Articles
FEEDING THE COMPETITION HORSE

FEEDING THE COMPETITION HORSE

Feeding a competition horse is a delicate balance. They need enough energy to handle their extra workload, but their body’s vital systems also need protection for long term health. High-starch, grain-heavy diets can provide quick energy, but they also increase the risk of behaviour changes, muscle soreness, digestive upset and the development of metabolic disorders. A smarter approach focuses on cool, sustainable energy while supporting nutritional requirements.

Managing Workload, Stress & Gut Sensitivity 

Competition horses face several unique pressures including travel, confinement, variable hay and pasture, increased physical demand, and the excitement of competition environments. These factors can disrupt the digestive tract causing issues like ulceration, scouring, reduced stamina or delayed recovery affecting optimal performance. 

Protecting the gut throughout the competition season gives your horse the best chance at success, no matter the discipline you ride!

The Nutritional Requirements of a Competition Horse

A well-balanced performance diet should provide: 

  • Long stem fibre – approx. 1.5% of a horse’s body weight per day should come from forage and/or hay and should always be the base of every horse’s diet 
  • Top up energy requirements from fibre and fat 
  • Amino acids for muscle repair from good quality protein sources 
  • Balanced vitamins and minerals to support muscle, nerves, and overall performance 
  • Salt and Electrolytes for hydration and performance 
  • Antioxidants and vitamin E for muscle recovery 
  • Digestive support for both the foregut and hindgut 
  • Omega fatty acids for inflammation control and coat condition 
Most competition horses perform well on low-sugar, low-starch diets, and usually don’t need grain at all. Avoiding grain minimises the risk of gastric irritation, metabolic spikes, or inconsistent behaviour. 

Monitoring Performance & Condition 

Regular checks help owners fine-tune their feeding program. Watch for: 

  • Changes in body condition, topline, or muscle definition 
  • Signs of digestive stress (smelly manure, loose manure, gas, appetite changes) 
  • Behavioural changes 
  • Poor recovery after work and energy levels during work 
  • Tying up or muscle tightness 
Small dietary adjustments can significantly improve performance, stamina, and temperament.


Stance Equitec CoolEnergy® - Complete Hemp Feed 

Look for products that are low in starch, nutritionally balanced, and enriched with vitamins, minerals, and probiotics such as Stance Equitec CoolEnergy®, containing Hemp meal - a quality source of protein containing all essential amino acids to assist with muscle integrity, development and recovery. Stance Equitec CoolEnergy® contains natural antioxidants, probiotic and fermentable fibres to promote a healthy gut microbiome. 

CoolStance® Copra Meal 

Is a low-NSC energy source ideal for topping up energy requirements in competition horses. CoolStance® Copra Meal is a grain free mash that provides sustainable energy from MCT’s, fibre and protein. 

At Stance Equitec, we focus on feeding from the inside out, supporting gut function, metabolic stability, and consistent energy to help every performance horse work at its best.


Want to know what to feed your competition horse this season?

Visit our free online diet analysis tool Stance TruGuide and take the guesswork out of choosing the right products for your horse. 

gut health cool energy coolenergy performance horse feeding the performance horse competition horse feeding the competition horse digestive health coolstance