Autumn and winter can be a gloomy time for horse owners but for many it does bring with it the thrill of hunting. Riding around the British countryside on horse-back is exhilarating but do you know how to keep your horse safe and comfortable whilst you are tackling various terrain at speed?
Hunters require high energy and stamina and many people struggle during the winter keeping weight on their horse or pony while still maintaining an even temperament and not too much fizz.
Fibre, starch and fat should form the main basis of a hunters diet. As with any horse or pony, his diet should be in relation to the type of work that he is doing. Hunting requires sustained work for long periods of time so feeding slow release energy forms such as fibre and oil will provide energy but not encourage any excitable behaviour.
Good quality protein will aid muscle development and provide all the essential vitamins and minerals that your horse needs. Adding a supplement such as Competition Horse Supplement from Scientific Nutritional Products can help to add all the missing nutrients in the diet with the compound containing over 30 essential nutrients.
If you find weight loss to be an issue during the hunting season your horse may benefit from feeds which are high in slow releasing energy sources in order to help them gain condition in a controlled way and keep a calm disposition. Using feed that contains a probiotic will also aid fibre digestion and lessen the risk of digestive disturbances such as colic.
Don’t forget to supply electrolytes as these are crucial post exercise that is as strenuous as hunting. A horse can lose up to 15 litres of sweat per day so it is important to replenish depleted stores of both water and lost body salts. Electrolytes replace vital body fluids that are lost through sweating, they are designed to correct the balance of electrolytes and water within the body.
Electrolytes with MSM and Vitamins are perfect for the hunting horse after exercise. MSM and extra vitamins ensure that your horse or pony gets the extra boost he needs.
