By: Ofelia Del Principe
Feeding horses in the age of over-information and internet “experts” isn’t easy. As riders and caretakers,
we want to support our horses’ physiology and performance, but conflicting advice is everywhere –
especially as horses move up the levels.
Working with a qualified equine nutrition professional – independent or through a reputable feed
company – can help cut through the noise. As an independent equine nutrition consultant and eventing
enthusiast, I see some continuing threads. Here are five of the most common feeding mistakes for
upper-level eventers – and how to fix them.
1. Unbalanced diets and overuse of supplements
Horses require specific amounts of protein, vitamins, and minerals, even at maintenance. These needs
increase with workload and body weight, and while a horse may look good and even perform well in the
short-term, imbalances can quietly affect topline strength, muscle recovery, hoof and hair health, and
overall performance.
The fix:
When concerns arise, I see many riders reach for supplements. But without a properly balanced
foundation, this can be unnecessary and sometimes even unsafe. Oversupplementation (think selenium or
in the case of heat stress risk, excess protein) can create real problems. More isn’t always better.
Start with forage, then add a ration balancer or concentrate designed to meet nutrient requirements.
Following feed tag directions can work with reputable brands, but many horses benefit from a more
tailored approach. Work with a professional to ensure your program truly fits your horse.
2. Not maximizing forage
Most riders understand that fiber supports gastrointestinal health – but it’s also the horse’s primary energy
source. When forage is lacking in quality, quantity, or consistency, both GI health and energy level can
suffer.
The fix:
Take a discerning look at your forage. A representative hay analysis, taken via hay probe, is the most
accurate way to determine nutrient content and can guide the rest of the diet. For a nutrition professional
balancing your horse’s diet, this is far superior than relying on nutrient averages that may not reflect your
actual hay.Also evaluate quantity. Most horses should consume 1.5-2% of body weight in forage daily. For a 1,250
lb horse, that’s roughly 19-25 lbs. Weighing hay – even periodically to check flake size – improves
consistency and prevents under- or overfeeding.
Forage can also be adjusted strategically:
● Keep alfalfa or a grass-alfalfa mix on-hand for those with higher calorie needs
● Swap a portion of long-stem hay for low-bulk forage pellets/cubes to resolve fecal water or
diarrhea in an otherwise healthy horse
● Source more digestible hay for those with a hay belly, especially when other causes have been
ruled out (e.g. lack of core training)
Your forage should be working for you – as the cornerstone of both your horse’s basic health and the
foundation of performance.
3. Suboptimal management of body condition
A body condition score (BCS) of 5-5.5 on the Henneke scale is ideal for upper-level eventers. Horses are
frequently mis-scored, though, and fed incorrectly as a result.
When under a score of 5 (visible ribs), the body focuses on using insufficient calories for the most basic
physiological functions – rather than receiving enough for both basic functions and intense exercise.
Areas like topline strength, muscle recovery, immune function, thermoregulation, and wound healing (if
relevant) can be compromised. Ribbiness does not equate to fitness. Conversely, overweight horses (BCS
> 6) face increased strain on joints and soft tissue, heat intolerance, and a predisposition to metabolic
disorders.
Changes in workload can complicate matters – horses often lose weight peak-season or gain during
downtime.
The fix:
Learn to accurately use the Henneke body condition scoring system. Track your horse monthly using a
combination of scoring, weight taping, and side profile photos.
Make proactive adjustments:
● Increase calories when subtle weight loss begins
● Scale back during rest periods without removing the high quality protein, vitamins, and minerals
your horse needs year round.
Good record-keeping makes future adjustments easier and more precise – keeping our equine partners
healthy and happy is a constant learning experience and a mid-season adjustment that worked well last
year can better inform this year.4. Using the wrong energy sources
Horses get energy from fiber, fat, and non-structural carbohydrates. Using a combination that doesn’t
work for an individual horse leads to less than ideal rideability and stamina, and for some horses, serious
health issues. Protein, despite common belief, is a poor energy source.
The fix:
Start with forage. If that’s maximized (often 2%+ of body weight), adjust energy sources based on the
individual horse.
● Fat provides slow, steady energy and is ideal for horses who already tend to be hot. Sources
include vegetable oils, rice bran, fat supplements (often extruded), and high-fat performance
feeds.
● Non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs) provide quicker energy and can help horses needing
more “spark,” but should be used carefully to preserve hindgut health. Even moderate amounts
can be problematic for horses with carbohydrate sensitivities – those with PPID (formerly called
“Cushing’s”), insulin dysregulation, certain muscle myopathies, and in some cases, gastric ulcers.
Sources include some performance feeds (20%+ NSC) or cereal grains.
Introduce changes in small amounts and gradually. Some horses need more fuel for cross-country; others
need less reactivity in dressage. Finding the right balance can take a bit of experimentation.
5. Appetite or GI troubles during travel and competition
Many horses that eat well at home become picky or unsettled at shows. Changes in daily
routine/environment, turnout, and especially forage can disrupt both appetite and GI health.
The fix:
Prioritize consistency. The most overlooked change is forage, especially when switching hay.
● Bring as much hay from home as possible
● Transition slowly when changes are unavoidable
● Keep grain and feeding routines consistent
Be a detective about your horse’s quirks and preferences. Experiment at home to find an alfalfa or other
especially tasty forage option that can be included in your horse’s daily diet but increased carefully if their
appetite dips for regular hay when on the road. I’d much rather see a diet adjustment like this than a
completely novel forage added or for a horse’s forage intake to really wane.
For additional – but not substitutional – support, a well-formulated pre/probiotic can help, and in some
cases, a conversation with your veterinarian about medications like Gastroguard and sucralfate.Final Thoughts
These feeding mistakes are common across all levels but the stakes become higher at the top of the sport.
While good nutrition isn’t a panacea – and most often takes time to see changes – it’s a major piece of the
puzzle needed to keep your equine partner happy and successful. Work with a qualified professional to
delve into the nuances of your horse’s diet – whether from a reputable feed company or an independent
specialist. For those with sponsorships, especially from supplement companies, investing in an outside,
independent opinion can be particularly valuable to ensure diets remain balanced and rooted in the current
science. With a meticulous, individualized approach, feeding becomes less about guesswork – and more
about supporting an elite equine athlete.
