Ask the expert

AVOIDING THAT ‘FLAT’ FEELING

YOUR HORSE MAY HAVE STARTED THE SEASON IN GREAT SHAPE, BUT THE EFFECTS OF TRAINING AND TRAVELLING STRESS CAN SHOW AS AUTUMN APPROACHES AND THE HORSE USES UP NUTRITIONAL RESOURCES. SPORTS NUTRITIONIST RYAN MILLAR, CO-FOUNDER OF BETTALIFE®, OFFERS GUIDANCE ON MAINTAINING CONDITION AND TOPLINE.

QWhat are the reasons that a horse

may lose topline or condition, especially at the end of the summer?

Horses can experience a nutrient deficit at the end of a long competition season. A reduced calorie intake as grazing becomes sparser or forage is restricted for ‘good doers’ will contribute further to this. Training and competing is effectively extracting more nutrients from the horse than his diet can supply over the season. QHow much of an influence does loss

of condition have on performance - would the owner notice a dip in their horse’s performance first?

Nutrient deficit can be evidenced in an increase in the time that a horse takes to recover from a competition. You may also see a reduction in stamina and that the horse becomes fatigued more quickly.

Owners get to know their horses very well, so are likely to pick up even subtle signs as their horse dips into his reserves. It may be as simple as an otherwise unexplained drop in scores, or a dull coat.

More highly strung horses can be full of nervous energy so it’s harder to spot, but you may find they blow up halfway through a test, for example.

This nutrient deficit is not sustainable in the long term and can lead to muscle loss as the depleted glycogen stores mean less fuel for the muscles, and increased risk of injury.

QDoes the horse’s age or stage of

training have an influence on loss of condition?

The impact of extra training and competition can be felt, especially for younger horses that are beginning their competitive careers

OWNERS GET TO KNOW THEIR HORSES VERY WELL, SO ARE LIKELY TO PICK UP EVEN SUBTLE SIGNS AS THEIR HORSE DIPS INTO HIS RESERVES. or are stepping up a grade in their training programme. Metabolic rate decreases with age, and older horses may be receiving fewer calories in order to manage their weight, plus muscle recovery is slower. They will take longer to warm up and need a longer build-up to competition; however, over-training can also contribute to loss of condition.

QWhat signs should owners look

out for to suggest that this is a nutritional issue rather than ill health?

Again, knowing your horse is key, while it’s also worth considering other causes of lost condition – poor dental health, an increase in worm burdens etc. But sudden muscle loss is a tell-tale sign: the horse may look ‘flatter’ as the depletion of

carbohydrates means that the muscles are not sufficiently filled with glycogen; the muscle appears to retract. Maintaining hydration and forage supplies and the use of supplementary nutrients is required to tackle this.

QWhat nutrients are significant in

maintaining topline?

Essential amino acids maintain a positive nitrogen balance to build and support muscle, but combining them with long chain carbohydrates is highly beneficial to avoid insulin spikes and excessive blood sugar.

QWhy should owners consider

a supplement rather than just increasing quantities of feed or forage?

It is difficult to supply the required nutrients with increased feed or forage without adding a significant amount of calories, especially for ‘good doers’, as they do not contain the concentration of essential amino acids contained in a supplement such as PharmaPlast. It also includes waxy maize, a highly useful nutrient as it is a long chain carbohydrate which offers long term fuel for sustained energy and recovery.

Using a supplement also facilitates the provision of electrolytes to replace sweat lost during exercise.

Using the right supplement can help the horse make better use of concentrate rations, as essential amino acids increase the bioavailability of the amino acids in feed.

QAre there other changes that

owners should make to the horse’s regime or management to help get the best from a supplement?

Timing feeds is important; a small feed with PharmaPlast given after training or competition - once the horse has rehydrated and is calm and relaxed - followed by another the next morning, helps to support recovery. Feeds should be slightly damped.

Ensure the horse has rest days after competition, especially for older animals whose muscles take longer to recover, and keep an eye on hydration.

Check the contents of any supplement; listing the amount of each ingredient per 100g and also by serving helps you calculate exactly what you are feeding. If you are in any doubt about whether a particular product is right for your horse, contact the manufacturer’s helpline. 

NUTRIENTS TO IMPROVE CONDITION

• Essential amino acids – the ‘building blocks’ for muscle and connective tissue development • Spirulina – organic source of protein abundant in amino acids • Waxy maize – a non-heating long chain carbohydrate • Organic brown linseed cake powder (flax) – a gel-forming fibre to help regulate the digestive tract and promote absorption of nutrients • DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) – supports horses in work and improves coat condition • Banana powder – replaces potassium lost in sweat and a natural sweetener • Vitamin E – an antioxidant that can also benefit the cardio-vascular system • Selenium – an antioxidant that works with Vitamin E to benefit the immune system • Bioperine – (pepper extract) supports absorption For more information visit bettalife.co.uk or tel: 01937 580782