| Performing horses are like human athletes. Like any | | | | need 2-3 cups of corn oil everyday to supply its |
| other athletes, these horses need our special attention | | | | dietary needs. |
| when it comes to food, fitness, and overall wellness. | | | | Keeping the Horse in Shape |
| These kinds of horses spend their days most of the | | | | Performance horses tend to be lazier if not trained or |
| time in training to prepare for different horse shows. | | | | handled properly. To keep these horses in tip top |
| The owners and handlers of these show horses | | | | condition there are several routines that must be |
| spend a lot of time, effort, and money just to make | | | | followed: |
| sure that they are in their best condition to win trophies | | | | To stay sound, performance horses must have regular |
| and pride during the competitions. | | | | shoeing at intervals of 4 to 6 weeks. |
| Diet for Performance Horses | | | | Aside from shoeing, there is footing routine that is |
| Performance horses require a special feeding program | | | | needed. Several types of footings may be used |
| to keep them at optimal condition. Unlike retired and | | | | depending on the sports that the horse may participate |
| pleasure horses, performance horses need around | | | | in. Horses that take part in dressage or jumping require |
| 9-11% more protein in their diets. Non-performance | | | | a consistent and solid footing. Make sure that the |
| horses only need around 8-10%. The extra amount of | | | | footing ground is free of rocks or any materials that |
| protein needed is for better muscle development and | | | | may present harm to the horse. |
| function of the horses. | | | | The legs of the horse must also be prepared and |
| Aside from the extra protein for the muscles, high | | | | protected when they do hard training or leg work. Leg |
| quality hay is also a vital part of their diet. Performance | | | | protections are a necessity to avoid injuries to their |
| horses are fed with hay around 3-4 times a day. A lot | | | | legs. Often, physical therapist specializing in horses will |
| of forage is also given to keep the horse grazing to | | | | recommend using simple boots that act like splints |
| decrease the risk of ulcers to which performance | | | | which will provide extra protection. |
| horses are prone to. | | | | Veterinarians also prescribe some medications to take |
| Like human athletes, performance horses also need | | | | care of the joints of the performance horses. These |
| supplements to further boost their health. Performance | | | | medicines help a lot to keep the joints strong but |
| horses are given alfalfa pellets or beef pulp as | | | | flexible since they are subjected to impact and stress |
| alternative to grains which often provide unnecessary | | | | during competitions. |
| carbohydrates. Technically, grains are not the main part | | | | There will be times that performance horses need help |
| of the diet because of its possible effects on the | | | | to feel better after a stressful event. Nowadays, there |
| horse's weight. | | | | are a lot of possible solutions to alleviate pain or |
| Not all performance horses though need to control | | | | improve the horse's condition. This is where massage |
| their weight, some need to gain weight to be perfect | | | | therapists, chiropractors, and acupuncturists which |
| for show competitions. Horse dietitians often use corn | | | | specialized in treating animals like horses come in |
| oil as additive to the horse's diet to help it gain the | | | | handy. |
| needed weight. Basically, a thousand pound horse may | | | | |