Question
I am ready to start legging up my horse after his winter layoff. He has been off for about two months. Are there any nutritional considerations that will make this process more efficient and/or get better results?
Answer
Yes, nutrition should definitely be considered in the conditioning phase of the training program. As a horse begins a conditioning program, the skeletal, muscular, respiratory and immune systems must adapt to the stresses of training. Nutrition is very important to insure a favorable response. For example, exercise stimulates the bones of the leg to remodel or adapt to the stress of conditioning. This bone remodeling requires a constant turnover of calcium and phosphorus.
The muscular system must also receive proper nutrition. The most obvious dietary adjustment is to provide energy (calories) so the muscle can contract and relax normally during exercise. In addition to energy, the muscle requires several minerals and vitamins to aid in its normal function and health. Critical minerals and vitamins include selenium, electrolytes (sodium, chloride, potassium, magnesium) and vitamin E. Without these minerals and vitamins, horses often suffer from “tying-up” syndrome and chronic fatigue. The respiratory system is responsible for delivering oxygen to and transporting waste products from, body tissues. Iron and copper are essential components of these transport mechanisms.
Finally, the immune system of the horse functions to fight off disease. Trace mineral deficiencies (copper, zinc, selenium and others) are thought to depress the immune system.
To summarize, proper nutrition during the conditioning phase of the training program is critical to help prevent bone, muscle, metabolic and immune problems in athletic horses. A standard diet of alfalfa hay and oats typically will not provide those nutrients in adequate amounts. The inclusion of a well-balanced supplement to oats or the feeding of a properly fortified grain mix will go a long way towards maximizing the performance potential of a horse.
