Feeding for energy without overdoing it

Feeding for energy can be a balancing act.

Whether you want more stamina, better condition or improved performance, it is important to understand that not all energy sources work the same way. Feeding more is not always the answer. Feeding correctly is what matters.

What does energy actually mean?

In horse nutrition, energy refers to the fuel a horse gets from its diet. This fuel supports daily movement, body condition, growth, work and recovery.

Horses get energy from several sources, including fibre, starch, sugar and fat. Each source is used differently by the body, which is why the type of feed can influence how a horse feels and performs.

Fast energy vs slow-release energy

Some feeds provide energy quickly. Feeds higher in starch and sugar can create a more immediate energy source, which may be useful for certain horses and workloads.

Other feeds provide slower-release energy, often through fibre and fat. These may be better suited to horses that need condition, stamina or calmer, more sustained energy.

The right choice depends on the horse, their temperament and the work they are doing.

Consider your horse’s workload

A horse doing light work does not need the same energy intake as a horse in regular training or competition.

Overfeeding energy to a horse that does not need it can lead to weight gain or changes in behaviour. Underfeeding a horse in heavier work can lead to poor condition, tiredness and reduced performance.

Matching feed to workload helps maintain balance.

Temperament matters

Some horses are naturally more reactive or sensitive to diet changes. A feed that suits one horse may not suit another.  If a horse becomes “hot”, unsettled or difficult to manage after a diet change, the type of energy source may need reviewing.

For these horses, lower-starch or slow-release energy like fats and oils may be more suitable.

Condition and energy are linked

Horses that need to gain or maintain condition often require additional energy. However, the aim should be steady improvement, not rapid change.

A sudden increase in feed can upset digestion and may not lead to the type of condition you want. Gradual adjustments, supported by adequate forage, are usually more effective.

Forage comes first

Before increasing hard feed, review forage.  Good-quality hay, pasture and fibre-based feeds are important for gut health and can contribute a significant amount of energy. If forage is limited or poor quality, horses may struggle to maintain energy and condition.

Increasing forage can sometimes make a big difference before more concentrated feeds are added.

Avoid guessing

It is easy to assume a horse needs more energy when the issue may actually be fitness, health, saddle fit, dental problems or parasites.

If a horse is lacking performance or condition, it is worth looking at the full management picture.

Feed is important, but it is only one part of the equation.  Remember, any increase in feed should be made slowly. This allows the digestive system to adjust and gives you time to monitor changes in behaviour, condition and performance.  Small, consistent changes are safer and easier to assess than large jumps.

Finding the right balance

Feeding for energy is about matching the diet to the horse’s needs.

Consider workload, temperament, body condition and season. Choose energy sources that support the outcome you want, whether that is stamina, condition, performance or calm daily maintenance.

When the balance is right, horses are better fuelled without being overfed.