Working horses is all about energy. The right amount of energy to jump the course or perform the test. However, energy can also be a stumbling block. Your horse may be too lethargic, be too “fizzy” at the beginning of training, or not have enough energy to make it through to the end. All these scenarios have one common thread: an imbalance in energy. In this issue of Science Sunday, our experts will discuss and explain this problem! What is energy? How does one discern between energy, temperament, and physical fitness ? What role do diet and management play? And, last of all, how to perk up a lethargic horse, and calm a fizzy one? Move up or down a gear!
An extremely energetic horse is not automatically an extremely fit horse. This must be made clear. There is a distinction to be made between temperament (almost always “hot”) and energy level (extremely fit). Energy, temperament, and fitness are all closely related. Don’t mistake energy forstamina! The energy level can be influenced by the diet. Stamina is improved through training. Proper management of a horse’s energy level requires some basic knowledge about whatenergy really is.
What is energy?
It’s important to know what a horse needs energy for:
- For “maintenance”, i.e. normal body functions, voluntary activity.
- For the ability to work.
- For the ability to move with power.
Energy is the result of burning energy sources (ATP), supplying energy to the horse’s body. In horses, there are two kinds of energy systems: aerobic and anaerobic energy. The biggest difference between these two systems is the presence (or absence) of oxygen. Oxygen is always present in aerobic activity; the horse can typically sustain aerobic activity longer . Anaerobic activity is short, high-power performance that the horse can’t maintain for long, as the muscles will otherwise produce lactic acid due to the lack of oxygen.
This is important basic knowledge – because as you can see in the illustration, these two types of energy systems involve combustion of different nutrients. Fats and carbohydrates provide energy for long, aerobic activity . Anaerobic combustion is fuelled by carbohydrates only. This is simply because these nutrients deliver the fastest energy. Sugar and muscle glycogen are the main carbohydrates used for energy. In the illustration you can see how the energy of a horse corresponds with the duration of the physical activity.
Energy involves balance
A horse needs enough energy to maintain good health and support optimal performance. This energy needs to be obtained from the feed. The amount of energy needed varies from horse to horse and naturally depends on the workload. In order to maintain body weight and have sufficient energy to sustain the workload, the horse needs to ingest the same amount of energy as he burns. This is called energy balance. If the horse takes in more energy than it uses, it will most likely gain weight over time. The equine body can convert feeds like roughage and concentrates to produce ATP, the fuel for muscles. This illustration shows how it works.
Roughage as base feed
Roughage is the foundation of a horse’s diet. But how does it provide energy? Fibre from roughage is broken down in the large intestine by the microbes. This is called fermentation. It results in the release of volatile fatty acids (VFA’s). This process takes between 30 to 48 hours. The VFA’s enter the blood, and the horse can use them as a source of energy. Roughage is a good energy source for prolonged physical activity . Roughage is an important source of fibre and energy but does not supply enough of certain vitamins and minerals. Although these nutrients are not direct sources of energy, they do play an essential role in energy metabolism . A deficiency or imbalance of micronutrients can lead to health problems and decreased performance over time. Vitamins and minerals help with transport of energy units, support energy metabolism, maintain the body’s hydration status, and prevent muscle cramps. That’s why it’s important to feed your horse a complementary feed or supplement with vitamins and minerals in addition to good roughage.
Too much energy or too much temperament?
What about horses that look energetic and have a hot temperament, but lack true energy? Horses that are energetic at the start of work but don’t have enough power to complete the task are lacking energy. You can’t change a horse’s temperament, but you can adjust its diet to best suit its temperament. For example, feeding a horse that easily gets “hot or fizzy” concentrates consisting of slow-release energy sourceswill help minimize this excitability. Giving the horse the wrong feed (or too much of it) can exacerbate this excitability or even make the horse lazy.
Move up a gear!
You’d like to motivate a horse with a naturally lazy attitude to be a little fresher during his training. You know that the horse is getting sufficient energy from the diet to perform the work demanded of him, and yet as his rider you’re noticing a certain lack of drive. The right feed will have an effect on this and can make a lazy horse more energetic. The horse must simply convert the provided energy sources into actual energy. Feeding your horse a product that provides more faster energy sources will give your horse an energy peak during training. You can also give him a supplement that provides a mental energy boost. Additional vitamins and minerals are not necessary, as the horse has sufficient sources of energy and can convert these; it just needs to be encouraged to use its energy.
Gear up vs slow down, character has a big influence!
Move down a gear…
The opposite of a lazy horse is one that is a little too “hot”. First, find out if the horse simply has a hot temperament or if its feed is the culprit. “Hot” behaviour can be divided into two categories: 1. Too much mental energy (i.e. temperament or stress) and 2. too much physical energy (i.e. supplied by the feed) .
Too much energy from feed is easier to fix than too much energy from temperament or stress. Overfeeding is a common issue today and can lead to other problems. If you make sure to feed your horse only the amount that it needs and can digest, you’re already well on your way to solving the problem. Feeding your horse enough roughage will give your horse satisfaction and prevent it from getting bored and too stressed. Hot tempered horses also often suffer from poor gut health which increases stress and anxious behaviour. Providing these horses with plenty of roughage is essential to stimulate a healthy, happy gut and calmer behaviour. Good energy sources for “temperamental” horses are feeds that are lower in starch and sugar and higher in fat and fibre. The latter components will ensure a slower energy release.
Feedingcauses blood sugar levels to rise (eventually), but stress will do this as well. Spikes in blood sugar therefore might not be caused by feed, but by stress. If your horse then also eats a high-sugar, high-starch feed, his blood sugar will rise to unhealthy levels. The right feed can prevent blood sugar spikes. Make sure your hot horse is getting enough exercise, and a high-fibre/higher fat diet for slow-release energy will help with excitable behaviour. The energy system works at a higher level in horses that are mentally excited through stress or anxiety. This results in the horse having far too much energy, especially at the start of the work. Fortunately, there are nutrients that have positive effects on stress. Magnesium helps to regulate heart rate and blood pressure, as well as relax muscles. B vitamins are important for the nerves, whilst tryptophan promotes relaxation and is one of the building blocks of serotonin. Certain herbs like calendula, lavender, and barberry also help horses to relax.
Feeding times
Keep in mind that feeding times also influence energy peaks significantly. Nutrients are absorbed by the equine body in different ways. Horses have two different digestive processes: enzymatic digestion in the small intestine and fermentation in the large intestine. Enzymatic digestion involves the conversion of sugar and starch into glucose and fat into fatty acids by enzymes. Feeds with energy from sugar and starch (like puffed cereals) provide fast energy and deliver an energy peak two to three hours after feeding. This is attributed to a rise in blood sugar, giving your horse a real energy boost. Fatty acids also enter the bloodstream from the small intestine but get burned more slowly by the tissues compared to glucose.
Fermentation involves the conversion of fibre into volatile fatty acids by microbes. Feeds that are high in fat and fibre release energy gradually without peaks. This is the energy needed for prolonged physical activity .
But when is the right time? Use a feed plan that consistently provides your horse with several small meals daily. The equine digestive system is built to break down food all day. Should the system come to a stop, the horse may suffer from colic, gastric ulcers, or other problems. Give your horse concentrates two to three hours before work. It can’t be repeated enough – the foundation for all horse feed rations is roughage.. So feed your horse roughage first, then concentrates. Concentrate feeds will elevate glucose levels in the blood and deliver the desired energy boost needed for work. For longer activities, you can help sustain your horse’s energy levels by feeding concentrates higher in fat and fibre. Be mindful that it will take six to eight weeks before you see results of changing your horse’s energy sources in the diet.
Our feed experts give advice on optimising your horse’s energy level!
Of course, the starting point for energy optimisation is a healthy horse that is free from disease or pain and has a healthy digestive system. Always consult a veterinarian if any underlying problems are expected when the horse suddenly has no energy.
If your horse is healthy, these are some tips for optimising your horse’s energy level.
First and foremost, make sure that the amount of energy from the diet meets the needs of your horse. Too little or too much will affect how the horse feels during exercise. Secondly, it is important the diet is balanced not only for energy but more importantly for vitamins and mineral because these micronutrients will determine whether the energy nutrients can effectively be burned by the working muscles. Thirdly, make sure the energy comes from easily digestible sources that the horse can efficiently convert to ATP, these include grains, fats and good quality fibres. When choosing grains, preferably use processed grains like puffed cereals as these are much more easily digestible and deliver more energy for the horse with less risk of intestinal problems. Lastly, feed as you need and pick the correct energy sources depending on your horse’s needs and temperament. Fast energy sources like starch and sugar if more explosive energy is needed or slower energy sources like fats and fibre when more sustained energy is needed. If you’re unsure whether your horse is receiving all necessary nutrients, consult with one of our nutrition advisors.
Easily digestible energy sources from concentrates
Cavalor Superforce is an ideal feed for power and explosive energy. Cavalor Superforce was specially developed to supplement the daily feed of horses that need extra energy for sport. Horses need starch and sugar from concentrate feed for the energy to deliver explosive power. Cavalor Superforce is a unique blend of balanced Omega fatty acids, high-quality vitamins and minerals, trace elements, and puffed cereals that the body can easily digest.
Does your horse have too much energy? Then consider Cavalor Fiberforce. This high-fibre muesli mix is made from long fibres and is low in sugar and starch. Its easily digestible fibres ensure a balanced gut function. More fibre means healthier digestion! It also provides slow-release energy for prolonged work.
Complementary feeds for an extra energy boost
Cavalor Kick Up is a feed supplement that delivers quick extra energy for short periods. It gives your horse a kick of extra energy. Feed your horse 50 ml of Cavalor Kick Up in the evening and morning before a competition. Its amino acids in combination with fast-energy sugars and yeast ensure a real energy explosion. Another energy booster is the aptly named Cavalor An Energy Boost. This feed contains electrolytes and amino acids to assist the healing process after hard work. An Energy Boost delivers sugar to the horse’s body for better absorption of electrolytes as well as the fast energy needed during exercise. We recommend a half tube before and a half tube after work.
Taking it easy
For horses that have excess energy from stress, there’s also an assortment of products that can help. Cavalor Calm is a complementary feed that’s ideal for young, easily spooked horses. Its calming properties enhance the horse’s well-being. Cavalor Calm can be used daily. When administered over long periods of time, we advise that you add a break to the regimen every four weeks. This will keep the horse from getting habituated to the product. Cavalor Pianissimo is made specially for horses that are under stress or are difficult to ride. Cavalor Pianissimo contains all the nutritional components a sport horse needs for a balanced and complete diet.
Want to know more about the right feed for your horse? At MyCavalor.com you can easily configure your horse’s feed ration to meet its requirements. Would you rather ask us directly? No problem, you can! Send an email to info@cavalor.com or call our Consumer Line at + 32 9 220 25 25.
