question: I plan on going to several shows with my new quarter horse this spring and summer.What can she do nutritionally before and during show season to minimize the stress of traveling and the new environment at a show? – by email
answer: Nutrition is fundamental to success for equine athletes, and there are several nutritional factors to consider to reduce the stress factors of show season.
Practice the basics.
Horses have evolved to eat multiple small meals and graze for up to 18 hours per day. In addition, to properly maintain gastrointestinal function and motility, at least he should consume 1.2% of his body weight in feed. Start with forage as the basis of your horse’s diet and add concentrates only as needed to meet energy, protein, vitamin and mineral requirements. If possible, safe and appropriate, provide hay while trailering to and from shows. Use hay bags or netting in your trailer or stall during shows to give your horse the option of continuous and consistent feed intake. This can help reduce anxiety and other digestive disorders.
Let’s start with quality nutrition.
Feed your horse the most appropriate, high-quality feed and focus to help him reach his full potential. Inadequate nutrition results in increased stress, decreased performance, and other indicators of deficiency, such as decreased body condition score and muscle mass. Your show horse’s workload may be increased from before or at the start of the show, so adjust his diet as necessary to meet his nutritional requirements.
Be consistent with your eating routine.
You’re probably aware that your horse is a creature of habit and any deviation from his normal schedule will cause stress behavior. You should feed your baby at approximately the same time each day, within a few hours, and stick to that time both at home and on the go. This will make the horse feel more comfortable as he won’t have to worry about the timing of his next meal, but it can also give him a little more flexibility if he ends up racing around meal time. Masu.
Follow the same nutrition plan at the show as you would at home.
You may want to feed your horse a little more during the show, but you shouldn’t change the type or amount of food. Be sure to bring enough of your own hay and concentrate, and don’t start new supplements at the show. If you think you need to give additional supplements, start giving them at home to ensure your horse eats and avoid gastrointestinal problems at shows.
Don’t forget about water either.
Although horse owners often overlook water intake, water is the most important nutrient for equine athletes. Stressed horses, especially those in new or unfamiliar environments, may refuse to drink water. Even seasoned veterans may refuse water if it tastes different from what they have at home. This can lead to decreased performance, dehydration, or other serious health concerns. Bringing water from home, using a water filter, or adding flavorings to your water can help solve your water consumption problems. If you use seasonings or filters, have your horse try them before traveling or showing. If towing long distances, he should give the horse water at least every 6 hours.
Provide support.
Assess your horse for signs of stress throughout the season, address any nutritional concerns, and adjust diet as needed. Horses that travel or compete are at increased risk of developing gastric ulcers. Supplementing with products that buffer stomach contents during meals, before exercise, and on the show trail can help prevent stomach discomfort. Horses need access to salt daily. This is important for maintaining fluid balance and triggering the thirst response. In some cases, electrolytes may also be given to promote muscle recovery and replenish lost electrolytes, especially after hard work or sweating. Other products are also beneficial for show horses, including products that support muscle development and recovery, immune function, and gut health. Look for products with results backed by equine research.
Horse show season is an exciting time, and like any sport, you need to consider every angle to be competitive. Ensuring you provide the right nutrition for your horse’s needs and maintaining a consistent nutritional management plan is essential to managing stress during the show season.
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