Consider Individual Needs
All horses, including young competition horses, should be fed as an individual and it is important to consider workload, age, temperament, management regime, condition score and medical conditions.
A fibre-based diet is a great place to start, providing the energy requirements predominantly from digestible fibre (and possibly oil) and only providing higher energy feeds as required.
The Importance of Micronutrients
All diets must provide a source of micronutrients to balance those key nutrients lacking in a fibre-based diet. Use either a powdered broad-spectrum supplement, balancer, or a fully fortified concentrate feed fed at the recommended amounts if the extra calories provided by this amount are needed.
Fibre is extremely important, not only as the main energy source but also for maintaining a healthy microbiome. A lack of fibre will have a detrimental effect on the health and performance of the horse.
Avoiding Digestive Upset at a Competition
It is important to avoid changes in feed or forage on or just before a competition day. This will help avoid disrupting the gut microbes within the digestive system. Providing the usual feed and forage will help to support health and performance and reduce the risk of digestive upset.
Their usual feed and forage should already be providing the correct balance of nutrients for the work required. Any changes to feed, forage and pasture (where possible) should be done gradually over a week to 10 days.
Supporting The Recovery of a Young Competition Horse
Remember to replace electrolytes if the horse has sweated more heavily because of travelling and increased work. Adding electrolytes to a sloppy chaff feed is a great way to replace the salts lost through sweating, help to support rehydration and increase fibre in the horse’s diet.
Remember that a young musculoskeletal system will become very tired from the travelling and competition, so allow enough recovery and repair time after the competition, reducing the energy feeds if necessary but retaining protein and micronutrients for muscle repair and recovery.
Mollichaff Alfalfa Oil is a palatable, high fibre, molasses-free chaff. It is a natural source of high-quality protein for muscle growth and repair, along with a great source of calcium and other essential minerals. This low-sugar and starch chaff is suitable for young horses, with added oil for slow-release energy and a healthy coat.
The HorseHage range is made from specifically grown leys, free from chemicals, flavourings, or mould inhibitors.
Due to the unique fermentation process, HorseHage is more digestible than other forages, allowing more efficient utilisation of the available nutrients, making it a great option for young horses.
This low-dust forage also helps to maintain a healthy respiratory system, supporting young horses effectively during training, travelling and competition. When fed at appropriate levels, Horsehage can be used to meet the full forage allocation or may be added as part of the forage ration alongside hay if required, as part of a balanced diet and is a suitable option for the competition horse.
Want free nutritional advice?
Our friendly and knowledgeable team is available on weekdays from 9am to 5pm.
Give us a call at 01803 527274 or send an email to sales@horsehage.co.uk
