Nutrition and Feeding Management of Sport Horses – Part II

Ing. Lucie Humeni

Body Condition as an Indicator of Proper Feeding

Evaluating body condition using the BCS (Body Condition Score) scale is one of the most common ways to monitor whether a horse’s nutrition is properly balanced. In sport horses, optimal condition usually ranges between BCS 4 and 6. Endurance, eventing, and racehorses are often maintained at the lower end of this range (BCS 4–5), while show jumping and dressage horses are typically kept at moderate values and may appear somewhat “fuller” (BCS 5–6).

When assessing a horse’s body condition, it is always necessary to consider not only the sport discipline but also the horse’s individual conformation. In addition to BCS, we also evaluate MCS (Muscle Condition Score), which assesses and monitors the level of muscle tissue.

Feeding and Water Management

Besides the composition of the feed ration, the method of feeding is also of fundamental importance. Horses are animals that are sensitive to routine and changes; therefore, their feeding regime should be stable and predictable.

Larger amounts of concentrated feed should be divided into several smaller portions throughout the day. Feeding concentrates immediately before or after work is not recommended, nor is feeding them before roughage.

Roughage should be available to the horse in sufficient quantities without restriction, and ideally it should be offered before concentrates.

Hydration is equally important. Horses must have constant access to clean, fresh water. During higher workloads and in warm weather, water consumption increases significantly. The horse can be offered water shortly after work, but in smaller amounts at first.

For horses exposed to higher workloads or high temperatures, it is also appropriate to include electrolytes. These should be administered either several hours before exercise or after it, but always after the intake of roughage, in order to reduce the risk of gastric ulcers.

Any changes in the feed ration should be introduced gradually, over at least seven to fourteen days, so that the digestive system (especially the microorganisms living in it) has enough time to adapt to the new diet.

Conclusion

A properly chosen energy source forms the foundation for achieving the desired performance, while well-planned feeding and watering management is essential for maintaining the health of a sport horse. Proper nutrition can significantly support performance; however, it cannot by itself influence the horse’s natural abilities, temperament, or replace systematic and carefully guided training. This must always be taken into account.

Source: Presentation Management and Feeding of Sport Horses, Ing. Lucie Humeni, seminar in Kladruby nad Labem, October 2024.