As the seasons change and workloads increase, it’s often the ideal time to review your horse’s feeding regime. Whether you’re bringing a horse back into work, building fitness ahead of the eventing season or managing weight at grass, feeding correctly for increased workload is essential.

British Eventing’s Official Feed Partner, Baileys Horse Feeds, offers expert guidance on what to feed, how to adjust rations and how to support performance horses nutritionally.  

Feeding Horses at Grass
When looking to cut costs and save time, it’s easy to stop “feeding” horses who are turned out full-time and meeting — or exceeding — their calorie requirements on spring grass.

However, Baileys’ extensive analysis of pasture and forage from across the UK reveals that modern hay, haylage and grazing are often deficient in minerals and frequently low in protein.

This makes a strong case for feeding a low-calorie balancer, such as Lo-Cal or Performance Balancer, to supply essential nutrients without adding unnecessary calories. A balancer ensures the horse is not missing out on key vitamins, minerals and quality protein while avoiding unwanted weight gain. Ponies, in particular, may survive on grass alone but, if performance is expected over the coming months, nutritional support now will help ensure strong hooves, good muscle tone and a healthy metabolism.  

Managing Weight: Calories In vs Calories Out
If a horse or pony needs to lose weight, they must burn more calories than they consume. If increased exercise alone does not achieve sufficient weight loss, pasture access may need to be managed through strip grazing, muzzling or turnout on poorer pasture.

Research shows that ponies, especially, may gorge if restricted for long periods, meaning they can consume just as much — if not more — in a shorter timeframe. During the early stages of returning to work, a resting diet may still suffice, provided a mix, cube or balancer is fed according to manufacturer recommendations. Underfeeding a fully balanced compound feed means the horse will not receive the recommended daily levels of vitamins, minerals and protein — levels calculated by independent scientists and adhered to by reputable feed manufacturers.  

Fully Balanced Diets for Working Horses
Based on scientific recommendations, mixes and cubes are formulated to provide a balance of vitamins, minerals, protein and calories when fed alongside forage and according to bodyweight and workload.

Balancers provide essential nutrients without significant calories. They are ideal as: ·       

• The sole concentrate for good-doers ·       
• An addition to reduced amounts of mix or cube
• A way to increase nutrient intake without increasing calories

As workload increases, so do requirements for vitamins, minerals and protein. Even if calorie needs are being met through body fat and forage, the diet must adapt to meet growing nutritional demands.

Protein is the main component of muscle and body tissue and is only supplied in limited amounts by forage. Working horses — particularly those building topline and strength — require appropriate protein intake.  


The Importance of Quality Protein
When feeding performance horses, protein quality matters as much as quantity. Protein is made up of amino acids, and certain “essential” amino acids — including methionine and lysine — must be supplied through the diet.

Good quality protein sources include: ·       

• Alfalfa      
• Micronised soya       
• Distillers’ grains

Choosing a feed formulated for the appropriate workload and containing quality protein sources should support muscle development and topline.

Correct training is also essential; nutrition and exercise work together to develop muscle appropriately.