Should I increase the calorie intake for a horse in heavy training?

It sounds like you’re wondering whether to increase your horse’s calorie intake due to heavy training. The general recommendation is that horses in heavy work, such as plowing, may need a high-energy source, such as grain, to meet their needs. Horses should not be fed immediately before or after work to avoid digestive problems.

Should I Increase Calorie Intake for a Horse in Heavy Training?

When horses are in heavy training, their nutritional needs change. Good-quality grass-legume pastures and iodized or trace-mineralized salt can supply adequate nutrients to maintain an adult horse at light work or mares during pregnancy. However, horses performing medium to heavy work may need to be supplemented with a high-energy source, such as grain, especially if the pasture is lush and high in water and protein.

How Do I Know if My Horse Needs More Calories?

Several factors can indicate whether your horse requires an increased calorie intake:

• Weight Loss: A noticeable decrease in body weight is a primary sign.
• Decreased Energy Levels: If your horse seems more tired or less enthusiastic during training, it could be a sign of insufficient caloric intake.
• Poor Performance: A decline in performance, such as reduced speed or endurance, can also indicate a need for more calories.

What Are the Best Ways to Increase a Horse’s Calorie Intake?

• Grain: Oats are generally the preferred grain for horses due to their bulk, but corn, barley, wheat, and milo can also be used.
• Hay: High-quality legume hays, such as early bloom alfalfa, are beneficial, especially for growing or lactating horses. Grass hays, such as timothy, prairie grass, orchard grass, and bluegrass, were preferred by early horsemen because they were usually free from mold and dust and tended to slow down the rate of passage through the intestinal tract.
• Commercial Feed Mixes: Many commercial feed mixes are available that contain minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients designed to provide a balanced diet when supplemented with hay.

How Much Should I Increase My Horse’s Calorie Intake?

Weanling foals require three pounds of feed per hundred pounds of live weight per day; as they approach maturity, this requirement drops to one pound of feed per hundred pounds of live weight daily. Horses normally reach mature weight at less than four years of age and 80 percent of their mature weight at less than two years of age.

What are the risks of overfeeding?

Overfeeding can lead to several health issues, including obesity, laminitis, and colic. It’s essential to monitor your horse’s weight and adjust their diet accordingly.

Would you like to learn more about specific nutrients and supplements for horses?