Knowledge
Nutrition Focus
Lorna Edgar – specialist equine nutritionist
High Goal Q&A How do we prepare to play in a higher level of polo? What a strange question you may be thinking, but for some players making that exciting transition up to the next level of polo, and particularly high goal, it can be quite daunting and intimidating having a string of horses that need to step up to the mark. Although I have made this relevant for those stepping up to high goal, there is no reason why the answers cannot be adapted to those playing in 12 goal when usually playing in 4-6 goal, for example. I thought I would share some questions with you that I have been asked over the years for some advice on ensuring their horses are well prepared for that step up ….
Q: What do I need to change in my horses’ diets to give them enough energy and make them fast enough?
A: You shouldn’t need to change too much if you are playing a lot of polo anyway on their current diet. All I would suggest doing is increasing their ‘plane of nutrition’ – essentially increasing their existing cubes or mix or topping up the diet with a balancer. You may need to consider a higher starch ration for those that are likely to need it, stepping up from a Horse & Pony Mix to a Conditioning Mix perhaps, or opting for more oat-based energy from a Competition Mix. I always like to think about stamina, knowing that if you need to be on your horse for a full chukka, it will last a full chukka. Alongside the quick release energy from the starch based feeds such as oats, I would encourage using oil supplements – such as Baileys Outshine or Saracen Equi-Jewel, which allows you to top up the existing ration in ‘mug fulls’ rather than feeding a whole different feed.
Q: Should I be feeding oats?
A: Not necessarily, it really depends on the individual. If you have some horses that are never on the higher starch feeds then absolutely not, I wouldn’t encourage you to begin adding oats to their diets. However, if you have some that may lack a bit of quick releasing energy and you would like them to be a bit more ‘fired up’ then you could add a few oats to their current feed – but you cannot just add oats and leave the rest of the diet as it is. As you know I am always talking about the BALANCED diet, so in this instance we 58
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also need to take into consideration that oats need to be fed alongside an increase in vitamins and minerals to compensate for nutritional deficiencies in the oats and to allow the horse to efficiently utilise its energy. What I would therefore suggest is adding a balancer or increasing the amount of an existing balancer to ensure the diet is balanced and the nutritional deficiencies of the oats are being catered for. In return, you should then have a horse that is able to utilise the energy in the oats more effectively.
Q: Do you think my horses are looking fat?
A: I doubt it! But this is a question I get asked a lot and not just related to playing in the high goal. So much of this comes down to conformation and my answer to this question is to look at where the horse stores fat and how it’s playing/running? If you are worried about the ‘tummy’, stand back and look at the conformation and the way it carries itself, looking at the horse as a complete athlete and not focusing on one area – THE TUMMY! You will not make a deep girthed and wide sprung horse look like a tubular shaped horse. A bit like standing me next to a super model and expecting us to both move the same – it won’t work, believe me! If your horse is fit, is running well and recovering quickly, then you have nothing to worry about and nothing to change. If, however, it is recovering slowly and not running well, the diet needs to be addressed to enhance fitness and performance.
Q: Should I feed electrolytes before & after the game?
A: Absolutely YES! Whatever level of polo you are playing in electrolytes are essential. You, as a player will be focusing on your hydration and electrolyte intake, so absolutely your horses must be considered as well. Where the horses will benefit from the most is giving them electrolytes either in water or a sloppy beet or chaff within two hours before they play – such as when you arrive at the grounds. Research has shown this can reduce the onset of fatigue by up to 22%. Providing electrolytes after they have played will aid recovery, but again must be
given with water. Electrolytes in a syringe form is absolutely fine, but the horses must be allowed to drink before and after.
Q: So, if I am giving them electrolytes, does this mean they are OK to drink water before and after the game?
A: Again, as with any level of polo, but not always seen in high goal, it is absolutely OK to allow the horses to drink water when they come off the lorry, (not a full bucket but ‘some’), and again when they come off the field – little and often will help with their recovery, especially in the hot weather. I see no difference to the racehorse in the winners’ enclosure being offered buckets of cold water to drink to your polo pony coming off the field from a chukka!
Q: How do I manage their forage intake?
A: We don’t want horses to be ‘heavy’, but we need to make an emphasis on their fitness. The majority will be fine with ad lib forage, but for those good doers restrict their intake by double netting or using trickle feeding nets. Whatever we can do to allow them to trickle feed is so much more beneficial for their body and mind. I think the key thing to remember in the answer to this question is that the horse’s stomach produces 1½ litres of gastric acid per hour so we, as grooms and players, need to allow them as much time eating as possible. The acid does not just disappear, it makes its way through the digestive tract causing all sorts of problems – acidosis, ulcers, discomfort, loose droppings and psychological problems etc. Finally, my advice would be – you know your horses, continue treating them in the same way, but make an emphasis on their fitness and a balanced diet to suit the individual for their increased workload. It is OK to do things differently, that isn’t seen in the pony lines at high goal, if that is part of your routine! All the time science is evolving which encourages new ideas and hopefully ideas that will benefit the performance and the longevity of your horses’ playing careers! And, if in doubt speak to a nutritionist or a feed company help line to give you some guidance. www.polotimes.co.uk
