You may have wondered if you can take the edge off an anxious horse or add pep to a lazy mount by changing his feed. Can a horses temperament really be affected by a specific nutrition regiment?Photo by anakondasp/Adobe StockIt depends somewhat on the individual horse whether you can influence his temperament with diet, but there is evidence that for many horses, what they are eating can influence whether they are reactive, flighty or calmer, says Kathleen Crandell, Ph.D., an equine nutritionist who works with Kentucky Equine Research (KER). She explains that calories are just a measure of the amount of energy in feed. Different feed sources can supply the same number of calories from different sources of energy.It all comes down to how the energy source is metabolized within the body as to what kind of energy it will supply, says Crandell. For example, fat and fiber are considered cool energy sources, while starch and sugar tend to be hot energy sources.Table of ContentsToggleThe Protein MythStarch and SugarCool EnergyAdding EnergyKey Takeaway: Evaluate and AdjustThe Protein MythWhile you may have heard that high-protein feeds make horses more excitable or hot, thats simply not the case.For a long time, horse owners only looked at the protein percentage on the bag to determine whether the feed would have enough energy for their horse. Photo by Dusty PerinThe old belief was that protein dictated the amount of energy in a feed, says Crandell. Horse owners would look at only the protein percentage to determine if the feed had enough energy for the horse. We now know that is not the case, and protein percentage is merely an indicator of protein, not energy.She explains that the amount of starch and sugar is typically what contributes to the amount of energy the horse can get out of a feed, along with the digestible fiber and fat.Crandell points out that energy sources in the equine diet are fiber, fat, and non-structural carbohydrates (NSC), which is the combination of starch and sugar. Horses get their energy from the feed by the digestion of carbohydrates, both structural carbohydrates (fiber) and non-structural carbohydrates, which are starches and sugars, she explains.If a horse needs more energy than he gets from fiber alone to maintain his weight or do his job, you can feed more concentrated energy sources, which are found in non-structural carbohydrates and fat.This is why work horses in the past were traditionally fed significant amounts of oats or corn. They simply couldnt eat enough fiber (hay or grass) to supply the caloric energy needed for their workload.Starch and SugarFeed with a high percentage of starch and sugar can make some horses more excitable. Thats why changing feed may help chill out a high-energy horse.Research studies and anecdotal evidence both show that the amount of starch and sugar in the diet influences excitability.Photo by STUDIOSHIELDS/Adobe StockCrandell says the original research compared a high-starch diet to a high-fat diet. Horses were less excitable and reactive when fed the high-fat diet.More recently, there was a research study where horses were fed a high fat-and-fiber feed versus a high-starch feed, she says. The horses on the high fat-and-fiber feed were, once again, less reactive to stimuli.Corn tops the high-starch list at 70 percent, followed by barley at 54 percent. Oats are considered moderate starch at around 43 percentplus they contain more fiber than corn or barley. All three are higher in starch than wheat middlings, soybean or oat hulls, and beet pulp.Corn contains the most starch of any grain, at 70 percent. If your horse is excitable and reactive, its best to stay away from high-starch feeds. Photo by curto/Adobe StockIn low-starch horse feeds, ingredients like wheat middlings, soybean or oat hulls, and beet pulp are commonly used to substitute fiber calories for the starch calories normally supplied by grains. You can assume that sweet feed is fairly high in both sugar and starch because of the grain and molasses content.But what about textured feed?Back in the late 1990s, a new generation of textured feed appeared in the horse industry, says Crandell. It was made basically with beet pulp, high-fiber ingredients like soy hulls, oil, and vitamin/mineral pellets, with a smaller amount of molasses. These are technically textured feeds, but they are high in fiber and fat and low in starch and sugar. This type of feed has become more common than sweet feeds through the years because horse owners are looking for lower-starch options to feed their horses.Cool EnergyThink about the sugar overload kids get at a birthday party after eating lots of sweet snacks. Crandell says the same concept applies to horses, as the digestion of both sugars and starches in feed may be responsible for excess energy. It is the digestion of soluble carbohydrates that causes rises in blood glucose and insulin, which are thought to have the effect on temperament.Energy from fiber and fat is generally described as cool energy because during the digestion of those energy sources, there are no significant changes to blood glucose and insulin.Photo by Dusty PerinThis is why if your horse tends to be anxious or easily excitable, it may help to feed him a diet low in starch and sugar, but high in fiber and fat.Crandell saw this firsthand in a research study at KER. Study horses were fed either a high-starch or high-fiber feed for 21 days. All horses eventually were on each of the diets over the course of the study.When one of the horses was on the high-starch diet, he became very nervous and hard to handle, yet when he was fed the high-fiber feed, he was as gentle as a lamb, she says. It is no guarantee that a horse may be calmer on a low-starch feed, but its certainly worth a try.Because fat is a concentrated source of calories, it supplies energy without adding bulk to the diet. If a horse is not maintaining weight or needs to gain weight, high-fat feeds are ideal for getting the maximum calories into him in the least amount of feed, notes Crandell.A high-fat feed or supplement can also help a horse in hard work that needs more calories.Adding EnergyWhile theres a lot of focus on making horses calmer, some owners may wonder how to make a laid-back horse more energetic.Some horses are naturally lower-energy and may benefit from more starch in their feed to give them more get up and go. Photo by NDABCREATIVITY/Adobe StockWith the popularity of low-starch feeds today, Crandell says its not uncommon that a naturally calm horse eating a feed with less than 12 percent starch may be lacking in energy.She notes that muscle glycogen is a major energy source when the horse is exercising and performing, but ultra-low starch feeds (less than 12 percent starch) may not provide enough glucose to build that muscle glycogen.The ultra-low starch feeds are ideal for horses with muscle diseases, such as PSSM [polysaccharide storage myopathy], because these horses have a problem that causes them to build up too much muscle glycogen, says Crandell. The ultra-low starch feeds work by not supplying the substrate [glucose] that encourages muscle glycogen deposition, so they cant build up too much.While ideal for horses with glycogen disorders, ultra-low starch feeds may not supply enough NSCs (ultimately, glucose) for every performance horse.Key Takeaway: Evaluate and AdjustTheres no one-size-fits-all feeding program. Adjustments must be made based on each horses workload, stabling/turnout situation, body condition, and temperament.Take a close look at your horses diet, caloric needs, and temperament in order to evaluate what type of feed will work best. Dont be afraid to adjust and try something else if needed. Photo by Dusty PerinCrandell says finding the right feed for each individual horse is often a matter of trial and error. A healthy horse that lacks get up and go may simply need more starch in his diet, while a healthy horse that always seems to have excess energy may be getting fed more calories than needed.Most horses today dont work as hard as horses in the past, but theyre often fed as though they are working all day.It is important to match caloric intake to the caloric needs of every individual horse, says Crandell.A healthy horse in good weight doing little to no work may not even need grain/concentrate. Hay and a ration balancer will ensure hes getting adequate protein, vitamins and minerals, and this may be all that is needed.Take an honest look at your horses feed program, exercise routine, and temperament, and adjust accordingly. Ultimately, nutrition can play a horses temperament, but as with anything in horse care, the recipe must be fit for the individual.Further Reading Rules to Feed a Horse By 8 Horse Feeding Mistakes to Avoid Horse Feeding Dos and DontsThis article about horse nutrition for temperament appeared in the March 2024 issue of Horse Illustratedmagazine.Click here to subscribe!The post Nutrition for Your Horses Temperament appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Key Point Details Importance of Durable Covers Horses may chew due to boredom or stress, necessitating more robust materials for breast bar covers to prevent damage. Manufactured Pads Available in vinyl or fabric covers, they slip over bars, providing protection and ease of installation. Custom-Made Covers Use of marine-grade vinyl by upholsterers offers personalized solutions for chew-happy horses. Baker Breast/Butt Bar Covers Stylish covers providing extra protection and elegance, available at various retailers. DIY Solutions Includes using pipe insulation wrapped in duct tape or creating custom covers with sewing skills and marine-grade materials. Tips for Picking Covers Select chew-resistant materials offering cushioning and ease of cleaning, such as marine-grade vinyl. Enhancing Horse Comfort Comfort should be prioritized to reduce stress during transport; also consider additional trailer travel comforts. Maintaining Aesthetics Choose covers that protect and complement the trailer's aesthetics without sacrificing durability. Travel Accessories Invest in quality accessories, like riding boots, gloves, and socks, for enhanced travel experience. Concluding Thoughts Focus on selecting covers that maintain durability, comfort, and aesthetics to ensure safe and comfortable travels. Creative Solutions for Horse Trailer Breast Bar Covers for Chew-Happy Horses Transporting horses safely and comfortably is a top priority for any horse owner, and trailers play an indispensable role in achieving this. However, some horses exhibit a tendency to chew, which can lead to significant damage to trailer interiors, including the breast bar covers. These covers are essential for ensuring safety and preventing injuries to both the horse and the trailer. In this blog, we'll explore various creative solutions for breast bar covers that emphasize durability and comfort for chew-happy horses. Understanding the Need for Durable Covers Horses may chew due to boredom, stress, or simply out of habit. This behavior can lead to the wearing out of trailer components, most notably the breast bar covers. Traditional covers often fall short in protecting against such habits, which calls for more robust materials designed to withstand chewing. Available Store-Bought Solutions Manufactured Pads with Vinyl or Fabric Covers Many online stores offer manufactured breast and butt bar pads with vinyl or fabric covers. These are designed to slip over the bars, providing cushioning while protecting the trailer from chewing damage. One can explore a range of these options from Horsetraileraccessorystore. These pads are conveniently installed and replaced, making them a popular choice among horse owners. Custom-Made Covers For a more tailored solution, reaching out to a local upholsterer specializing in boat upholstery can be highly beneficial. Custom-made covers using marine-grade vinyl offer a personalized fit that addresses specific dimensions and material needs, ensuring they meet the rigors of a chewing horse. Baker Breast/Butt Bar Covers Another stylish option is the 5/A Baker Breast/Butt Bar Covers. Designed to fit snugly over existing cushioning, these covers come in sets of two and are available at retailers such as Dover Saddlery and Paddock Saddlery. They add an extra layer of protection and a touch of elegance. DIY Solutions for the Chew-Savvy Owners Pipe Insulation and Duct Tape For the cost-conscious, a DIY approach using pipe insulation wrapped in duct tape is an efficient solution. While not as durable or visually appealing as commercial options, it provides a practical level of protection against enthusiasts of gnawing. Sewing Your Own Covers If you have basic sewing skills, creating your own covers using foam and marine-grade vinyl is feasible. Although this DIY method allows customization in terms of size and material, it may cost as much as purchasing ready-made covers. Tips for Choosing the Right Covers When selecting breast bar covers, prioritize materials that are not only chew-resistant but also offer adequate cushioning. Opt for materials like marine-grade vinyl for durability, and ensure they are easy to clean, maintaining hygiene during travel. Enhancing Comfort for Your Horses A key aspect of transporting horses is ensuring their comfort. Selecting the right covers means less stress and should ideally offer enough cushioning to prevent discomfort during travel. Exploring the Jodhpur Collection for additional trailer travel comforts complements these needs. Maintaining Aesthetics Without Compromise While functionality is significant, aesthetics shouldn't be ignored. Many manufactured and custom solutions not only protect but also enhance the trailer's appearance. Stylish options are available for those who wish to maintain aesthetics without sacrificing durability. Additional Accessories for Enhanced Travel To enhance your travel experience, consider investing in quality accessories such as the Horse Riding Boot Collection, which offers stylish and durable options for both riders and horses. Moreover, items like riding gloves and socks can enhance your comfort. Concluding Thoughts Choosing the right breast bar covers for your trailer involves a delicate balance between durability, comfort, and aesthetics. Whether you opt for custom solutions or commercial options, the focus should be on selecting materials that withstand chewing without compromising comfort. Remember, the right cover not only protects your trailer but ensures a safe and comfortable journey for your horse, paving the way for smooth travels. Visit Just Horse Riders' Homepage

The U.S. horse slaughter industry is as hot-button an issue as there is. Find out where current legislation stands with the Save Americas Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act.Photo by Liza Myalovskaya/Adobe StockThe history of the horse slaughter industry in the United States is a long one, dating back to the 1900s, when wild horses were routinely rounded up off the range and sold for dog food. The American Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act of 1971 stopped that practice, but the business of slaughtering horses for human consumption has continued. While wild horses are protected by law from being sold for slaughter, auctions around the country continue to be dumping grounds for unwanted horses who are sold for to be killed for their meat.In 2007, the end of federal funding for the inspection of equine slaughter facilities in the U.S. resulted in the closure of the three facilities that still operated within the States. It did not make horse slaughter illegal, however, and since that time, thousands of American horses have been shipped to slaughterhouses in Mexico and Canada.The horse slaughter industry not only exploits horses who endure grueling journeys to slaughter plants and an inhumane death, it also harms the broader equine community, including horse owners, riders and rescues, who fear that their horses will end up in the slaughter pipeline despite their best efforts to keep them safe, says Nancy Perry, senior vice president of Government Relations forthe ASPCA.Approximately 75 percent of horse owners surveyed at the ASPCAs Equine Transition and Adoption Center admit that the threat of horse slaughter played a primary role in delaying relinquishment and seeking care, says Perry. Euthanasia by a veterinarian, a service we provide to horses who need it, is a humane and pragmatic part of horse care; slaughter is neither.New LegislationSince 2007, horse advocates have lobbied for legislation to make it illegal for horses in the U.S. to be sold for slaughter. Each time, the legislation has died in Congress. But the newest bill to be introduced, the Save Americas Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act, is giving hope to the horse welfare community.The SAFE Act was introduced by a bipartisan group of federal lawmakers, and if passed, this legislation would permanently protect American horses from commercial slaughter, says Perry. This bipartisan bill has garnered support from more than half of the U.S. House of Representatives, a critical benchmark that means this legislation would pass if brought to the floor for a vote.While the SAFE Act can advance through Congress on its own, legislators have an opportunity to include this critical language in the Farm Bill, which would be a monumental victory for horses, according to Perry. Both the House and Senate still have the opportunity to add the SAFE Act to their respective Farm Bill versions and support its inclusion in negotiations.The SAFE Act would expand the Dog and Cat Meat Prohibition Act, which passed as part of the 2018 Farm Bill, to include equines, prohibiting the commercial slaughter of horses in the U.S. and ending their export for that purpose abroad.The horse slaughter industry incentivizes poor treatment, fraud and other predatory behavior, says Perry. At auctions, kill buyers acquire horses that may otherwise have had a safe place to land by actively outbidding people and adoption organizations who would offer the horses good homes. These kill buyers also often pose as good homes to well-intentioned owners looking to rehome their beloved equine partner, acquiring the horses and later selling the animals to slaughterhouses in Canada and Mexico.Widespread Support of the SAFE ActOver the past two years, support for the SAFE Act within the equine community has grown. The Thoroughbred racing industry has come out in strong favor of the bill. The Jockey Club, the 130-year-old North American registry for Thoroughbreds, recently released a statement in support of the bill, which includes the following:The Jockey Club is unequivocally opposed to the slaughter or processing of Thoroughbreds for consumption by humans or animals. This includes the sale and/or transportation of Thoroughbreds for slaughter. () The Jockey Club Is a supporting member of theFinal Stretch Alliance to End Horse Slaughter and supports passage of the Save Americas Forgotten Equines Act, which would permanently ban horse slaughter in the U.S. and end the export of American horses for slaughter abroad.Other horse industry organizations and individuals that formed the Final Stretch Alliance include the U.S. Trotting Association, New York Racing Association, Maryland Horse Council, Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, Humane Society of the United States, ASPCA, and several Hall of Fame Thoroughbred jockeys and trainers. The group sent an open letter in December 2023 to the House and Senate Agriculture Committee leaders, urging them to include the SAFE Act in the Farm Bill.I am in favor of the SAFE Act, and I hope the members of Congress will invest in the emotional wellbeing of horses as companion animals, says Jennifer Merlo, DVM, a veterinarian in North Carolina and the director of Veterinary affairs for Fear Free, LLC.The conditions that horses face, both on a production farm and within slaughterhouses, are stressful, frightening, and cruel, says Merlo. Horses provide us with numerous benefits through the human-animal bond, and they deserve a humane and compassionate end to their life. The conditions horses experience in foreign slaughterhouses are anything but compassionate. I urge Congress to consider passing this Act to safeguard the lives of these majestic creatures. This article about the SAFE Act appeared in the March/April 2025 issue of Horse Illustratedmagazine.Click here to subscribe!The post A Look Into the SAFE Act appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

The 2025 poster by Camille Gentil © PSV Photos 25.02.2025 From 5th to 8th June 2025, the François André stadium will be welcoming the best riders and horses in the world for the Jumping International de La Baule – Officiel de France. Over four days, this major equestrian sports event, at which modernity has successfully combined with respect for history and...

Royal Windsor Horse Show has proudly announced Spinal Research as its official Show Charity for the 2025 edition of the iconic event, which takes place in the private grounds of Windsor Castle from 15 – 18 May. In partnership with Spinal Research, the Show will support the charity through a variety of initiatives, including donations, bucket collections, and ongoing awareness efforts...