horse

Reducing Stress in your horse during competition season

There are many factors that contribute to the performance of your horse during competition. For many horses, the stress associated with competition such as isolation, travel, unfamiliar surroundings, and intensive training, can lead to stress. This stress, often coupled with a high grain diet, can be a major cause of gastric ulcers which can lead to reduced performance and long-term gut issues.

Support Gut Health

One of the symptoms of a stressed horse can be the presence of gastric ulcers. Consider incorporating a product that supports gut health such as;

  • B Complete®
  • Kentucky EquiShure®
  • Kohnke’s Own Gastro Coat®

These products help to maintain gut stability which will aid digestion, assist feed utilisation and temperament.

Fibre

Fibre is essential to help the microbes in the gut thrive. Good quality forages that are highly digestible and soluble will provide additional energy and reduce the reliance on grain. Consider using a product such as Fiber Fresh FiberProtect which is a moist, high energy, highly digestible forage fibre comprising of fresh cut lucerne and suitable for all horses.  Additional energy, with no fizz and low GI can also be derived through the addition of oil to the feed. Consider using;

  • Cen Oil
  • Performa 3 Oil

Prebiotics

Prebiotics can further improve digestive health by providing a feed source for hindgut bacteria. Yeast base prebiotics have been shown to help improve fibre digestibility and also help stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria. Consider using;

  • EAC Inside Out®
  • Brewers Yeast

Reduce Stress

Keeping your horse stress free is not always as simple as eliminating the stressor. Horses are ‘fight or flight’ animals so will revert to these instincts when faced with a stressful situation. If they are unable to flee a stressful environment, they will express their nervousness in less than desirable ways.  Health conditions, training issues and dietary imbalances can play a large role in undesirable behaviour and once these are eliminated, a calming supplement can be introduced. Consider using;  

  • Endeavon B1
  • Kohnke’s Own MagE
  • Equine Technology Chill Out Powder
  • Advanced Feeds Thia/Mag

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