Feeding a balanced diet and ensuring nutrient replacement after exercise are imperative to keep horses performing well at an upper level of competition.

Don Kapper, PAS, shared equine nutrition and management knowledge during a recent visit to University of Guelph, in Ontario, Canada. He discussed the importance of understanding gut function and nutrient absorption in order to understand the importance of nutrient replacement.

He also addressed how to assess body condition and topline evaluation scores, as well as the importance of providing good quality protein as a source of amino acids to avoid deficiencies that can negatively affect topline muscles, tendons, hooves, and overall health. Finally, he spoke on the role of electrolytes in avoiding dehydration and keeping athletes bouncing back into top form for the next day of competition.

Here’s a breakdown of Kapper’s key points from each section