Choosing a Feed for Endurance Horses

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Kentucky Equine Research Staff · July 5, 2013

Endurance horses typically train and compete over long distances, and their nutritional needs reflect the demands of this type of exercise. Selecting a feed for an endurance horse should be based on energy sources, protein level, and other aspects of formulation.

The energy content of the feed is probably the most important factor. Energy should be available from a combination of sources. Fortification with processed starch in the form of cracked corn, rolled barley, or crimped oats should be the basis of the feed. Addition of energy in the form of vegetable oil or a quality animal fat product is the next step. Finished grain concentrates for endurance horses should contain between 7 and 10% fat. With the many benefits that fiber has both for energy production and for maintenance of proper digestive function, inclusion of additional fiber is justified. Adding any one or a combination of the super fibers (beet pulp, soybean hulls, almond hulls, or oat hulls) at a rate of 10 to 40% is beneficial...

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