A Guide to Equine Supplements for Top–Level performance 

Supplementing for Success During Training

Success in equine performance hinges on balance and precision. Every choice has its trade-offs, and the key to excellence lies in finding the right equilibrium. This principle applies to various facets of an equine athlete’s life, including training routines, event selection, and nutrition.

The adage “you are what you eat” takes on added significance for performance horses. Their rigorous physical demands necessitate specific nutritional requirements. While the overall diet is crucial, fine-tuning nutrition can make all the difference in top-level competition, where small margins can lead to success or failure.

Careful and strategic supplementation can provide the competitive edge. By delivering targeted nutritional components, tailored to support distinct phases and aspects of a performance horse’s regimen, equine athletes can conserve energy and ensure a constant supply of essential compounds. This, in turn, enables them to consistently perform at their best.

Supplementation should be a well-planned strategy directed at specific health and performance objectives:

1. Energy Sources for Horses

Energy isn’t merely about calories; the source of energy can impact performance due to various metabolic processes in the body. The primary nutritional energy sources are fibre, starch/sugar, and fats. Each is important, but for athletic performance, it’s essential to match the energy levels in the diet with the horse’s specific needs. For instance, a highly excitable horse may benefit from a diet that primarily provides energy from fibre and oil, referred to as ‘slow release’ energy sources.

4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids for horses

Horses in the Middle East often lack omega-3 fatty acids in their diets. Performance horses often consume more cereal grains, which are higher in omega-6 fatty acids. The ratio of these fatty acids in the diet is crucial, as omega-6 fatty acids are considered pro-inflammatory, while omega-3 fatty acids have potent anti-inflammatory properties. As many competition horses have a cereal-based diet, additional omega-3 supplement for horses is beneficial. This can lead to short-term benefits such as improved skin and coat condition and reduced skin allergies. Many Arabian showhorses have seen great benefits in condition and coat with omega-3 supplements. Over the long term, it may promote better hoof quality, joint health, respiratory health, and immune function.

6. Temperament

Mental strength is as vital as physical prowess for athletic success. Concentration and focus during training and performance are essential, yet some horses, particularly those that are young, inexperienced, or excitable, can easily become distracted. Supporting the nervous system and calming neural pathways can redirect a horse’s mental energy into performance, helping them reach their full potential.