Feed your horse to performance: from recreation to peak performance

Feed your horse to performance: from recreation to peak performance

Could your horse use a little more, or just a little less energy during your rides in the woods? Or are you a fanatic competitor looking for that extra performance boost? Whether you have a relaxed recreational horse or a hotter sport horse: the feed always forms the basis for your horse’s performance.

But this is where it gets interesting: because performance nutrition is not just about what you feed, but more importantly how and when you feed. From the timing around your training to the right recovery feed, every detail counts. And the beauty is: with the right knowledge, you can take any horse to the next level!

In this comprehensive blog you will discover all the secrets of performance nutrition. We discuss energy management, supplements, timing ánd how Florian’s mixed roughage, Support Mixes and Primal Chunks can support any level of performance according to our principle: feed more, fill less.

The basics of performance nutrition: Back to Basic with a modern twist

Fair is fair: every horse is an athlete. Even on a leisurely walk, your horse uses muscles, heart and lungs. And as with elite athletes, performance begins with the foundation, nutrition.

The digestive system of horses is uniquely designed for continuous processing of fiber-rich material. This natural foundation should always be at the core of any nutritional plan, regardless of whether your horse is ridden occasionally or intensively trained daily.

Why traditional nutrition often falls short

Many horse owners make the same mistake: they think that more energy automatically guarantees better performance. But there’s a catch here! In fact, too much fast energy(from sugars and starches) can lead to:

  • Restless and difficult to manage behavior
  • Energy fluctuations during training
  • Increased risk of digestive problems
  • Stress on liver and kidneys

The Florian approach: efficiency over volume

At Florian Horsefood, we believe in a different approach. Our Support Mixes prove that you need much less: with traditional muesli you often have to feed 3 times more! So a Florian ration is not only economically smarter, but above all much healthier for your horse.

The science behind optimal performance energy

Different energy sources, different effects

Not all energy is equal. Horses can get fuel from different sources, each with its own characteristics:

Fiber: the natural base converted to stable energy via gut bacteria. This process consistently provides fuel without peaks and valleys.

Fats: provide 2.5 times more energy per gram than carbohydrates and provide long-term, stable energy release. Perfect for endurance exercise.

Starches and sugars: quick energy, but can lead to behavioral changes and energy spikes.

The power of controlled energy

This is where, for example, our Slow Fit Support Mix excels. The unique composition of this mix provides powerful and slow-release energy and is partly developed for sharp and sensitive sport horses. The secret? A perfect balance between different energy sources and rich in magnesium for extra comfort.

Research shows: timing is crucial

Scientific research confirms what experienced trainers have long known: when you feed is as important as what you feed. The digestive system of horses needs 2-3 hours to process concentrate for optimal energy availability.

Practical application-from theory to stable

As mentioned, varied roughage always forms the basis of a healthy ration. The variety of crude fiber in our roughage mixes ensures a healthy and effective digestive process and therefore contributes to stable and healthy energy. If your horse needs additional support and/or energy, you can supplement with an Oer pellet or Support Mix

Support Mixing: targeted support by performance level

For horses that need extra care: Care Fit

The Care Fit Support Mix is great for horses with specific needs. This herbal mix with healing herbs supports the cleansing action of liver and kidneys and contributes to improved intestinal flora and resistance. Ideal for:

  • Older horses in light training
  • Horses during rehabilitation
  • Sensitive horses that need balance

For controlled performance: Slow Fit

Sport horses that need energy but must remain manageable often do perfectly on Slow Fit. Because it is rich in magnesium and vitamins & minerals, this mix provides a form of powerful but slow-release energy.

Impact primal chunks: the power of natural chewing

Our Impact primal chunks are deliberately made extra large to encourage chewing and promote digestion. This natural process:

  • Increases saliva production (essential for healthy digestion)
  • Improves absorption of nutrients
  • Satisfies natural behavior
  • Slows feed intake for better digestion

Easy impact for young talents

Specially developed for stress sensitive and young horses, Easy Impact supports calm and stable growth: perfect for horses still developing their performance potential.

Fiber Impact: the unique fiber chunk

For horses with high fiber and medium energy requirements, Fiber Impact provides all the vitamins, minerals and protein needed without unnecessary additives. A unique kibble, extremely low in starch and sugar and still plenty of protein.

Common questions and myths debunked

Myth 1: “Horses always get ‘hot’ from oats “
Reality: Oats provide quick energy and are easily digestible for horses. Wheat, on the other hand, is a lot less digestible for horses. Oats can be an excellent supplement for horses with high energy requirements, for example, horses running high in sports.

Myth 2: “more feed = better performance”
Reality: Quality over quantity. With Florian’s concentrated formulas, you can feed over 50% less compared to regular muesli and still get better results.

Myth 3: “Supplements are always necessary for horses that have to perform a lot”
Reality: a properly formulated basic ration with plenty of varied forage, a good balancer, support mixes and/or impact primal grains usually covers all needs. A supplement is then not necessary.

Question, “when should I switch foods?”
Answer: watch for signs such as behavioral changes, loss of condition, or decreased performance. When putting together a ration, it is always advisable to consult with a nutritionist.

Conclusion

Performance nutrition is about much more than just adding energy. It is about understanding your horse as a unique individual with specific needs, respecting the natural digestive system and applying modern nutritional science.

The key to success lies in Florian’s proven philosophy: feed more, fill less. Our support mixes and impact primal chunks prove daily that with the right knowledge and quality products, you can take any horse to the next level, whether for a leisurely forest ride or athletic ambitions.

By focusing on your horse’s natural needs and making the right nutritional choices, you lay the foundation for a long, healthy and happy horse’s life. Performance doesn’t start in your horse’s legs, but in his feed trough!

Best of all? This approach works for any horse, regardless of age, breed or discipline. Back to Basic, but with the power of modern nutritional science.

What about your horse?

Do you have questions about performance nutrition for your own horse? Or would you like to share experiences about our support mixes and impact primal chunks? We’d love to hear from you!

Contact us directly by phone or whatsapp. Our team of nutrition experts is ready to help you put together the perfect performance menu for your horse.

Together we make every horse a happy, healthy athlete! 🐴