Horses that are not in work have a much lower energy requirement. That does not mean their diet can be poor. On the contrary, it must supply every essential vitamin and mineral, while not providing an excess of energy. Too much starch and sugar in the diet of horses that are not in work encourages overweight, laminitis and metabolic disorders, so the foundation of feeding should be good-quality hay, ideally offered ad lib. For concentrate, it is worth choosing products that are low in starch, rich in crude fibre, and include a balanced vitamin and mineral supplement.
Horses in convalescence, after injury, surgery or illness, need particular attention. Even though they are not in training, their bodies use more nutrients for repair. The diet at this time should support tissue repair, immunity and healthy function of the digestive system. High-quality protein is very important, as it is essential for rebuilding muscle and tissue. Easily digested, grain-free feeds, enriched with vegetable oils, work well here. They supply slow-release energy without the risk of over-excitability.
During convalescence the horse’s digestive system can be particularly sensitive, especially after drug treatment. It is therefore worth looking after a stable gut microflora. Feed yeast, prebiotics and soothing additions such as linseed help to protect the digestive tract and improve the use of nutrients. For horses with a limited appetite, or that struggle to take in feed, mashes, unmolassed sugar beet pulp or grass nuts fed as a sloppy mash are a good solution.
Convalescence is also a time to support the immune system and anti-inflammatory processes. Omega-3 fatty acids, natural vitamin E and vitamin C play a key role in the body’s recovery. Vitamin C is particularly important in horses that are run down, because in situations of stress and illness the horse may not synthesise enough of it. Readily absorbed sources of natural vitamin C, such as rosehip or blackcurrant, are a valuable part of the diet. Trace elements such as zinc, copper and selenium should not be forgotten either, as they support tissue healing and immunity.
For horses that are not in work and for those in convalescence alike, regular monitoring of body condition is essential. A loss of muscle, excess fat cover, a dull coat or poorer hoof quality can point to feeding mistakes. If you are unsure, it is worth running blood tests and discussing the results with a specialist, so that the diet can be matched to what the horse’s body actually needs.
To sum up, feeding horses that are not in work, and those in convalescence, should be thought through and matched to the individual. The right amount of fibre, a controlled energy supply, high-quality protein and support for recovery and immunity are the foundation of health in this particular period. With the right diet we can not only prevent health problems, but also shorten the time it takes for the horse to return to full fitness! 🐎💚