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!

Horse eating from Pure Feed Re-Fuel bag with rider in navy jacket and helmet

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.