Show Season - Feeding horses while on the road

This article is structured for horse owners, trainers, and competitors. This aims to provide actionable advice and general knowledge about equine nutrition and travel considerations.

Show season is an exciting time for equestrians, filled with competitions, travel, and the thrill of showcasing your horse’s talents. However, life on the road can disrupt your horse’s routine, especially when it comes to feeding. Proper nutrition is critical to keeping your horse healthy, energized, and performing at its best. Whether you’re hauling to a local show or crossing provincial or state lines for a major event, here’s how to manage your horse’s feeding plan while on the road.

Stick to your routine as much as possible! Horses thrive on consistency. Changes in feeding times, hay quality, or grain can upset their digestive system, increasing the risk of colic or other issues.

Before hitting the road, plan feeding schedules. Try to feed your horse at the same times as at home, even if it means adjusting your travel itinerary. For example, if your horse gets hay at 6am and 6pm, plan stops or stall times accordingly.

Always bring familiar feed and pack enough grain and your horse’s regular hay and supplements to last the entire trip. Sudden switches to different hay types or brands can cause digestive upset. If you must source feed locally, research suppliers in advance to find similar options.

Portion can be pre-measured for grains and supplements into labelled bags for each feeding. This saves time and ensures accuracy, especially when you’re busy at a show. Label feed bags with your horse’s name and feeding times to avoid mix ups if multiple horses are travelling together.

Travel and stress can dehydrate horses, which impacts digestions and performance. Dehydrated horses are also more prone to impaction colic. Always offer fresh water frequently during stops. Some horses are picky about unfamiliar water sources, so bring water from home or gradually acclimate them to new water by mixing with familiar water.

Electrolytes are a must for long hauls or hot weather. Consider adding electrolytes to your horse’s feed or water (consult vet). Electrolytes replenish salts lost through sweat and encourage drinking.

Offer soaked hay, cubes, beet pulp, or a mash to boost water intake. These are especially helpful if your horse isn’t drinking enough. If you want to hang a bucket in the trailer when travelling, ensure it’s secure to prevent spills or injury.

Plan for safe feeding during transit. Long trailer rides require careful planning to keep your horse comfortable and fed without compromising safety. Hay nets or slow feeders in the trailer provide a steady supply of forage. Forage keeps the gut moving and reducing stress. Choose dust free hay to avoid respiratory irritations in the enclosed trailer.

Feeding grain during travel can increase the risk of choke or digestive issues, especially if the horse is stressed or not drinking enough. Save grain for when you stopped or stabled.

On trips long er than 4-6 hours, stop every 3-4 hours to check on your horse, offer water, and refill hay nets. This also allows your horse to rest and lower its head, which helps clear dust from the respiratory tract. Always tie your hay nets high enough to prevent your horse from getting tangled and remove them when the trailer is moving if your horse is a vigorous eater.

Show often mean increased workloads, whether it’s intense schooling, multiple classes, or long days in the ring. Yor horse’s nutritional needs may change..

Performance horses’ energy needs may require more calories to maintain condition. Work with your vet or nutritionist to adjust gran or add high fat supplements like rice bran, flaxseed for sustained energy.

Post exercise or workout, offer small amounts of hay to aid digestion, followed by grain 1-2 hours later if needed. Avoid large meals immediately after exercise, as this can stress their digestive system.

Keep an eye on your horse’s weight and energy levels. Travel stress and irregular schedules can cause some horses to lose condition, while others may gain weight if they’re eating more and exercising less. Pack portable, nutrient dense snacks like alfalfa cubes or commercial horse treats for quick energy boosts between classes.

To manage stress and gut health during travel and in new environments, competition stress can take a toll on your horse’s digestive system. Support gut health with probiotics and prebiotics daily to maintain healthy gut flora, especially if your horse is prone to stress related digestive issues. Ulcer prevention stress can also be at risk. Feeding small, frequent meals and providing constant access to hay helps buffer stomach acid. Your vet or nutritionist can recommend ulcer preventatives (e.g. Purina Digestive Balance, Mad Barn Visceral).

If behaviour changes and is observed, watch for signs of discomfort, such as reduced appetite, colicky behaviour, or loose stools. Address these promptly, as they may indicate stress or dietary issues. keep your veterinarian’s number on speed dial and the show’s veterinary contact on hand in case of emergencies.

Packing Checklist

• Enough hay and grain for the entire trip, plus a buffer for delays
• Pre measured supplements in labelled bags
• Water buckets, hay nets, and slow feeders
• Electrolytes, pre and probiotics, or other vet approved supplements
• First aid kit with basic equine medications (ask your vet)
• Cleaning tools for buckets and feed areas to maintain hygiene
• Seal all food and supplement containers to keep fresh and [protected from moisture and pests.
  

Every show venue has its own regulations for feed storage, waste disposal, and stabling. Before you arrive check with their feed policies as some venues restrict outside hay or grain due to biosecurity concerns. Follow venue guidelines for disposing of manure, uneaten feed, and hay to keep stalls clean and comply with rules. Contact your show office and confirm.

Feeding your horses on the road during show season requires planning, flexibility, and attention to detail. By sticking to your horse’s routine, prioritizing hydration, and adjusting for performance demands, you can keep your equine partner in top form. A well-fed horse is a happy, healthy competitor, ready to shine in the show ring.

Have tips or questions about feeding on the road? Share them in our comments or contact us for personalized advice. Safe travels and good luck at your next show!