Trainer: Christina Reynolds
Length: 11:43 Minutes
In this video, Christina Reynolds, PAS, explains that feeding sport horses is a little bit of art and a little bit of science, and is often customized for every individual. First and foremost, she notes how roughage should be the basis of every horse’s diet, comprising at least 1%-2% of forage per day. Concentrates are added to meet dietary requirements and support the horse’s physical demands of competition, and Reynolds advises owners to read their feed tags and follow manufacturer instructions. She also discusses the benefits of adding fat to a sport horse’s diet and outlines the importance of meeting a horse’s minimum mineral requirements; what may be physical signs of a diet lacking in certain nutrients; and how in some situations a ration balancer can help avoid deficiencies. Reynolds then points out how gut health impacts every aspect of a horse’s condition and performance, and how problems are often caused by stress and use of antibiotics. Finally, she explains why owners should make any necessary adjustments to a horse’s diet over a period of time and how to support a horse’s gut during times of injury recovery or rehabilitation.
Key Principles:
Feeding Basics
Fat Content
Minerals
Gut Health
Making Changes
This video is brought to you by Triple Crown, the Official Feed of US Equestrian.