrated source of power for sport horses.
• Benefits: it saves glycogen (muscles burn oil before glycogen, so fatigue is delayed),increases stores of energy for endurance,supports horses prone to digestive or behavioural problems.

Keep in mind that the adjustment to a high-fat diet takes three to six weeks, so results will not come immediately.

Energy without weight gain

Remember, energy is equal to calories. For horses that gain weight easily, too much energy can lead to unwanted weight gain.

What to do:

• Use a balancer, such as the Competition-Fit Balancer® or Shape-Up®.
• Add a small amount of higher-energy feed without adding extra calories to the horse.
• Consult a qualified nutritionist.