For endurance horses, the best types of carbohydrates come from a combination of sources, including pasture forage, harvested roughages, and concentrates. Good quality grass-legume pastures with salt can provide adequate nutrients for adult horses doing light work or for pregnant mares. For horses performing medium to heavy work, a high-energy source such as grain may be needed.
What are the primary sources of carbohydrates for endurance horses?
The primary sources of carbohydrates for endurance horses include:
- Pasture Forage: Good quality grass-legume pastures can supply adequate nutrients for horses at light work.
- Harvested Roughages: High-quality legume hays like alfalfa are preferred, especially for growing or lactating horses. Grass hays such as timothy, prairie grass, and bluegrass are also suitable but may require supplementation due to their lower energy and protein content.
- Concentrates: Oats are a preferred grain for horses due to their bulk. Corn, barley, wheat, and milo can also be used, especially when they are more economical.
How do different types of hay affect endurance horse performance?
Different types of hay have varying nutritional profiles that can impact an endurance horse’s performance:
- Legume Hays: Alfalfa and clovers are high in protein, making them beneficial for horses needing higher protein intake.
- Grass Hays: Timothy and Sudan grass are lower in protein and vary depending on maturity and nitrogen fertilization. Early horsemen preferred these for racehorses because they were usually free from mold and dust and slowed the rate of passage through the intestinal tract.
What grains are most suitable for endurance horses, and why?
Oats are generally the preferred grain for horses because of their bulk. However, corn (maize), barley, wheat, and milo can be used when they are less expensive. Weanling foals need about three pounds of feed per hundred pounds of live weight daily, which decreases to one pound as they approach maturity.
How should carbohydrate intake be adjusted based on the horse’s workload?
Carbohydrate intake should be adjusted based on the horse’s workload. Lush, early spring pasture, high in water and protein, may need a high-energy grain supplement for horses performing medium to heavy work. Late fall and winter pasture forage, low in water and protein, may require protein and vitamin A supplementation.
What are some practical feeding strategies for endurance horses?
Here are some practical feeding strategies:
- Ensure access to good quality grass-legume pastures and provide iodized or trace-mineralized salt.
- Supplement lush spring pastures with grain for horses in medium to heavy work.
- Add protein and vitamin A supplements to late fall and winter forage.
- Use high-quality legume hays like alfalfa, especially for growing or lactating horses.
- Consider complete horse rations tailored to specific needs, especially for horses stabled in urban areas where roughages are limited.
- Avoid moldy or dusty feeds to prevent forage poisoning and respiratory issues.
- Be cautious with silages due to the risk of botulism and digestive upsets.
Understanding the types of carbohydrates and how to balance them in an endurance horse’s diet is essential for maintaining their health and performance. Would you like to explore specific feeding schedules or supplements for endurance horses?