Show jumping places extraordinary demands on a horse's musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and nervous systems. The sport requires quick bursts of power, precise coordination, and sustained stamina across a warm‑up, multiple rounds, and cool‑down. While training techniques, shoeing, and rider skill are all critical, a well‑designed nutrition plan is the foundation that fuels performance, supports recovery, and reduces the risk of injury.
In this article we'll explore the key nutritional components for a show‑jumping horse, outline how to balance feeds throughout a typical training day, and provide sample meal plans you can adapt to your own animal's needs.
Energy -- The Workhorse of the Plan
1.1 Net Energy (NE) Requirements
Show‑jumpers typically need 15--18 Mcal NE/day for a 500--550 kg Warmblood in moderate training, and up to 20--22 Mcal NE/day for a horse in peak competition condition. Energy comes from three sources:
| Source | % of NE | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Digestible Carbohydrates (Starch & Soluble Fiber) | 45--55% | Provides quick‑acting glucose for explosive bursts. |
| Fiber (Structural Carbohydrate) | 30--40% | Sustains gut health and steady energy release. |
| Fat | 10--20% | Dense energy source that spares protein and helps with long‑duration work. |
1.2 Choosing the Right Forage
- High‑quality pasture or alfalfa hay (DM ≈ 85‑90%) should be the base. Alfalfa offers 1.6--1.9 Mcal NE/kg DM and is rich in calcium and protein.
- Grass hay is lower in calcium and protein; pair it with a protein supplement if you rely heavily on grass hay.
- Avoid moldy or dusty hay as they impair lung function---a critical issue for athletes.
1.3 Concentrates & Energy Supplements
- Starch‑rich concentrates (e.g., rolled oats, barley) should be limited to 0.5--1 kg per 100 kg body weight to prevent gastric ulcers and laminitis.
- Fat supplements (coconut oil, canola oil, or commercial equine fat powders) can contribute 150--300 g of added fat per day, boosting NE without excessive starch.
Protein -- Building Power & Recovery
2.1 Daily Crude Protein (CP) Targets
- Maintenance: 8--10 % of DM.
- Moderate training: 10--12 % of DM.
- Intensive training/competition: 12--14 % of DM.
2.2 Quality Over Quantity
- Rumen‑undegraded protein (RUP) is crucial for muscle repair. Look for feeds with ≥ 30 % RUP (e.g., soy protein concentrate, whey protein).
- Amino acid profile : Lysine, methionine, and threonine are limiting in many forages. A balanced protein supplement can correct deficits.
Fat -- The Unsung Hero
- Benefits: Improves coat condition, reduces heat stress, and provides a readily oxidizable energy source for the heart and large muscles.
- Recommended inclusion: 5--7 % of total diet dry matter (≈ 2--4 % of total calories).
- Practical sources:
Vitamins & Minerals -- Fine‑Tuning Performance
| Nutrient | Role in Show Jumping | Typical Requirement (per day) |
|---|---|---|
| Calcium (Ca) | Strong bones, muscle contraction | 15--20 g |
| Phosphorus (P) | Energy metabolism, bone health | 8--12 g |
| Magnesium (Mg) | Nerve function, prevents tie‑ups | 2--3 g |
| Sodium (Na) & Chloride (Cl) | Sweat electrolyte replacement | 2--4 g each |
| Vitamin E | Antioxidant; muscle cell protection | 3000--5000 IU |
| Vitamin A | Vision, immune function | 10,000--15,000 IU |
| Copper, Zinc, Selenium | Enzyme cofactors for connective tissue, immune response | Cu ≈ 120 mg, Zn ≈ 300 mg, Se ≈ 0.15 mg |
Key tip: Provide a balanced commercial vitamin/mineral premix formulated for performance horses, and tailor electrolytes on hot days or after intense work.
Water -- The Most Overlooked Fuel
- Intake : 30--50 L per day for a 500 kg horse in moderate work; up to 70 L during hot, humid conditions.
- Strategy: Offer clean, cool water at least 30 minutes before training, during the warm‑up (via bowl or water trough), and immediately after the session.
- Electrolyte supplementation is advisable after > 45 minutes of vigorous work or when sweating > 5 L/h.
Feeding Schedule Around Training
| Time | Feed | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| 06:00 -- 07:00 | 1--1.5 kg high‑quality hay + 0.5 kg alfalfa mash | Provides a fiber‑rich start to keep the gut active. |
| 08:30 -- 09:00 (Pre‑warm‑up) | 0.5 kg starch‑moderate concentrate + electrolytes | Supplies readily available glucose for the upcoming effort. |
| 10:00 -- 11:00 (Post‑session) | 1 kg alfalfa or hay + 0.5 kg protein supplement (e.g., soy/lysine) + 30 ml oil | Replenishes glycogen, delivers amino acids for repair, and adds NE via fat. |
| 14:00 -- 15:00 (Afternoon maintenance) | 1--1.5 kg hay + vitamin/mineral premix | Maintains steady nutrient flow. |
| 17:30 -- 18:30 (Optional light work) | Small amount (0.25 kg) of low‑starch concentrate if needed | Prevents overnight catabolism without overloading the stomach. |
| 20:00 | Free‑choice clean water + hay | Overnight gut health. |
Adjust portion sizes based on the individual horse's body condition score (BCS) and workload.
Supplement Spotlight
| Supplement | When to Use | How to Feed |
|---|---|---|
| Glucosamine + Chondroitin | Horses with a history of joint stress or early signs of osteoarthritis | 10--15 g mixed into the evening mash. |
| Omega‑3 (Fish Oil) | Enhances anti‑inflammatory response, improves coat | 30--60 ml daily, divided between meals. |
| Probiotics/Prebiotics | To support gut flora when switching feeds or after antibiotic therapy | 1--2 g per day, mixed with grain. |
| Electrolyte Powder | Hot weather, > 45 min of intense work | 30--50 g dissolved in water post‑session. |
| Vitamin E (DL‑α‑tocopheryl acetate) | High‑stress periods, travel, or poor pasture quality | 2--4 g (≈ 3000--5000 IU) with the evening feed. |
Monitoring & Adjusting
- Body Condition Score (BCS) -- Check weekly; aim for 5.5--6.5 on the 9‑point scale in competition season.
- Weight & Muscle Girth -- Record monthly; a 1--2 % weight gain may indicate excess energy, while loss suggests under‑feeding.
- Performance Metrics -- Track times, number of refusals, and recovery heart rate. A slower post‑exercise HR drop may signal inadequate electrolytes or fatigue.
- Fecal Consistency -- Soft, well‑formed stools indicate proper fiber balance; watery or hard stools suggest intake issues.
- Blood Work -- Periodic serum chemistry (especially calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and liver enzymes) helps refine vitamin/mineral dosing.
Adjust the diet incrementally (≈ 5 % changes) and give the horse 2--3 weeks to adapt before making further modifications.
Sample 7‑Day Meal Plan (500 kg Warmblood)
| Day | Morning (07:00) | Pre‑Work (09:30) | Post‑Work (12:00) | Afternoon (15:00) | Evening (19:30) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon | 1.5 kg alfalfa hay + 0.2 kg beet pulp | 0.6 kg rolled oats + 30 ml canola oil | 1 kg alfalfa hay + 0.3 kg soy protein | 1.2 kg grass hay + mineral premix | 0.5 kg alfalfa hay + 30 ml fish oil |
| Tue | 1.2 kg grass hay + 0.5 kg alfalfa mash | 0.5 kg barley + electrolytes | 1 kg alfalfa hay + 0.2 kg whey protein | 1.5 kg grass hay + mineral premix | 0.6 kg alfalfa hay + glucosamine mix |
| Wed | 1.4 kg alfalfa hay | 0.5 kg oats + 30 ml coconut oil | 0.8 kg alfalfa hay + 0.3 kg soy concentrate | 1.3 kg grass hay + vitamin E | 0.5 kg alfalfa hay + electrolyte powder in water |
| Thu | 1.5 kg alfalfa hay | 0.5 kg barley + electrolytes | 1 kg alfalfa hay + 0.2 kg whey protein | 1.2 kg grass hay + mineral premix | 0.5 kg alfalfa hay + fish oil |
| Fri | 1.3 kg grass hay + 0.3 kg alfalfa | 0.6 kg oats + 30 ml canola oil | 1 kg alfalfa hay + 0.3 kg soy protein | 1.4 kg grass hay + mineral premix | 0.5 kg alfalfa hay + glucosamine |
| Sat | 1.5 kg alfalfa hay | Light work -- no concentrate | 1 kg alfalfa hay + 0.2 kg whey protein | 1.3 kg grass hay + mineral premix | 0.5 kg alfalfa hay + omega‑3 |
| Sun | 2 kg pasture (if available) + 0.5 kg alfalfa | Rest day -- no concentrate | 1 kg alfalfa hay + 0.2 kg soy concentrate | 1.5 kg grass hay + mineral premix | 0.5 kg alfalfa hay + vitamin E |
Note: Adjust hay quantities based on actual intake; some horses may consume 10--12 kg of dry matter per day.
Practical Tips for Implementation
- Gradual Feed Changes: Introduce new forages or concentrates over 7--10 days to avoid gut upset.
- Split Concentrates: Feed the majority in two small meals (pre‑ and post‑work) to prevent spikes in blood glucose.
- Keep a Feeding Log: Record quantities, times, and any performance changes. This data is invaluable for future tweaks.
- Feed Warm‑Weather Adjustments: Increase electrolytes and water; slightly lower starch to reduce heat production during digestion.
- Avoid Feeding Right Before Intense Work: A heavy grain meal within 2 hours can cause gastric ulceration and "spiking" of blood sugar.
Conclusion
Crafting the best nutrition plan for a show‑jumping performance horse is an exercise in balance---delivering enough readily available energy for explosive effort while supporting muscle repair, joint health, and gut integrity. By focusing on high‑quality forage, strategically timed concentrates, adequate protein (especially RUP), targeted fats, and a comprehensive vitamin/mineral regimen, you set the stage for consistent, safe, and peak performances in the arena.
Remember that every horse is an individual; regular monitoring, a well‑kept feeding log, and collaboration with an equine veterinarian or nutritionist will ensure the diet evolves with the horse's training cycle and life stage. With the right fuel, your partnership in the show ring can truly soar.