Winter feeding top tips for competition horses
As horses become stabled for extended periods of time, and are clipped out for competition, you may find excitable behaviour becomes more prevalent. Feeding a low starch, whole cereal free diet can help curb extra enthusiasm.
Balancers tend to be low in starch and sugar, and free from whole cereal, using oils and fibre as a form of slow release energy.
All Blue Chip balancers are molasses free, helping to curb fizzy behaviour.
If your horse has daily turnout, it’s still likely the grass will need supplementing with hay/haylage at this time of year, further supported by a balancer to make sure they continue to receive their daily needs of protein, vitamins, minerals and nutrients as this depletes in the grass.
Feed ad-lib fibre to help maintain a healthy digestive system, curb boredom, and to help keep your horse warm during colder weather.
Monitor your horse’s weight and condition weekly, as it can be hard to spot changes when you see your horse every day. Weigh tape on a weekly basis to note down average fluctuations, and catch weight gain/loss early.
Feed according to the work they are in, if your competition horses have a break over the winter months, make sure you adjust the feed accordingly and gradually. If your winter training steps up a level make sure you feed a professional grade balancer to assist their level of work.
All Blue Chip balancers are whole cereal and molasses free. Original, Pro, and our Super Concentrated range are all suitable for a low sugar and starch diet for competition horses.
We are always happy to offer nutritional advice for any of the balancers or supplements in our range. We are available on Facebook, Instagram, by email info@bluechipfeed.com and by phone 0114 266 6200.