Feeding The Lazy Horse To Make Him More Forward

Understanding the Lazy Horse

Every horse possesses unique traits, but when your equine companion is often termed a "lazy horse," it can be both physically and mentally challenging for the rider. The lethargic demeanor doesn’t always come from an inherent temperament but can be influenced by several factors, including nutrition. Many horses become more energetic when their diet aligns with their physical demands.

Energy Needs of Dressage Horses & Other Performance Horses

Disciplines like dressage, with its transitions within gaits like trot and canter, demands that the horse move with energy and responsiveness. Dressage riders, whether they're working towards the U.S. Olympic Dressage Team or simply trotting around the arena, know the importance of maintaining the gait without constant nagging. An energetic horse is essential for movements such as flying changes, extended canter, and the medium trot. When a dressage horse feels sluggish, every transition, from a working trot to a relaxed canter, becomes laborious.

The Role of the Rider in Addressing Equine Lethargy

As a rider, it's crucial to discern when your horse is genuinely fatigued or just being unresponsive. Using leg aid generously or even the whip to get a response can be a go-to for many equestrians, but if the horse is lazy due to dietary shortcomings, no amount of spur or whip will yield lasting results. Riders must be proactive, working alongside equine nutritionists or their dressage coach to ensure their horse’s dietary needs are met.

Making Your Horse Move with the Right Nutrition

While tack, saddle, and training play a significant role in a horse's performance, nutrition is often the unsung hero. A lazy horse can be transformed into an energetic, responsive companion with the right dietary changes, benefiting every rider, whether they’re aiming for a place on the Olympic team or simply want a pleasant ride around the arena.

Horses, whether they’re a fiery chestnut mare or a more reserved gelding, react noticeably to their diet. Protein plays a pivotal role. A protein-rich diet can make even the laziest horse go forward with gusto. It provides the energy required for them to respond to a gentle squeeze of the rider's leg or even try more demanding exercises generously without resistance.

Alfalfa: A Power-Packed Solution for the Dressage Horse

Enter alfalfa, a staple in many horse schools. Packed with protein, introducing alfalfa to a horse’s diet can transform that trot from lethargic to lively. Alfalfa can help the horse working harder and get in front of the leg. Alfalfa, often referred to as the "Queen of Forages," is a perennial legume that boasts a rich nutritional profile. Used widely in the equine world, it's renowned for its ability to provide a plethora of essential nutrients in a digestible form.

High-quality alfalfa can contain between 15% to 20% crude protein, depending on the maturity of the plant at harvest. This protein is instrumental in supporting muscle development, tissue repair, and overall growth. For performance horses or those in heavy training, the amino acids in this protein support muscle function and recovery. Alfalfa contains other natural antioxidants, such as carotenes and flavonoids, which help combat oxidative stress in the body.

Alfalfa is also a treasure trove of essential vitamins and minerals:

1. Vitamin K: Known for its role in blood clotting and bone metabolism.
2. Vitamin A: Essential for vision, growth, and immune function.
3. Vitamin E: A potent antioxidant that protects cells against damage and supports immune function.
4. Calcium: Alfalfa has an impressive calcium content, beneficial for bone structure and function. It often has a calcium to phosphorus ratio of about 4:1 or higher, making it especially valuable for lactating mares or growing foals.
5. Magnesium: Important for muscle function and nerve signaling.
6. Potassium: An essential electrolyte that maintains hydration status, nerve function, and muscle contractions.

The fibrous nature of alfalfa makes it an excellent source of digestible fiber. Its structural carbohydrates, including cellulose and hemicellulose, support hindgut health by providing feedstock for beneficial microbial fermentation. This fermentation produces volatile fatty acids, which horses use as an energy source.

Alfalfa has a higher energy density compared to many grass hays. This makes it an excellent feed choice for horses needing to gain weight or those with higher energy requirements, such as performance horses or lactating mares. For horses that are consistently behind the leg or seem lethargic when you ask your horse to move, alfalfa may be the perfect solution. 

Elevate Energy Levels with Whey Protein

But while alfalfa is beneficial, another protein powerhouse is whey protein. It isn't traditionally used as a staple in equine diets, but its quality of protein is unmatched. Whey protein aids in building muscle and provides sustained energy, ensuring your horse moves with enthusiasm during each gait.

Whey protein, a byproduct of cheese production, has earned a prominent reputation in the nutrition and fitness world due to its exceptional amino acid profile and digestibility. It's derived from the liquid portion of milk that separates during the cheese-making process and is then processed further to produce various protein powders.

Among the many types of protein available, whey protein stands out as one of the highest-quality sources, mainly because of its comprehensive amino acid composition. It's a complete protein, meaning it provides all nine essential amino acids that the human body can't produce on its own. These amino acids are crucial for various physiological processes, including muscle repair, enzyme formation, and hormone synthesis.

Leucine, a branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) found abundantly in whey protein, is particularly noteworthy for its role in muscle protein synthesis. BCAAs, and leucine in particular, have been shown to stimulate muscle growth, making whey protein a favorite among athletes and bodybuilders. Furthermore, research suggests that whey protein can aid in muscle recovery after exercise, reduce exercise-induced muscle damage, and improve muscle performance.

Beyond muscle health, whey protein also contains bioactive compounds that have potential health benefits. These include immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, and glycomacropeptides. These compounds can support immune function, possess antimicrobial properties, and might even influence gut health.

Whey protein is also a rich source of cysteine, an amino acid that serves as a precursor for the antioxidant glutathione. Glutathione plays a pivotal role in the body's defense against oxidative stress and supports detoxification processes. Thus, consuming whey protein can indirectly contribute to the body's antioxidant defenses.

Another notable aspect of whey protein is its digestibility. It's rapidly digested and absorbed by the body, ensuring that the amino acids are swiftly available for use. This rapid absorption is one reason why many athletes consume whey protein immediately post-workout to optimize muscle recovery.

Using Diet to Make an Energetic Horse: Some Precautions

Increasing both the amount of protein and the quality of the protein can help you develop a horse willing to respond to the lightest amount of pressure.  However, while nutrition is essential, transitioning your horse’s diet should be approached with caution. Suddenly introducing high amounts of protein can cause more harm than good. An incremental increase, paired with monitoring how your horse feels during rides, is key. If your horse tends to slow down or buck around the ring, it may be more than just laziness; it could be a sign they're not digesting their new diet well. Always be sure to consult an equine nutritionist as well as your coach and veterinarian before implementing big changes into a horse's lifestyle.