Feeding a Horse Coming Back into Work
Article from RD1's 'Straight from the Horse's Mouth', September 2011.
Riders and owners are starting to bring their horses back to work from their winter spell. With a vast range of feeds available it can become confusing selecting the feed that best suits your horse. There are some general guidelines that may help you in selecting the right feed for your horse.
Assess the condition of your horse
A horse should be in moderately good to good condition coming out from a spell. If your horse is overweight, a nutrient balancer such as Promita is an ideal concentrate that will provide the nutrients the horse needs for work without excess energy. If the horse needs more condition, try a complete feed such as Economix Active to build back cover and top line.
Feed to the workload of the horse
It is important to understand that the sport horse has changing demands, and the diet needs to be flexible to reflect the horse's needs. Ideally a commercially prepared feed such as Mitavite Xtra-Cool or Mitavite Economix Active will provide the nutrients for horses in early work, increasing or decreasing the amount fed, depending on workload.
Feed an energy source that suits the horse and discipline
Sport horses require a feed that will allow them to perform in a cool, controlled manner that is enjoyable for the horse and the rider. Providing a feed that is well digested in the small intestine with a high oil level will keep the energy cool, allowing the horse to concentrate on the rider's commands. Xtra-Cool, Economix Active and Promita are fully steam-extruded with oil levels from 6-10%.
Match the feed with the make-up and temperament of the horse
You need to understand your horse, and feed it as an individual. Horses with a fizzy disposition do well on Xtra-Cool. The increased levels of magnesium combined with oil and steam-extrusion provide a cool, calm concentrate.
Provide a ration that is balanced with the optimal level of nutrients
Optimum, not maximum or minimum levels of nutrients need to be fed. Providing minerals that are chelated and vitamins in their natural form increases bioavailability and absorption. Good quality protein helps to build and repair strong muscles. The range of Mitavite feeds meet these requirements when fed with adequate roughage and to suggested levels.
Ensure adequate roughage is available
Pasture varies in nutritional value and quantity. As pasture levels fluctuate throughout the seasons, additional roughage may need to be hand fed. Keep an eye on your pasture and add in extra hay if the quality or quantity decreases.
It is essential to provide a concentrate such as Xtra-Cool, Economix Active or Promita that is formulated to meet the needs of horses in work and provides flexibility, so the ration can be tailored to each horse type and workload. The health and wellbeing of the horse can then be maintained, in addition to having them responsive to the rider's needs for the best possible training and competition outcomes.
Visit the team at RD1 to stock up with Mitavite feeds. And don't forget the RD1 Horse Feed Bonus Carddeal: purchase 10 bags of selected horse feed and get $20 off the next bag!
Disclaimer: Any views and comments expressed in this article are not necessarily the opinions of RD1 Limited nor associated agencies. This content is copyright of RD1 Limited.
