FEED ADVICE – DISCIPLINES
Ultimate Guide to Feeding a Show Horse
Feeding show horses requires a well-balanced diet tailored to their specific needs. Unlike horses used for leisure or light work, show horses face the unique demands of maintaining peak physical condition, a glossy coat, and the stamina necessary for performances. In this guide, we will explore the best practices for feeding show horses, ensuring they remain in top form for competition.
What is Showing?
Showing highlights a horse’s way of going, conformation, and turnout, with classes ranging from in-hand to ridden at all levels.
Horses need controlled calories from fibre and oil to maintain topline and shine without becoming excitable.
Quality protein, oils, and a balanced vitamin and mineral profile help promote coat condition and muscle tone.
A complete, fibre-based diet supports calm behaviour, digestive health, and that polished show ring appearance.
Understanding the Nutritional Needs of Show Horses
Show horses have distinct nutritional requirements, influenced by their breed, age, workload, and the demands of their discipline. The key goals in feeding a show horse are to:
Maintain Optimal Weight:
Show horses need to be neither too thin nor overweight. Achieving the ideal body condition score is crucial for aesthetics and performance.
Support Muscle Development:
High-quality protein is essential for muscle tone and recovery, especially for horses undergoing regular training.
Enhance Coat Condition:
A shiny, healthy coat is a sign of good nutrition and care. Specific nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, are vital in achieving this.
Provide Energy for Performance:
Show horses require a steady energy supply for training and competition without becoming too excitable or nervous.
Metabolic Requirements of Show Horses
Show horses have heightened metabolic demands due to the physical and mental stress of training and competition. Their energy needs are higher than those of horses at rest or in light work. To meet these demands, it’s important to provide a diet rich in both energy and essential nutrients. The primary sources of energy for show horses include carbohydrates, fats, and fibre:
Carbohydrates: Provide quick-release energy. However, too many simple carbohydrates (such as those found in cereals) can lead to excitability and digestive issues. It’s better to rely on complex carbohydrates from fibre sources.
Fats: Offer a concentrated source of energy and are ideal for slow-release energy, helping to maintain endurance without causing spikes in energy levels.
Proteins: Crucial for muscle development and repair. Show horses benefit from high-quality protein sources that supply essential amino acids necessary for muscle tone, recovery, and overall condition.
Key Components of a Show Horse’s Diet
Forage
High-Quality Hay: The foundation of any horse’s diet should be good-quality forage. For show horses, this means providing hay that is clean, free from dust, and rich in nutrients. Timothy and alfalfa are popular choices, offering a balance of fibre and protein.
Grass: If available, fresh grass provides a natural source of nutrition. However, it’s essential to monitor grazing to prevent overconsumption, especially in lush fields that may cause weight gain or exacerbate the risks of laminitis.
Hard Feed
Balancers: A high-specification feed balancer can be an excellent way to ensure that a show horse receives all the necessary vitamins, minerals, and amino acids without adding too many calories. Did you know that all our complete feeds already contain a balancer?
Conditioning Feeds: For horses that need to build or maintain condition, conditioning feeds are designed to provide extra calories through fats and fibres rather than starches, which can lead to excitability
Key Components of a Show Horse’s Diet
Protein Sources
Soybean Meal: High in essential amino acids, ideal for supporting muscle tone and recovery.
Linseed: Offers a balance of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, promoting both muscle health and coat condition.
Fat Sources
Oils: linseed oil provides a dense source of calories without increasing starch intake. It also contains a rich source of omega 3 for enhancing coat gloss!
Rice Bran: A popular feed additive, offering high fat content with additional protein and fibre.
Full-Fat Soya: Provides a combination of protein and fat, helping to support both muscle and energy levels.
Key Components of a Show Horse’s Diet
Supplements
Electrolytes: Especially important during the competition season, electrolytes help replenish salts lost through sweat during intense work.
Joint Support: Glucosamine, chondroitin, and other joint supplements can help support the long-term health of a horse’s joints, crucial for horses in demanding disciplines.
Skin and Coat Conditioners: Supplements rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can promote a shiny coat, while also supporting skin health. Adding a small amount of micronized linseed each day can help improve coat shine – check out our micronized linseed here!
Hydration
Always ensure that fresh, clean water is available. Hydration is critical, especially when travelling to shows or during warm weather.
Pure Feed has two different routes for hydration help – Meadow Mash and ReFuel! Both are made from micro quick soaking pellets that form tasty mashes! Meadow Mash can be fed at high volumes and only contains a pre and probiotic, whereas ReFuel is fed in smaller concentrated doses and contains all the ingredients your horse needs for recovery!
Feeding Tips for Show Horses
Energy Management: Opt for feeds that provide slow-release energy, helping to sustain your horse through long training sessions without causing spikes in energy levels.
Consistency is Key: Horses thrive on routine. Feed your show horse at the same times each day, and avoid sudden changes in diet, which can cause digestive upsets.
Monitor Body Condition: Regularly assess your horse’s body condition score (BCS). Adjust the diet as needed to maintain the ideal weight.
Manage Stress with Diet: If your horse becomes stressed during travel or at shows, consider feeds that include magnesium or other calming ingredients. However, always consult with your vet before adding new supplements.
Hear from the Expert – Ellis Grierson
Ellis Grierson is a successful show rider whose thoughtful approach to feeding plays a big part in her horses’ performance. In 2023, she and her 16-year-old pony Hummy took an impressive second place at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). Known for her dedication and strong bond with her horses, Ellis pays close attention to every part of their care – especially their nutrition.
Feeding to Support Performance
To keep Hummy in top condition throughout a busy show season, Ellis combines good-quality forage with carefully chosen hard feed. She feeds Pure Performance – our highest energy feed – to give Hummy the stamina and sparkle needed in the ring.
Oats give quick-release energy for instant performance.
Oil provides long-lasting, controlled power for stamina.
Fibre supports digestive health – essential during busy show days.
All-in-one formula keeps feeding simple and balanced.
Pure Performance also supports topline and muscle tone – vital for horses in the show ring where condition and appearance matter just as much as performance.
What We Recommend for Show Horses
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Made in the UK
We are proud to say that all of our feeds are produced here in the UK
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We use high-quality ingredients and no unnecessary additives.
Thousands of people love our feeds
We’re increasingly choosing less processed food for ourselves because we understand how additives can impact our digestive system and overall well-being. The same principle applies to our horses.
That’s why Pure Feed is mould inhibitor free.
Instead of relying on chemical preservatives, we prioritise ingredient quality, controlled storage, and specially produced porous bags to maintain freshness and nutritional integrity. This helps support the hindgut environment and avoids unnecessary exposure to additives that can disrupt the delicate balance of the equine microbiome.
👉 Switch to evidence-led feeding; discover the Pure Feed range now
We’re increasingly choosing less processed food for ourselves because we understand how additives can impact our digestive system and overall well-being. The same principle applies to our horses.
That’s why Pure Feed is mould inhibitor free.
Instead of relying on chemical preservatives, we prioritise ingredient quality, controlled storage, and specially produced porous bags to maintain freshness and nutritional integrity. This helps support the hindgut environment and avoids unnecessary exposure to additives that can disrupt the delicate balance of the equine microbiome.
👉 Switch to evidence-led feeding; discover the Pure Feed range now
Feeding your horse doesn’t have to be so confusing💡
A complete feed gives your horse everything they need in one scoop: gut-friendly fibre, energy, protein, vitamins & minerals, without the stress of juggling multiple buckets.
We have a complete feed for every horse:
✔ Good doers
✔ Poor doers
✔ Leisure or competition horses
✔ Sensitive or digestive-prone types
💬 Got a friend who overcomplicates feeding? Tag them!
Feeding your horse doesn’t have to be so confusing💡
A complete feed gives your horse everything they need in one scoop: gut-friendly fibre, energy, protein, vitamins & minerals, without the stress of juggling multiple buckets.
We have a complete feed for every horse:
✔ Good doers
✔ Poor doers
✔ Leisure or competition horses
✔ Sensitive or digestive-prone types
💬 Got a friend who overcomplicates feeding? Tag them!
Did you know that all of our complete feeds contain Vitamin A? 🧬
Essential for your horse’s health, vitamin A supports:
👀 Vision
🛡️ Immune system
✨ Skin, coat & mucous membranes
📈 Growth & reproduction
Even with good forage, intake can vary, our complete feeds provide consistent, bioavailable vitamin A every day.
💬 Questions about vitamins in your feed? Drop them below!
Did you know that all of our complete feeds contain Vitamin A? 🧬
Essential for your horse’s health, vitamin A supports:
👀 Vision
🛡️ Immune system
✨ Skin, coat & mucous membranes
📈 Growth & reproduction
Even with good forage, intake can vary, our complete feeds provide consistent, bioavailable vitamin A every day.
💬 Questions about vitamins in your feed? Drop them below!
Forget juggling powders, syrups, and electrolytes after every ride; Refuel makes recovery simple and effective in one complete feed.
Here’s what it does:
🔹 Replenishes electrolytes lost in sweat to support hydration and muscle function
🔹 Supports muscle repair with high-quality, digestible protein
🔹 Packed with antioxidants to reduce oxidative stress and speed recovery
Tap the link in bio to learn more about Refuel today!
Forget juggling powders, syrups, and electrolytes after every ride; Refuel makes recovery simple and effective in one complete feed.
Here’s what it does:
🔹 Replenishes electrolytes lost in sweat to support hydration and muscle function
🔹 Supports muscle repair with high-quality, digestible protein
🔹 Packed with antioxidants to reduce oxidative stress and speed recovery
Tap the link in bio to learn more about Refuel today!
🧬 Protein isn’t just protein 👉 it’s what builds muscle, improves topline & fuels recovery.
🔹Low levels of limiting amino acids like lysine, methionine & threonine can slow muscle repair
🔹 Highly digestible plant proteins fuel growth without overloading the gut
🔹 Optimised blends minimise metabolic stress and maximise efficiency
👉 Tap the link in bio to see how Pure Feed fuels performance at the molecular level 🐴💪
🧬 Protein isn’t just protein 👉 it’s what builds muscle, improves topline & fuels recovery.
🔹Low levels of limiting amino acids like lysine, methionine & threonine can slow muscle repair
🔹 Highly digestible plant proteins fuel growth without overloading the gut
🔹 Optimised blends minimise metabolic stress and maximise efficiency
👉 Tap the link in bio to see how Pure Feed fuels performance at the molecular level 🐴💪
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
🌾 Did you know our complete feeds contain grass chaff?
It’s not just there for bulk, it’s science-backed fibre that actively supports your horse’s digestive:
🧪 Digestible fibre (NDF) keeps the gut moving efficiently, supporting normal hindgut function.
🧬 Encourages chewing and saliva production, which helps buffer stomach acid and protect the stomach lining.
🦠 Fuels the hindgut microbiome, feeding beneficial bacteria for better fermentation and nutrient absorption.
Including grass chaff means your horse gets consistent, functional fibre every day, even when hay quality or availability varies.
🌾 Did you know our complete feeds contain grass chaff?
It’s not just there for bulk, it’s science-backed fibre that actively supports your horse’s digestive:
🧪 Digestible fibre (NDF) keeps the gut moving efficiently, supporting normal hindgut function.
🧬 Encourages chewing and saliva production, which helps buffer stomach acid and protect the stomach lining.
🦠 Fuels the hindgut microbiome, feeding beneficial bacteria for better fermentation and nutrient absorption.
Including grass chaff means your horse gets consistent, functional fibre every day, even when hay quality or availability varies.
Pure Condition Mix supports steady condition gain, using fibre and oil-based energy that fuels the body without over-exciting it.
🌱 Unmolassed sugar beet
Digestible fibre to help add condition and support the gut, no added sugar spikes.
🌰 Linseed
Supports muscle development, topline and coat condition with quality protein and oil.
💧 Rapeseed oil
Cool, calorie-dense energy to help increase condition efficiently.
⚖️ Non-fizz formula
Slow-release energy, ideal for horses that don’t cope with cereal-heavy feeds.
👉 Perfect for poor doers, horses needing topline support or those in hard work
Pure Condition Mix supports steady condition gain, using fibre and oil-based energy that fuels the body without over-exciting it.
🌱 Unmolassed sugar beet
Digestible fibre to help add condition and support the gut, no added sugar spikes.
🌰 Linseed
Supports muscle development, topline and coat condition with quality protein and oil.
💧 Rapeseed oil
Cool, calorie-dense energy to help increase condition efficiently.
⚖️ Non-fizz formula
Slow-release energy, ideal for horses that don’t cope with cereal-heavy feeds.
👉 Perfect for poor doers, horses needing topline support or those in hard work
What’s really happening inside your horse after exercise?
Work doesn’t just burn energy. It causes
👉 electrolyte loss through sweat
👉 oxidative stress in muscle cells
👉 micro-damage to muscle fibres that must be repaired
That’s why post-exercise recovery nutrition matters 👇
⚡ Electrolytes
Sweat removes sodium, potassium and chloride. Replacing them supports hydration, muscle contraction and nerve signalling; essential for proper recovery.
🧬 Antioxidants
Exercise increases free radicals. Antioxidants help neutralise these, supporting muscles and reducing post-work fatigue.
💪 Limiting amino acids
These are the critical building blocks for muscle repair. Without them, recovery and muscle adaptation are compromised, even if protein intake looks “adequate”.
What you feed after work influences how your horse feels tomorrow, next week and next season.
What’s really happening inside your horse after exercise?
Work doesn’t just burn energy. It causes
👉 electrolyte loss through sweat
👉 oxidative stress in muscle cells
👉 micro-damage to muscle fibres that must be repaired
That’s why post-exercise recovery nutrition matters 👇
⚡ Electrolytes
Sweat removes sodium, potassium and chloride. Replacing them supports hydration, muscle contraction and nerve signalling; essential for proper recovery.
🧬 Antioxidants
Exercise increases free radicals. Antioxidants help neutralise these, supporting muscles and reducing post-work fatigue.
💪 Limiting amino acids
These are the critical building blocks for muscle repair. Without them, recovery and muscle adaptation are compromised, even if protein intake looks “adequate”.
What you feed after work influences how your horse feels tomorrow, next week and next season.
Consistency = results.
Pure Feed complete feeds are built on the same foundation; Pure Balance + chaff + controlled energy, but tailored for every type of horse.
✅ Better digestion
✅ Steady, fibre-first energy
✅ Reliable results
No guesswork. No fillers. Just smart, simple feeding your horse will love.
🔗 Tap our bio to create your horse’s personalised diet plan today!
Consistency = results.
Pure Feed complete feeds are built on the same foundation; Pure Balance + chaff + controlled energy, but tailored for every type of horse.
✅ Better digestion
✅ Steady, fibre-first energy
✅ Reliable results
No guesswork. No fillers. Just smart, simple feeding your horse will love.
🔗 Tap our bio to create your horse’s personalised diet plan today!
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 🩵
Just because it`s Winter, your horse still needs their salt! Even in the cold, horses lose electrolytes through sweat, urine, and natural body processes. Salt is essential for hydration, healthy muscles, and proper nerve function, all key to keeping your horse feeling strong, comfortable, and performing at their best.
That’s why all Pure Feed complete feeds include the right amount of salt – taking the guesswork out of winter feeding. Simple, balanced, and formulated to support your horse every day of the year 💡
Just because it`s Winter, your horse still needs their salt! Even in the cold, horses lose electrolytes through sweat, urine, and natural body processes. Salt is essential for hydration, healthy muscles, and proper nerve function, all key to keeping your horse feeling strong, comfortable, and performing at their best.
That’s why all Pure Feed complete feeds include the right amount of salt – taking the guesswork out of winter feeding. Simple, balanced, and formulated to support your horse every day of the year 💡
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!
Thousands of owners have switched to Pure Feed, and now it’s your turn!
Fill out our diet plan form, and we’ll send you a personalised feed plan tailored to your horse’s weight, condition, and workload. Simple, science-backed, and designed to help your horse thrive 👉 link in bio 🩵
Thousands of owners have switched to Pure Feed, and now it’s your turn!
Fill out our diet plan form, and we’ll send you a personalised feed plan tailored to your horse’s weight, condition, and workload. Simple, science-backed, and designed to help your horse thrive 👉 link in bio 🩵
Horses with sensitive digestion or high energy levels need steady, balanced energy 🌿
Condition Mix is a slow-release energy feed that relies on fibre and oils, not sugar or cereals. Completely free from molasses and soya, it supports:
✅ Steady hindgut fermentation
✅ Stable blood glucose levels
✅ Topline and overall condition
Perfect for fizzy or sensitive horses, giving digestible, sustained energy while keeping the gut happy.
Science-backed nutrition your horse can thrive on. 🐴
Learn more in our link in bio!
Horses with sensitive digestion or high energy levels need steady, balanced energy 🌿
Condition Mix is a slow-release energy feed that relies on fibre and oils, not sugar or cereals. Completely free from molasses and soya, it supports:
✅ Steady hindgut fermentation
✅ Stable blood glucose levels
✅ Topline and overall condition
Perfect for fizzy or sensitive horses, giving digestible, sustained energy while keeping the gut happy.
Science-backed nutrition your horse can thrive on. 🐴
Learn more in our link in bio!
Minty, mashy goodness your horse won’t say no to 🌿✨
Pure Meadow Mash, our tasty, high-fibre hay replacer that makes even the pickiest eaters lick the bowl clean.
Perfect for warm mashes, replacing hay, boosting fibre, and tempting fussy horses.
Tap the link in our bio to find out more 🩵
Minty, mashy goodness your horse won’t say no to 🌿✨
Pure Meadow Mash, our tasty, high-fibre hay replacer that makes even the pickiest eaters lick the bowl clean.
Perfect for warm mashes, replacing hay, boosting fibre, and tempting fussy horses.
Tap the link in our bio to find out more 🩵
Trying to find an alfalfa-free feed for your horse? The entire Pure Feed range is alfalfa-free 🩵
Whether your horse is a sensitive good doer, laminitis-prone, or just needs a balanced, controlled diet, our alfalfa-free range delivers everything they need!
Take the guesswork out of feeding and explore the Pure Feed range today and see the difference gut-friendly, balanced nutrition can make!
Trying to find an alfalfa-free feed for your horse? The entire Pure Feed range is alfalfa-free 🩵
Whether your horse is a sensitive good doer, laminitis-prone, or just needs a balanced, controlled diet, our alfalfa-free range delivers everything they need!
Take the guesswork out of feeding and explore the Pure Feed range today and see the difference gut-friendly, balanced nutrition can make!
🩵 Shoutout to Avon Animal Feeds 🩵
Your go-to local hub for all things horsey and proud stockists of Pure Feed!
Whether you need a bag of your favourite feed, advice on what to try next, or just an excuse to browse… the team at Avon Animal Feeds has you covered!
📍 Pop in and support your local store
🛒 Grab your Pure Feed favourites
📲 Or head to our bio to visit our stockist map
🩵 Shoutout to Avon Animal Feeds 🩵
Your go-to local hub for all things horsey and proud stockists of Pure Feed!
Whether you need a bag of your favourite feed, advice on what to try next, or just an excuse to browse… the team at Avon Animal Feeds has you covered!
📍 Pop in and support your local store
🛒 Grab your Pure Feed favourites
📲 Or head to our bio to visit our stockist map
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