In partnership with SPILLERSHave you ever found yourself wondering how you can improve your horses energy levels without compromising his waistline? A lack of energy, sparkle or oomph is a common reason owners turn to a nutritionist for advice about their horses diet, especially if their equine is a good doer.While a lack of energy in the diet may seem like the most obvious culprit, diet is just one of many factors that can affect the horses energy levels. On the other hand, a diet that supplies too much energy could also be the problem.Time for a health checkA number of clinical conditions can affect a horses energy levels, so its important to seek veterinary advice if you have any concerns, especially if lethargy is sudden, severe or out of character.The vet will usually ask lots of questions, carry out a physical examination and in some cases take some bloods. If an underlying clinical issue, pain or poorly fitting saddle can be ruled out, its time to consider other potential causes.Energy in vs energy outThe best practical way of assessing whether any horse is consuming sufficient energy for their workload is to look at their body condition.Put simply:Overweight horses are consuming too much energy (unless they are losing weight);Underweight horses arent consuming enough energy;If your horse is maintaining a healthy body condition youve hit the sweet spot, regardless of their ridden energy levels.If your horse is already in good or overweight condition, dont be tempted to increase the amount of energy in their bucket.Putting on weightIn addition to carrying a host of health and welfare risks, excess weight gain can have a negative effect on a horses energy levels and in turn their performance.If your horse has piled on the pounds, slimming them down to a healthy body condition may improve their energy under saddle.Exercising while overweight is hard work!A balanced dietVitamins and minerals are needed for optimum health, and many are involved in energy metabolism which means a shortfall in the diet could result in lethargy.Balancers are ideal for good doers because they provide the vitamins, minerals and amino acids needed to balance forage, while adding minimal calories, starch and sugar to the horses diet.Sources of energyFeeds high in cereal starch do promote a more energetic response in some horses, although the reasons for this are not fully understood.This is why some owners choose traditional competition mixes or oats for those horses that are lazy or in need of extra sparkle.However, this strategy isnt suitable (or effective!) for all horses, including those prone to laminitis, gastric ulcers, tying up and colic.Equally, introducing feeds high in fibre and oil which are often described as sources of slow-release energy, wont compensate for a lack of stamina caused by poor fitness or a lack of training.Naturally laidback?Every horse is an individual and, in some cases, lethargy is simply a part of the horses temperament.Some horses are naturally laidback and prefer to take life at a slower pace.While this can help to provide a much-needed confidence boost to novice or nervous riders, those ready to step up a gear may be better suited to a horse that is naturally more forward going.Boredom bustingWe all feel more enthusiastic about exercising if its an activity we enjoy and, like people, horses can get bored.Adding some variety to your horses workload may help to increase their energy levels.Fitness factorFitness is one of the factors that has greatest influence on energy levels, particularly stamina, so its important to be honest about whether your horse is fit enough for the work theyre being asked to do.Speak to an instructor/trainer for advice on improving your horses fitness and maintaining a varied workload.If your horse has recently been lame, always seek veterinary advice before bringing them back into work.For friendly, advice on feeding your horse or pony you can contact the SPILLERS Care-Line on 01908 226626 or visit www.spillers-feeds.comLead image by SpillersHave you heard about Your Horses#FitNotFatcampaign? Equine obesity is an enormous welfare problem and were on a mission to provide owners and riders with the knowledge, skills and information you need to keep your horse in tip-top health. It could be life saving! FindoutmoreRelated contentSoaking hay: hay to do it correctlyHay vs haylage: which is best?How to feed straw as a partial hay/haylage replacerPerfect portions: put your feeding knowledge to the testThe post How to boost energy levels without the horse putting on weight appeared first on Your Horse.