FEED ADVICE – DISCIPLINES
Feeding Dressage Horses: The Ultimate Guide
Feeding dressage horses requires a specialised approach that focuses on building strength, flexibility, and stamina. Dressage demands precision, controlled energy, and excellent muscle development to perform the intricate movements required in the arena. In this guide, we will explore the best feeding practices to support your dressage horse’s physical and mental wellbeing, helping them achieve balance, power, and grace in their work.
What is Dressage?
Dressage is a discipline in which horse and rider perform a series of predetermined movements with precision and elegance.
These movements range from basic walk, trot, and canter to more advanced movements like piaffe, passage, and pirouette.
These movements range from basic walk, trot, and canter to more advanced movements like piaffe, passage, and pirouette.
A balanced and nutritious diet is essential to fuel their performance and help them maintain the topline and condition.
Understanding the Nutritional Needs of Dressage Horses
Dressage horses have unique nutritional requirements driven by the sustained and controlled nature of the sport. Their diet must provide:
Slow-Release Energy:
Dressage requires controlled power and endurance, best supported by a diet rich in slow-release energy sources such as fibre and fats.
Muscle Development and Recovery:
High-quality protein is essential for muscle tone and repair, as dressage horses rely heavily on strength and flexibility.
Joint and Bone Health:
Supporting long-term joint and hoof health is crucial, especially for advanced dressage movements that put additional strain on these areas.
Mental Focus and Calmness:
Dressage demands focus and calmness, so the diet should avoid feeds that create spikes in energy or excitability.
Metabolic Requirements of Dressage Horses
Dressage horses have increased metabolic needs due to the strength and control required in the sport. Their diet should focus on:
Fibre: A high-fibre diet supports slow-release energy, allowing horses to maintain the stamina required for long schooling sessions and competitions.
Fats: Offer a concentrated source of slow-release energy that supports endurance and helps maintain a calm temperament.
Protein: High-quality protein is essential for building and maintaining the muscle mass needed for strength and flexibility in dressage movements.
Key Components of a Dressage Horse’s Diet
Forage
High-Quality Hay: Forage should make up the majority of the dressage horse’s diet. Good-quality hay, such as timothy or meadow hay, provides fibre for slow-release energy and supports digestive health. Alfalfa can also be included for additional protein.
Grass: Access to good-quality grass provides natural fibre and can be a valuable source of nutrients, but the intake must be monitored to avoid weight gain or fluctuations in energy levels.
Hard Feed
Low-Starch, High-Fibre Feeds: Dressage horses perform best on feeds that provide slow-release energy without causing spikes in energy. Choose feeds high in fibre and low in cereals to support steady energy levels and calmness during training and competition. All of our feeds use superfibres to provide your horse slow release energy without fizz!
Balancers: A balancer can help ensure your horse gets the necessary vitamins, minerals, and amino acids without excessive calories. This is especially important for maintaining muscle health, coat condition, and hoof strength.
Key Components of a Dressage Horse’s Diet
Energy Sources
Fats: Vegetable oils such as linseed or soya oil are ideal for providing slow-release energy that supports endurance without making the horse excitable. Fats are also helpful for maintaining a healthy coat and promoting calmness.
Fibre: High-fibre sources such as beet pulp, chaff, and soaked hay are excellent for slow-release energy and maintaining digestive health.
Cereals: While cereals like oats and barley provide quick-release energy, they should be limited in a dressage horse’s diet to prevent excessive energy spikes or excitability.
Protein Sources
Alfalfa: Alfalfa is an excellent source of both protein and fibre, supporting muscle tone, strength, and digestive health.
Soybean Meal: Rich in essential amino acids, soybean meal supports muscle development and recovery, crucial for the physically demanding movements required in dressage.
Linseed: In addition to being a source of healthy fats, linseed provides high-quality protein to support muscle repair and overall conditioning.
Key Components of a Dressage Horse’s Diet
Supplements:
Joint Support: Supplements containing glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM are essential for supporting joint health, particularly as dressage places strain on the joints due to movements like piaffe, passage, and pirouette.
Hoof Supplements: Biotin, zinc, and methionine can help support strong, healthy hooves, which are crucial for maintaining balance and control in dressage movements. Did you know all our complete feeds already contain biotin?
Electrolytes: While dressage horses may not sweat as heavily as those in more intense disciplines, electrolytes can still be useful after long training sessions or competitions, particularly in hot weather.
Digestive Supplements: Probiotics and prebiotics can help maintain gut health, especially
.
Hydration:
Fresh Water: Constant access to fresh, clean water is essential to keep your dressage horse hydrated, especially during long training sessions and warm weather. Soaked feeds or hay can also help promote hydration.
Feeding Tips for Dressage Horses
Energy for Control and Precision: Focus on providing slow-release energy from fibre and fats to fuel your horse’s work without creating excess energy or excitability.
Monitor Body Condition: Regularly assess your horse’s body condition score (BCS) and adjust their diet accordingly. Dressage horses should maintain a healthy weight to optimise their movement without becoming overweight or undernourished.
Post-Exercise Nutrition: After intense training sessions, provide high-quality protein to support muscle recovery and maintain your horse’s condition.
Consistency in Feeding: Feed your horse at the same times each day to maintain digestive health and ensure steady energy levels. Avoid large meals just before or after exercise.
Tailoring the Diet to Different Stages of Dressage
The dietary needs of a dressage horse will change between training, competition days, and rest periods. Adjusting the diet to these different stages will help ensure optimal performance and recovery:
Training Periods: During intense training phases, provide slow-release energy from fibre and fats, along with high-quality protein to support muscle development. Avoid quick-release energy sources that could make the horse excitable during precision work.
Competition Days: Ensure your horse has access to light, high-fibre feeds before and after the competition to maintain energy levels and promote digestion without causing excitability. Hydration is crucial, so make sure your horse has plenty of fresh water and consider using electrolytes during warm weather.
Rest Days: On rest days, adjust the amount of hard feed to reflect the reduced energy requirements, focusing on high-quality forage to maintain digestive health and prevent weight gain.
Conclusion
Feeding a dressage horse requires a careful balance of energy, muscle support, and recovery. A diet rich in high-quality forage, balanced hard feed, and targeted supplements will help ensure your horse performs at their best, maintaining the strength, flexibility, and focus needed for the intricate movements of dressage. By tailoring the diet to the specific demands of the discipline and the individual needs of your horse, you can help them reach their full potential.
Hear from the Brand Ambassador– Sarah Stewart
Sarah Stewart’s early career saw her working with top event riders and managing prestigious equestrian centres, including Gleneagles Equestrian Centre and Hartpury College. After transitioning from eventing and show jumping to dressage, Sarah achieved her dream of competing at Grand Prix level with her horse Polly, overcoming significant challenges along the way. In her approach to dressage, Sarah understands that the right nutrition is crucial for maintaining her horses’ performance and well-being. Her focus is on providing a balanced diet that supports the specific needs of dressage horses, who require both energy and endurance without excess excitability.
What we Recommend for Dressage Horses
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At Pure Feed, we believe performance starts with the right nutrition. Jam is usually fuelled by Fibre Balance, but Meg choses to switch to our Pure Performance right before a big competition to make sure Jam has the energy she needs 💪
Want to learn how Pure Feed can make a difference to your horse’s routine ? Tap the link in our bio to take our free diet plan!
At Pure Feed, we believe performance starts with the right nutrition. Jam is usually fuelled by Fibre Balance, but Meg choses to switch to our Pure Performance right before a big competition to make sure Jam has the energy she needs 💪
Want to learn how Pure Feed can make a difference to your horse’s routine ? Tap the link in our bio to take our free diet plan!
With the event season starting soon, many horses’ work has started increasing, but have you thought about how your feeding can limit your horse’s performance? Here’s what to watch out for:
❌ Too much cereal → spikes blood sugar, increases excitability, and stresses digestion
❌ Too little fibre → reduces chewing time, gut motility, and microbiome health
❌ Imbalanced protein / amino acids → slows muscle repair and topline growth
✅ Science-backed feeding fixes:
• Balanced calories for energy without fizz
• Fibre to support gut health and slow-release energy
• Correct amino acids for muscle repair and strength
With the event season starting soon, many horses’ work has started increasing, but have you thought about how your feeding can limit your horse’s performance? Here’s what to watch out for:
❌ Too much cereal → spikes blood sugar, increases excitability, and stresses digestion
❌ Too little fibre → reduces chewing time, gut motility, and microbiome health
❌ Imbalanced protein / amino acids → slows muscle repair and topline growth
✅ Science-backed feeding fixes:
• Balanced calories for energy without fizz
• Fibre to support gut health and slow-release energy
• Correct amino acids for muscle repair and strength
BCS 101 with Meg & Jam 🐴💪 Watch as we give a quick body condition score check and show you how to keep your horse in tip top shape!
With @horseandcountrytv, we’re excited to help Meg reach the top 🏆
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #purefeeddietplan #equinenutrition
BCS 101 with Meg & Jam 🐴💪 Watch as we give a quick body condition score check and show you how to keep your horse in tip top shape!
With @horseandcountrytv, we’re excited to help Meg reach the top 🏆
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #purefeeddietplan #equinenutrition
As horse owners, we know just how expensive it’s becoming to source good quality hay 🌾 When forage is limited (or costly!), Pure Meadow Mash helps keep fibre intake consistent, with no compromise.
It’s a high fibre hay replacer with a natural mint flavour, it’s easy to soak, high palatable and ideal for fussy eaters, veterans, poor doers or those on box rest.
Feed alongside or in place of hay to make every bale go further 🩵
As horse owners, we know just how expensive it’s becoming to source good quality hay 🌾 When forage is limited (or costly!), Pure Meadow Mash helps keep fibre intake consistent, with no compromise.
It’s a high fibre hay replacer with a natural mint flavour, it’s easy to soak, high palatable and ideal for fussy eaters, veterans, poor doers or those on box rest.
Feed alongside or in place of hay to make every bale go further 🩵
Struggling to help your horse maintain weight? Feeding more isn’t always the answer 👉 it’s about the right type of calories!
Pure Condition Mix is high in digestible fibre and energy-dense nutrients, giving extra calories safely without sugar spikes. It supports the gut, provides steady energy, and helps maintain weight, muscle tone & overall wellbeing.
Completely free from molasses, alfalfa & fillers. It`s science-backed nutrition your horse deserves.
Tap the link in bio to learn more!
Struggling to help your horse maintain weight? Feeding more isn’t always the answer 👉 it’s about the right type of calories!
Pure Condition Mix is high in digestible fibre and energy-dense nutrients, giving extra calories safely without sugar spikes. It supports the gut, provides steady energy, and helps maintain weight, muscle tone & overall wellbeing.
Completely free from molasses, alfalfa & fillers. It`s science-backed nutrition your horse deserves.
Tap the link in bio to learn more!
Stockley Trading have been trusted Pure Feed stockists for many years, with teams in Littlehampton and Midhurst who hold exceptional technical knowledge of our full range. Whether you need support with condition, energy levels, weight management or specific ingredients, they can guide you to the right feed with confidence!
And of course, while we were at the Littlehampton store, we couldn’t resist topping up on some Pure Treats and a bag of Pure Easy!
Stockley Trading have been trusted Pure Feed stockists for many years, with teams in Littlehampton and Midhurst who hold exceptional technical knowledge of our full range. Whether you need support with condition, energy levels, weight management or specific ingredients, they can guide you to the right feed with confidence!
And of course, while we were at the Littlehampton store, we couldn’t resist topping up on some Pure Treats and a bag of Pure Easy!
Even in Winter, horses lose electrolytes through sweat - especially during schooling, jumping or fast work ❄️
Pure Refuel replaces what’s lost, fast, supporting hydration, muscle function and recovery when your horse needs it most!
@swintonequestrian shows us her routine: tack up, train, Refuel 🩵
Even in Winter, horses lose electrolytes through sweat - especially during schooling, jumping or fast work ❄️
Pure Refuel replaces what’s lost, fast, supporting hydration, muscle function and recovery when your horse needs it most!
@swintonequestrian shows us her routine: tack up, train, Refuel 🩵
Have you noticed your older horse struggle with chaff? Our Veteran Pellets deliver all the benefits of a chaff-based feed squished into a pellet! Even better they soak down into an easy to eat mash, perfect for horses who struggle with chewing!
#purefeed #thepurefeedcompany #allyoufeedislove #equinenutrition
Have you noticed your older horse struggle with chaff? Our Veteran Pellets deliver all the benefits of a chaff-based feed squished into a pellet! Even better they soak down into an easy to eat mash, perfect for horses who struggle with chewing!
#purefeed #thepurefeedcompany #allyoufeedislove #equinenutrition
Pure Veteran Mix is specifically formulated with older horses in mind - low in sugar and starch, medium calorie, and fully nutritionally balanced, it helps keep your horse feeling their best every day. As part of our complete feed range, nothing else is needed! Just one scoop delivers essential vitamins and minerals, fibre, and slow-release energy. Easy to feed, irresistibly tasty, and with soft, chewable chaff, Pure Veteran Mix ensures your horse won’t leave a bite behind 🩵
Pure Veteran Mix is specifically formulated with older horses in mind - low in sugar and starch, medium calorie, and fully nutritionally balanced, it helps keep your horse feeling their best every day. As part of our complete feed range, nothing else is needed! Just one scoop delivers essential vitamins and minerals, fibre, and slow-release energy. Easy to feed, irresistibly tasty, and with soft, chewable chaff, Pure Veteran Mix ensures your horse won’t leave a bite behind 🩵
You don’t have to take our word for it, just listen to the people who use it every day!
Our brand ambassadors share what makes Pure Feed different: it’s simple, time-saving, and gives their horses everything they need in one complete feed. No endless supplements, no complicated routines, just proven results and happier horses.
If you’re ready to simplify your feeding routine, start with a free Pure Feed diet plan today and see the difference for yourself 🩵
You don’t have to take our word for it, just listen to the people who use it every day!
Our brand ambassadors share what makes Pure Feed different: it’s simple, time-saving, and gives their horses everything they need in one complete feed. No endless supplements, no complicated routines, just proven results and happier horses.
If you’re ready to simplify your feeding routine, start with a free Pure Feed diet plan today and see the difference for yourself 🩵
Do you know how much your horse actually weighs?
There are a few different ways to find out:
• Weighbridge – the most accurate method.
• Weigh tape – handy and affordable, but results can vary.
• Measurements & calculations – a useful estimate if no other tools are available.
👉 Knowing your horse’s weight can help you:
• Feed the correct daily ration
• Dose wormers accurately
• Track changes in condition over time, for example, spotting weight loss before it’s obvious.
However, weight isn’t the whole picture. A horse’s health and performance are better reflected by a combination of weight, body condition scoring, and muscle tone. A fit eventer and a good doer native might weigh the same but look very different!
📏 Do you regularly weigh your horse or use a weigh tape?
#purefeed #thepurefeedcompany #allyoufeedislove #equinenutrition
Do you know how much your horse actually weighs?
There are a few different ways to find out:
• Weighbridge – the most accurate method.
• Weigh tape – handy and affordable, but results can vary.
• Measurements & calculations – a useful estimate if no other tools are available.
👉 Knowing your horse’s weight can help you:
• Feed the correct daily ration
• Dose wormers accurately
• Track changes in condition over time, for example, spotting weight loss before it’s obvious.
However, weight isn’t the whole picture. A horse’s health and performance are better reflected by a combination of weight, body condition scoring, and muscle tone. A fit eventer and a good doer native might weigh the same but look very different!
📏 Do you regularly weigh your horse or use a weigh tape?
#purefeed #thepurefeedcompany #allyoufeedislove #equinenutrition
Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean your horse isn’t sweating!
Recovery mashes aren`t just a summer gimmick; winter training pushes muscles, burns energy, and makes your horse lose vital nutrients, just like in summer. Your horse still loses essential electrolytes in sweat, muscles still burn, and the whole body is working hard.
Pure Refuel is formulated to give your horse the support they need after training hard:
Electrolytes to replace what sweat takes out and keep hydration balanced.
Antioxidants to combat exercise-induced stress and speed recovery.
Key amino acids to maintain muscle, support strength, and keep your horse in peak condition.
Plus Refuel tastes irresitble, soaks in 5 minutes, and is suitable for horses with EMS, ulcers and Cushings! 🍒
#allyoufeedislove #purefeed #thepurefeedcompany #equinenutrition
Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean your horse isn’t sweating!
Recovery mashes aren`t just a summer gimmick; winter training pushes muscles, burns energy, and makes your horse lose vital nutrients, just like in summer. Your horse still loses essential electrolytes in sweat, muscles still burn, and the whole body is working hard.
Pure Refuel is formulated to give your horse the support they need after training hard:
Electrolytes to replace what sweat takes out and keep hydration balanced.
Antioxidants to combat exercise-induced stress and speed recovery.
Key amino acids to maintain muscle, support strength, and keep your horse in peak condition.
Plus Refuel tastes irresitble, soaks in 5 minutes, and is suitable for horses with EMS, ulcers and Cushings! 🍒
#allyoufeedislove #purefeed #thepurefeedcompany #equinenutrition
All-in-one feed = less clutter, fewer feed bins and less time in the feed room 🩵
🥣 Meadow Mash = box rest saviour!
Tara might wear more than she eats, but this simple feed was a real game changer for her. During a period of box rest she started refusing her normal hay, which made it tricky to keep her fibre intake and hydration levels up.
Enter Meadow Mash. Its soft, soaked fibre was easy for her to eat, helped her stay hydrated, and most importantly, kept her gut moving when she needed it most!
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #dietplan #equinenutrition
🥣 Meadow Mash = box rest saviour!
Tara might wear more than she eats, but this simple feed was a real game changer for her. During a period of box rest she started refusing her normal hay, which made it tricky to keep her fibre intake and hydration levels up.
Enter Meadow Mash. Its soft, soaked fibre was easy for her to eat, helped her stay hydrated, and most importantly, kept her gut moving when she needed it most!
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #dietplan #equinenutrition
When Meadow Mash just tastes that good 👅
Did you know you can feed up to 1 kg per 100kg body weight of the horse per day!
Designed to mimic the nutritional value of hay, Pure Meadow Mash is suitable for a variety of horses, from older horses with poor dentition to competition horses needing extra fibre and hydration. It can be used as a partial hay replacer and soaks in just 5 minutes 🙌
📍to find your nearest stockist, head on over to our interactive map on our website.
#purefeed #allyoufeedislove #thepurefeedcompany #equinenutrition
When Meadow Mash just tastes that good 👅
Did you know you can feed up to 1 kg per 100kg body weight of the horse per day!
Designed to mimic the nutritional value of hay, Pure Meadow Mash is suitable for a variety of horses, from older horses with poor dentition to competition horses needing extra fibre and hydration. It can be used as a partial hay replacer and soaks in just 5 minutes 🙌
📍to find your nearest stockist, head on over to our interactive map on our website.
#purefeed #allyoufeedislove #thepurefeedcompany #equinenutrition
Pure Meadow Mash is a versatile, fibre-rich feed designed to be fed soaked. While many horses enjoy it simply as part of their daily routine, it’s particularly valuable in situations where fibre quality, hydration, or digestive health need extra support.
When would I need to feed meadow mash?
1️⃣As a hay replacer for horses with dental issues
2️⃣ When pasture or hay quality is poor
3️⃣ For horses prone to laminitis
4️⃣ To encourage drinking and improve hydration
5️⃣ When travelling long distances
💻Learn more about Meadow Mash on our website – link in bio.
#purefeed #allyoufeedislove #thepurefeedcompany #equinenutrition #meadowmash
Pure Meadow Mash is a versatile, fibre-rich feed designed to be fed soaked. While many horses enjoy it simply as part of their daily routine, it’s particularly valuable in situations where fibre quality, hydration, or digestive health need extra support.
When would I need to feed meadow mash?
1️⃣As a hay replacer for horses with dental issues
2️⃣ When pasture or hay quality is poor
3️⃣ For horses prone to laminitis
4️⃣ To encourage drinking and improve hydration
5️⃣ When travelling long distances
💻Learn more about Meadow Mash on our website – link in bio.
#purefeed #allyoufeedislove #thepurefeedcompany #equinenutrition #meadowmash
Meet Ellis also known as @equiellis 👋
Ellis competes across Working Hunter, showjumping, dressage, and eventing. She keeps her horses in top condition by feeding a variety of Pure Feed mixes, including Easy, Stud, Veteran, and Performance – tailored to each horse’s needs.
Want to know which feed could work best for your horse? 📋 Try our free diet plan service today via the link in our bio.
#purefeed #poweredbypurefeed #allyoufeedislove #thepurefeedcompany #equinenutrition
Meet Ellis also known as @equiellis 👋
Ellis competes across Working Hunter, showjumping, dressage, and eventing. She keeps her horses in top condition by feeding a variety of Pure Feed mixes, including Easy, Stud, Veteran, and Performance – tailored to each horse’s needs.
Want to know which feed could work best for your horse? 📋 Try our free diet plan service today via the link in our bio.
#purefeed #poweredbypurefeed #allyoufeedislove #thepurefeedcompany #equinenutrition
#throwback to the weekend, the team enjoyed their time at Broadway ODE @horse_event5 ☀️
Did you get a free sample of Pure ReFuel? If yes you can enter our giveaway! At the end of the season we will be picking one person to win a bundle worth up to £200 including a money can’t buy, Pure Feed saddle pad 🩵
To enter, post a picture or video of your horse eating refuel at horse events, tag us and use the hashtags #refuelwithpurefeed #purefeedhorseevents
Don’t panic, there’s still time to enter.
Good luck! 🍀
#throwback to the weekend, the team enjoyed their time at Broadway ODE @horse_event5 ☀️
Did you get a free sample of Pure ReFuel? If yes you can enter our giveaway! At the end of the season we will be picking one person to win a bundle worth up to £200 including a money can’t buy, Pure Feed saddle pad 🩵
To enter, post a picture or video of your horse eating refuel at horse events, tag us and use the hashtags #refuelwithpurefeed #purefeedhorseevents
Don’t panic, there’s still time to enter.
Good luck! 🍀
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