Racehorse Nutrition: Feeding for Peak Performance

Last updated: March 7, 2025

By: Miles HenryFact Checked

The night before a big race, my top horse, Ashton, refused his feed. In that moment, I realized that feeding performance horses is both an art and a science. As a racehorse owner and trainer with 25 years of experience, I’ve learned that effective nutrition goes beyond counting calories; it involves understanding each horse’s unique digestive system and tailoring their diet to meet individual needs.

In this article, I’ll share how I manage the feeding of my seven Thoroughbreds during training, offering research-backed tips and practical advice to optimize their digestion, performance, and overall well-being. Ready to learn about feeding racehorses?

Understanding Equine Digestion

A fundamental aspect of my feeding regimen is a deep appreciation for the horse’s unique digestive system. As hindgut fermenters, horses rely on microbial fermentation in the cecum and colon to break down fibrous materials. This knowledge shapes several of my practices:

• Forage as the Foundation: I prioritize high-quality forage, such as leafy, immature hay or fresh pasture, to provide essential fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This approach aligns with the understanding that hay is the cornerstone of a horse’s diet, satisfying daily maintenance requirements.
• Strategic Feeding Order: Feeding hay before concentrates can slow feed passage through the digestive system, enhancing nutrient absorption and reducing the risk of gastric ulcers. This practice helps protect the stomach’s sensitive lining by increasing saliva production, which buffers stomach acid. Hay in Horse Diets.

By focusing on these practices, I aim to support my horses’ digestive health, leading to improved performance and overall well-being.

My Feeding Philosophy

Over the years, I’ve refined my feeding approach to balancing energy needs with overall health. Understanding that muscle glycogen is the primary fuel during a race. I ensure my horses’ diets are rich in fat and fiber. They obtain these nutrients from quality forage, grains, and commercial feeds.

Forage Selection:

• Timothy Hay: Provides balanced nutrition and is a staple in my horses’ diets. The Vital Role of Hay in a Horse’s Diet
• Alfalfa Hay: Rich in protein and calcium, it benefits racehorses who need extra nutritional support in training.
• Orchard Grass: A tasty source of fiber that my horses enjoy.
• Alicia Bermudagrass: It’s a good choice for horses that don’t need a lot of protein and calcium.

These forages are a great source of fiber, essential for healthy digestion. I also like to test the hay for quality, and if there is a problem, I consult with a veterinarian. When long-stem hay is not available, I consider hay pellets, but they don’t provide the same chewing benefits. In some cases, soaking hay can help with hydration.

Concentrates: Choosing the Right Grains and Feeds

When selecting grains and commercial feeds, I focus on what best fuels my racehorses for training and competition.

Fat Supplementation:

While hay and grain often meet the caloric needs of performance horses, excessive grain intake can lead to health issues due to high carbohydrate content. Incorporating fats as an alternative energy source can provide more calories with less feed and help maintain a calmer demeanor in horses. According to the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, fats are digested differently than carbohydrates, producing less heat during digestion and offering a cooler energy source.

Grains:

• Oats – A staple in my barn, oats are highly digestible and palatable. However, their fiber content and digestible energy value can vary. I prefer to heat-treat oats by soaking them in warm water, which research suggests can improve starch digestion and nutrient absorption. (Effects of oat processing on the glycaemic and insulin responses in horses.)
• Commercial Feeds – I primarily use Omolene feed with 14% protein, as it provides a balanced mix of nutrients tailored to racehorses. However, a horse’s diet should be adjusted based on training intensity, metabolism, and age. A study in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science highlights the importance of regular body condition scoring and performance monitoring when selecting feeds. (Source: Journal of Equine Veterinary Science study on customizing feed).

Supplements: Balancing Benefits and Risks

Supplements play an important role in my feeding program, but I’m careful about what I use and in what amounts.

Vitamins & Minerals:

I include supplements rich in Vitamin E, selenium, and B vitamins to support muscle function and overall health. However, I avoid over-supplementation—too much selenium, for example, can cause hair loss and hoof issues. According to UGA’s article, Too Many Supplements, excessive selenium can lead to toxicity.

Body Builder Supplements:

These help maintain weight and muscle mass, but I always check the ingredients carefully. Some supplements contain prohibited substances, and I only use safe and legal products for racing. A review by Véronique A. Lacombe, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, et al. in Timely Topics in Nutrition advises that owners must be vigilant about supplement ingredients to avoid inadvertent doping.

Electrolytes

Because racehorses sweat heavily, they lose essential minerals. I supplement with balanced electrolyte mixes after intense workouts rather than single-salt products, which some research suggests may not fully replace lost minerals. (Dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and renin-angiotensin.)

Hoof & Coat Supplements – While these help strengthen hooves and improve coat shine, some contain high mineral levels that might interfere with other nutrients. I use a carefully selected hoof supplement to prevent imbalances. (What to Look for in Hoof Supplements: A Buyer’s Guide)

Veterinarian Input:

Consulting with a veterinarian or equine nutritionist is essential to ensure your horse receives a balanced diet tailored to its specific needs. Veterinarians are often asked to provide advice on how best to feed and manage horss with a variety of clinical conditions.

Pro Tip: Regularly assess your horse’s body condition, performance, and overall health with a veterinary professional to help fine-tune its diet and minimize health risks.

My Daily Feeding and Care Routine with the Racehorses in Training

Caring for racehorses takes more than just feeding and exercise—it’s about consistency, attention to detail, and knowing what each horse needs to perform at their best. Here’s what a typical day looks like at my barn:

Morning Routine

6:00 AM – Feeding
Each horse gets their morning meal, including a mix of hay and grain adjusted to their needs. We also feed supplements depending on the horse’s needs.

7:00 AM – Exercise
About an hour after feeding, the horses head to the track for training. This gives them time to digest their food while ensuring they have the energy they need to work.

8:00 AM – Cool Down and Grooming
After training, we rinse them at the wash rack to remove sweat and dirt. Then, they spend time on the walking wheel to cool down and loosen up. While they’re walking, we clean stalls, check on their health and take care of any maintenance like shoeing.

10:00 AM – Grooming and Stall Rest
Once they’ve cooled off, we groom each horse thoroughly, ensuring their coats are clean and looking for any signs of soreness or injury. Then, they go back into their stalls to rest.

Afternoon Routine

12:00 PM – Midday Feeding
They get their second meal of the day, which helps them recover from their morning training and keeps their energy up.

1:00 PM – Free Time
Some horses are turned out in the paddock for 30 minutes to an hour to graze, stretch their legs, and relax. Not all horses go to the track daily, so this time outside helps keep them mentally and physically fresh.

Evening Routine

5:00 PM – Evening Check and Feeding
Before the day ends, we do a final check on each horse to make sure they’re comfortable and healthy. Then, they get their evening meal.

I feed a mix of Timothy, Alicia, and Alfalfa hay, adjusting the ratio depending on each horse’s workload and body condition. Timothy hay provides balanced nutrition, while Alfalfa adds extra protein and calcium for horses needing additional support. This combination ensures they’re getting the essential nutrients they need.

This routine ensures my horses get the care, nutrition, and movement they need to stay in top shape for racing.

Keeping Horses Active Every Day

Daily movement is key to keeping racehorses in top shape. If a horse isn’t scheduled for track work, they still get time outside to stretch, graze, and move around. This prevents stiffness, keeps them mentally sharp, and ensures they stay sound.

Supplements and Hydration

I adjust supplements based on each horse’s needs. Some require hoof supplements to strengthen their feet, while others get a bodybuilder supplement to maintain weight and muscle tone.

Supplements and adequate hydration are vital for racehorses to support their intense activity.

• Vitamins and Minerals:
  • Function: Support overall health and performance.
  • Examples: Vitamin E, selenium, and B vitamins.
• Electrolytes:
  • Function: Replenish those lost through sweat during exercise.
  • Administration: Administer electrolytes after intense workouts, ensuring supplementation is balanced and based on the individual horse’s needs to prevent imbalances.
• Water:
  • Importance: Horses should have constant access to fresh, clean water.
  • Considerations: After exercise, monitor water intake to prevent dehydration or choke.

Monitoring Digestive Health

Keeping a close eye on my horses’ digestive health is a big part of my feeding routine. Over the years, I’ve learned that small changes in behavior or manure can signal bigger issues, so I make it a habit to check for signs that their diet is working for them. Here’s what I focus on:

• Observe Behavior
  • I watch for signs like lethargy, weight loss, a reduced appetite, or changes in manure consistency. If a horse isn’t acting like itself or leaves feed untouched, I take a closer look at what might be going on.
• Check Manure Consistency
  • Manure tells me a lot about digestive health. If it’s too dry, the horse might not be drinking enough water or getting enough fiber. If it’s too loose, there could be a gut imbalance or feed issue.
• Assess Body Condition Regularly
  • I keep track of each horse’s weight and body condition, adjusting their feed as needed. A well-fed racehorse should have good muscle tone and enough energy without being overweight.
• Provide Plenty of Long-Stem Forage
  • I always make sure my horses have access to high-quality hay. Chewing long-stem forage produces saliva, which helps buffer stomach acid and reduces the risk of ulcers.

By staying on top of these things daily, I can make small feed adjustments before minor issues turn into bigger problems. This hands-on approach keeps my horses feeling their best.

Common Feeding Mistakes

Over the years, I’ve learned that small feeding mistakes can have a big impact on a horse’s health and performance. I’ve made adjustments along the way to ensure my horses get the nutrition they need without unnecessary risks. Here are some common feeding mistakes I avoid:

• Feeding by Volume Instead of Weight
  • What I Used to Do: I used to rely on scoops and flakes, assuming they provided a consistent amount of feed. But I quickly realized that different feeds vary in density, which led to some horses getting more or less than intended.
  • What I Do Now: I always weigh both concentrates and forage to make sure every horse gets the right amount of nutrients. A scale is one of the most useful tools in my barn.
• Overfeeding Grain
  • What I’ve Seen Happen: Feeding too much grain can throw off a horse’s digestive system, leading to colic or hindgut acidosis. I’ve seen horses struggle with this, especially those who are sensitive to starch-heavy diets.
  • What I Do Now: I keep grain intake in check and make sure no horse gets more than 0.5% of their body weight in grain per meal. Instead of overloading on concentrates, I balance their diet with quality forage and fat-based energy sources.
• Infrequent Feeding Intervals
  • Why It’s a Problem: Horses are meant to graze throughout the day. Long gaps between meals can lead to ulcers, digestive upset, and even behavioral issues.
  • How I Prevent It: I spread out feedings as much as possible, ensuring they have hay available between meals. This helps keep their gut moving and prevents stomach acid buildup.

By sticking to these feeding principles, I’ve found my horses stay healthier, perform better, and have fewer digestive issues.

Race Day Feeding Strategies

Managing my horses’ nutrition on race day is crucial for their performance. Here’s how I handle feeding before and after a race:

Pre-Race Feeding:

• Morning Meal: On race day, I start by feeding my horse his regular morning meal at the barn before we head to the track.
• At the Track: Once we arrive, I settle him into his stall at the receiving barn and provide hay and water with added electrolytes. This continues until about three hours before the race. Providing small amounts of forage throughout the day helps maintain gut function without adding excessive weight.
• Lasix Administration: Often, our horses are administered furosemide (Lasix) by the track veterinarian approximately four hours before race time. After receiving Lasix, I withhold both feed and water until after the race to prevent potential complications, as Lasix induces diuresis, leading to significant fluid loss.

Post-Race Recovery:

• Hydration: Immediately following the race, I offer my horse fresh water to help replenish lost fluids. However, I don’t let him drink all he wants at once. Instead, I allow him to take a few sips and then walk him for a few minutes before offering more. I continue this process until he’s cooled down because drinking a lot of water quickly can cause colic, particularly if the horse is dehydrated.
• Feeding: Once he’s cooled down and relaxed, usually about two hours post-race, I provide a balanced meal that includes forage and concentrates. This aids in replenishing glycogen stores and supports muscle recovery.

By following this feeding routine, I ensure my horses are well-fueled for peak performance and recover effectively after their races.

Pro Tip: Equine nutrition is always changing. Keeping up with new research and talking to equine nutritionists or vets is key to creating and updating feeding plans that fit your horse’s needs. Factors like age, workload, and health require personalized diets to ensure your horse stays healthy and performs well.

Frequently Asked Questions About Feeding Racehorses

Here are some common questions about racehorse nutrition to help you make informed decisions for your horse’s health and performance:

Conclusion

Feeding your racehorse properly is key to their health and success. You can boost your horse’s performance and well-being by carefully understanding how their digestion works, balancing hay and grain, avoiding common feeding mistakes, and planning race day meals. Keep learning and seek professional advice to maintain an effective feeding program.

Disclaimer: This article offers general guidance, not professional advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian or equine nutritionist for a personalized feeding plan, as each horse’s needs vary. The author and publisher are not liable for the outcomes of using this information.