The challenge starts with the transition from spending time in large open spaces with access to unlimited fresh green pasture, social interaction with other horses and being able to behave like a ‘normal’ horse. This start of training brings about a significant change and the ‘change’ is one of the most important factors that can affect the health, performance and well being of these horses. Changes in feed, forage, housing and routine all add up as a potentially bad formula for intestinal and, respiratory health, musculoskeletal development and psychological health.

 

Research has shown that there is an increased risk of impaction colic within the first 2 weeks of significant management changes, one of the main drivers being the change from a diet that is higher in moisture and lower in fibre and eaten pretty much on the move!

It is rarely possible to introduce a new forage gradually and so this tends to be a sudden and abrupt introduction. To help reduce the risk of impaction colic feed high quality forage and consider either steaming or soaking the forage to increase the water uptake and retention through the digestive tract and hind gut.

 

Try to mimic the natural trickle feed behaviour by using small holed haynets so that smaller bites are taken over a longer period. This will also help to reduce the incidence of gastric ulcers by increasing the flow of saliva, which helps to buffer the stomach acid.

Introduction of a live yeast or prebiotics can help to maintain a stable environment and pH in the hindgut to help support the fibre digesting bacteria. These can be added to the feed as a supplement or are included within some complete racing feeds, however, it is worth checking with the manufacturer that these are included at the recommended and approved minimum feeding rate.

 

Feeding hay alone would leave a racehorse with an energy deficit and so additional energy must be provided using other energy sources, typically in the form of energy rich concentrate feeds, with an emphasis on using cereals e.g. oats, maize and barley. While in the field small amounts of concentrate feed would have been fed with less energy density.

 

There is a limit to the amount of starch that a racehorse’s ration should contain to help reduce issues with hindgut acidosis. This can be controlled by limiting meals size (2.2Kg per meal up to 3 times per day) and looking for feeds that provide the energy for work using alternative energy sources such as digestible fibres (alfalfa, beet pulp and soya hulls) and oil or rice bran supplements. These feeds can also help to manage horses that are at a higher risk of muscular issues such as Exertional Rhabdomyolysis (RER) or have excitable dispositions.

These horses are still growing and maturing so ensuring that optimum levels of high quality protein, vitamins and minerals are provided is crucial.

 

There are well formulated racing feeds available on the market that limit the energy contribution of starch and sugar to less than 50%, and provide up to 10% fat along with fermentable fibre sources. These feeds are usually part of a ‘feed range’ that are available internationally and follow the same formulation principle through their stud and youngstock feeds up and through to performance. Using these feeds can help to minimise the amount of change that young horses must cope with as they train and travel around the world 

Young racehorses entering training suddenly have access to free choice exercise restricted, which causes natural demineralization of bones. A properly balanced ration must form the basis of supporting the development of the skeletal frame, however, bone mineralisation supplements can be of particular benefit, particularly during the transitioning stage of horses entering training and the early stages of training.

Good respiratory health is particularly important for performance horses, since they rely on clear, healthy airways to deliver large amounts of oxygen during exercise. Stabling challenges the respiratory system by exposing the horse to large amounts of respiratory pathogens including mould spores, mites, endotoxins and noxious gas like ammonia. These pathogens can irritate and inflame the airways.

Good stable management is obviously key but nutritional support can be very effective.

• Research has shown that steaming hay for 10 minutes kills 98% of bacteria in forage.
• Check protein intake to help reduce ammonia levels
• Ensure adequate antioxidant intake especially vitamins E and C
• Grapeseed extract and bioflavonoids can support lung health but check supplement ingredients to ensure that these are safe for use during competition.

Confinement to a stall for up to 22 hours per day can lead to behavioural and health issues such as stereotypies and increased colic episodes. To help with the transition from field to stall, providing plenty of forage will be key to keep them occupied through the day. You can control the amount of intake by using innovative ways to slow down intake.

 

Trying to keep them moving will not only keep the digestive system moving but will also break up their day and most horses will go on the walker, swim or hand walk. Hand grazing if safe to do so can be a real ‘pick me up’ and keep minds and tummies happy.

 

To find out more about Saracen Horse feeds and its products please contact Eurovets Veterinary Suppliers - www.eurovetsworld.com