The (Not-So) Secret Ingredient

When show schedules take horses across international borders, biosecurity concerns and import procedures make staying on familiar feed a challenge. Kentucky Equine Research has a long history of helping national federations and athletes navigate this process at events around the world. Though feed and forage may vary, there is one part of the program that seems to remain consistent across hemispheres and time zones: Tons of carrots. (Literally. Many tons.)

For example, Olympic horses in Hong Kong consumed an incredible quantity of carrots. More than 11 tons of fresh New Zealand and Australian carrots were fed over the course of the competition, averaging nearly 2.4 kg of carrots per horse per day–that’s more than 5 lb!

Since carrots are almost 90% water, this level of carrot intake actually contributes little towards meeting any nutrient requirements other than vitamin A (beta-carotene).

The carrots in Tryon will be purchased through a grocery distributor. Fun fact: It’s the same group that’s bringing produce in for the catering team. So if you enjoy a salad at WEG, know that the horses you’re watching appreciate the same carrots!