Posted: 10th August 2015 | Back to news feed
Equerry Horse Feeds Senior Nutritionist, Louise Jones looks at how to feed the ex-racehorse.
I have just bought an ex-racehorse, what should I feed him?
Racehorses in training will have been accustomed to a high-energy diet; typically consuming between 6-7kg of bucket feed every day. Their demanding, high speed workload will also mean that forage intake is very limited, whilst turn out, if any, is often restricted due to the risk of injury.
If your ex-racehorse is coming to you straight out of training it’s important to remember that they will need time to adjust to their new home and a different way of feeding. However, if your Thoroughbred has coming from a rehabilitation/re-schooling centre they should already be well adapted to a life out of training. Regardless, to begin with it’s always best to feed and manage a new horse in a way similar to their previous lifestyle. Gradually making changes to their management and diet, over a couple of weeks, will help to minimize the risk of digestive problems such as colic.
It’s an unfortunate fact that many racehorses in training suffer from gastric ulcers, partly due to the limited forage they receive. Returning your ex-racer to a forage-based diet will play an important role in keeping their digestive system healthy, as well as tending to their mental happiness. Forage can be provided as grass, hay or haylage and ideally should be available ad-lib.
It is often surprising how well ex-racers maintain weight once they are no longer in intense work and away from the bustling environment of a busy training yard. In fact, many can actually turn out to be quite good-doers! However, simply feeding a handful of pony nuts and chaff will not provide your horse with a balanced diet.
Assuming your ex-racehorse is in good condition and only in light work you can ensure they receive the correct levels of nutrients by feeding a combination of good quality forage and a high fibre hard feed such as Equerry High Fibre Cubes. Equerry High Fibre Cubes contain over 20% fibre and are cereal-grain free; making them ideally for Thoroughbreds, who often have highly strung temperaments. Fed at the correct levels Equerry High Fibre Cubes are low in energy at 8.5 MJ/kg DE and will provide all the essential vitamins and minerals your horse needs to stay healthy.
Feeding the ex-racehorse that‘s underweight or prone to weight loss, can be a little more difficult. Although, starch-rich, cereal-based feeds are good sources of calories they can often exacerbate excitability. An alternative is to choose a ‘Non-Heating’, conditioning feed such as Equerry Conditioning Mash. This highly palatable mash is low in starch (12%), but high in calories to help promote condition and topline. Equerry Conditioning Mash has been specifically formulated to provide all the essential vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, your horse needs. In addition, it also contains added yeast, which is particularly beneficial for poor-doers as it helps to support the beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract, thereby promoting efficient feed utilization.
The Thoroughbred is a highly adaptable breed and with a little TLC can make the transition from racing to a successful life in almost any other discipline, or simply enjoy life as a leisure horse!
If you’re unsure as to how best to feed your ex-racer simply call the Equerry Feedline for practical, friendly advice on 01845 565640 or visit www.equerryhorsefeeds.com
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