Racehorse feeding is a vital part of the overall care of a racehorse. Proper nutrition for racing horses is essential for performance, health and well-being, and is the responsibility of the owner, trainer, and the stable staff. Racehorses require an appropriate diet to perform at their best, and this diet should be tailored to their individual needs.
Types of Racehorse Feeds
Racehorses are typically fed a combination of concentrates and forage. Concentrates are high-energy feeds that provide the majority of the horse’s energy requirements, and forage is typically hay or pasture that provides fiber and other nutrients. Common concentrates fed to racehorses include grain, mashes, and pellets.
What to Consider When Feeding a Racehorse
When feeding a racehorse, there are several factors to consider, such as the individual horse’s age, size, breed, and activity level. In addition, environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and the availability of forage and water should also be taken into account.
Racehorse Feeding Guidelines
Adult Racehorse Feeding
For adult racehorses, the general recommendation is to feed between 2.5-3.5% of their body weight per day in dry feed. This should be split into two or more feedings per day, with smaller and more frequent feedings being better for the horse’s digestion and overall health.
Foal Feeding
Foals should be fed 1-2% of their body weight per day in dry feed. Foals should be fed more frequently than adult horses, usually at least three times per day. In addition, foals should also be offered a high-quality hay or pasture.
Performance Horse Feeding
Performance horses require a higher energy diet than other horses. The general recommendation is to feed 4-6% of the horse’s body weight per day in dry feed, divided into two or more feedings. Performance horses should also be offered free-choice hay or pasture.
How to Feed a Racehorse
Feeding Frequency
Racehorses should be fed at least twice a day, and preferably three times a day. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals is better for the horse’s digestion and overall health.
Feeding Time
Racehorses should be fed at regular times each day, usually at least two hours before exercising. This allows the horse to digest its feed and prevents them from becoming over-excited or stressed during exercise.
Feeding Amounts
Racehorses should be fed the correct amount of feed for their age, size, breed, and activity level. Overfeeding can lead to weight gain and health issues, while underfeeding can result in poor performance and health problems.
Feeding Supplements
In addition to providing a balanced diet, racehorses may require additional supplements to meet their nutritional needs. Common supplements include vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, and joint supplements. It is important to consult a vet or nutritionist when selecting supplements for a racehorse.
Feeding a Racehorse During Training
Racehorses in training typically require more energy than idle racehorses. The amount of feed should be increased to meet the extra energy demands of training, usually by increasing the amount of concentrates and/or adding additional energy supplements.
Feeding a Racehorse During Race Preparation
Before a race, racehorses should be fed a high-energy diet to ensure they have enough energy for the race. This should include a combination of concentrates and supplements, such as electrolytes, to provide an extra boost of energy.
Feeding a Racehorse After a Race
After a race, racehorses should be fed a diet that is low in energy but high in quality protein, vitamins, and minerals. This will help to replenish the horse’s energy stores and aid recovery.
Conclusion
Racehorse feeding is an important part of racehorse care and should be tailored to the individual horse’s needs. Racehorses should be fed the correct amount of feed for their age, size, breed, and activity level, and their diet should be adjusted for training and race preparation. A vet or nutritionist can help to ensure that your racehorse is receiving the correct nutrition for optimal performance, health, and well-being.