Sport Horses - Feeding for Endurance

Horse Feed for Endurance Horses

Tuesday 14 September 2010

Sport horses for endurance need the right food in order to be as successful as possible. Their health and longevity depends greatly on their horse feed diet. See the following guide for more on feeding an endurance sports horse.

It could be said that endurance sport horses are the equine equivalent of human long distance runners. The basic horse feed requirements for this type of horse must include forage, electrolytes and grain concentrates.

However, you should be sure not to give too much grain or feed concentrates. Too many carbohydrates and starch can affect the horse’s blood sugar levels negatively. Ensure this sort of horse feed is low in protein and high in fat.

Remember, too much protein means more water for the horse, which can be very bad for its health. Certain roughage is very high in protein and these should be avoided. Instead, use forage that is low in protein but high in minerals and vitamins.

Top quality forage is the best in horse feed to give such sport horses. The horse should have as much available to him of this as possible. This will reduce the need for concentrates and grain.

There are certain fibres that are particularly beneficial, including:

• Beetroot pulp

• Soybean hulls

• Almond hulls

• Oat hulls

Electrolytes should be given in the sports horse water before, during and after the competition.

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