Feeding the competition horse

As with any athlete, the competition horse has specific dietary requirements, which will vary depending on the sport or activity. A race horse or showjumper’s requirement is for bursts of speed or power, cross country or endurance horses require more sustained energy. All will require a diet containing good quality protein, calories, vitamins and minerals, as well as fibre to allow the digestive system to work effectively and to ensure the horse is full up and his appetite met.

Why haylage is important in the competition horses diet.

As horses get fitter their nutritional requirements increase.  Trying to provide this through poor quality forage is not possible as the volumes needed will far out reach the horses appetite.  The other option is to dramatically increase the amount of hard or concentrate feed.  However, the higher levels of starch that this form of feeding provides can lead to many behavioural and health problems such as over excitement or Azoturia ‘tying up’.

Changing from hay to Easy Pack Haylage will benefit the competition horse in many ways;

• Low starch content will reduce behavioural problems.
• No dust, makes it safe for horses with respiratory problems, therefore no need for soaking which leaches nutritional value. 
• High water content aiding hydration and digestion.
• Good source of quality protein helping tissue maintenance and repair.
• Vitamins and minerals essential for good health are preserved by the sealed packaging.
• Full of fibre, essential for a healthy gut reducing stomach irritations such as gastric ulcers associated with high concentrate feeds.

A healthy happy horse will always perform better than one with behavioural or health problems. The health benefits of using haylage in order to reduce the quantity of hard feed required is endless, as your horse is being satisfied and occupied for longer this will greatly benefit both mind and body. 

Easy Pack Haylage comes in easy to carry bags making them ideal to use at home or away at competition.  Your horse will love the fresh sweet smell of Easy Pack Haylage but remember to spread your horses ration throughout the day to maximise on your horse’s ‘graze time’. A haylage net, which has smaller holes than a traditional hay net, will also make each portion last longer keeping your horse happy and entertained.  

The two types of competition haylage available are:

Meadow Grass
Medium protein and medium energy levels. 
Specially selected meadow grasses have been used to produce this sweet smelling haylage, high in fibre ensuring a healthy digestive system. Suitable for horses in light to medium work, including show horses.

Rye Grass
Medium protein and high energy levels. 
Specially selected Italian Rye grasses have been cultivated to produce a haylage high in fibre, as well as a good source of energy. Suitable for horses in hard work or competition, large breeds, horses requiring additional condition and breeding stock.