Energy is a measure of a feed’s potential to drive body functions. How much energy does the performance horse need? Measured in two ways: Mcal is Metabolized calories and DE is Digestible Energy. According to the National Research Council’s Nutrient Requirements for Horses (2007), horses in the following work catergories need roughly:
Non-working - 16 Mcal of DE per day
Light work (one to three hours of riding per week) - 20 Mcal DE per day
Moderate work (three to five hours of work per week, with some skill work such as jumping or cutting) - 23 Mcal DE per day
Heavy work (four to five hours of riding per week, with substantial portions spent at the canter or doing skill work) - 26 Mcal DE per day
Very heavy work (six to 12 hours of work per week) - 34 Mcal DE daily
The amount of calories required for a performance horse can not be provided by hay alone. For example, a medium-quality timothy hay provides about 0.8 Mcal of DE per pound. For our Eventers to meet their calorie needs (say, 32 Mcal), the horse would need to consume 40 pounds of hay per day! A horse is not physically able to eat that amount of hay.
How do you meet the caloric needs of the performance horse? With a concentrate that provides balanced energy sources in the form of —starch, fat, fiber, and protein. When choosing organic concentrates, your energy sources are provided by whole foods. Which, gives a more complete amino acid profile and energy content of the diet. Meaning, more balanced and healthy calories are bio-available for your horse.
Pink Rose Organix Equine Boost & Balance is a USDA Certified Organic feed for an optimized digestive system and healthy hind gut. A delicious, prescriptive blend of organic proteins, oils, and fiber that works with your pasture or hay to boost digestive efficiency and balance the diet. Boost & Balance focuses on hind gut function; driving animal health, attitude, and positive, cool energy!
