From energy to protein to fiber, the nutrition protocol for a performance horse is essential for maintaining these athletes’ body conditions and for meeting all nutritional requirements. My horse, Margarita, is an all-star barrel horse in the making. Twice per day, my 8 year-old mare is examined, fed and given water. As I am checking her water twice per day to monitor water intake and refilling as needed, Margarita also receives a very specific diet consisting of a few different feeds.
One part of that diet is her grain. In addition to Margarita’s primary grain, Nutrena Pro Force Fuel, I also add in two different supplements on top of her grain. As I repeat this process of graining my “big dog” once per day, there are a few simple steps. As I go into her stall, I first grab her bucket hanging on one side of the stall. Secondly, I go into my trailer and pour one quart-sized scoop of grain into the bucket. After pouring the grain into her bucket, I sprinkle over one scoop of glucosamine powder on top of the grain. Prior to Margarita eating her grain she so loves, I then add two pumps of Formula 1 supplement on top of the glucosamine. Last, but not least, Margarita gets to indulge on her daily snack of grain.
Agriculture Communications 