A horse with low energy needs, such as a recreational horse or a horse at rest, doesn’t require the same nutrition as a sport horse. These horses can make do with a ration consisting primarily of roughage and a limited amount of concentrates. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider horse feed for recreational horses, aiming to support health and condition without overheating the horse. Sometimes we’re tempted to feed a handful of pellets, but this doesn’t cover all the nutrients your horse needs and can lead to deficiencies in the future.

Furthermore, it’s important to carefully tailor the ration to the horse’s activity level, breed, age, and any sensitivities. For example, some recreational horses can be sensitive to sugar or quickly become overweight. In that case, it’s advisable to choose feed with a low sugar and starch content, and to focus primarily on fiber-rich products. This maintains optimal digestion and keeps the horse’s energy level stable. By also selecting good-quality roughage, such as textured hay or alfalfa, you prevent nutrient deficiencies and support the horse’s overall vitality.

Horse feed for recreational horses: focus on roughage

For recreational horses, the basic horse feed ration consists of 90% roughage, such as hay, haylage, alfalfa, or possibly Hartog Compact Grass.

This type of low-energy horse feed is high in fiber, which ensures healthy intestinal function and a constant, gradual release of energy. This is important for horses that perform less strenuous work. Fiber stimulates saliva production and supports the smooth functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. In this way, textured feed contributes to a balanced and stable energy supply.

Moreover, horses don’t gain weight quickly on textured feed. Chewing the fibers frequently keeps the intestines active, making the horse feel full for longer. For horses sensitive to dust, moist roughage such as slightly moist silage or pre-soaked hay can be a good choice.

Horse feed low in energy and sugar

A product like Hartog Lucerne Mix, Hartog Lucerne Plus, or Hartog Grass Mix increases the fiber content of the ration and also provides additional nutrients such as protein that contribute to a balanced diet. Thanks to their natural composition, these mixes are particularly suitable as low-energy horse feed, contributing to stable digestion and a smooth energy flow without peaks.

It’s also important to realize that reducing feed intake isn’t always the solution to reducing your horse’s weight or heat. We’re often tempted to feed less concentrates than recommended because we’re afraid of overfeeding. However, this can lead to problems with getting the daily vitamins and minerals you need. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose feed that’s right for your horse!

At Hartog, we have the following products suitable for horses with lower energy needs:

• Hartog Essential – a balancer, low in sugar and starch. Due to the high concentration of vitamins and minerals, you feed less of this product than regular concentrates.
• Hartog Daily – a basic feed that is 60% lower in sugar and starch than regular feed. Ideal for people who like to feed their horse a little more, but don’t want high sugar and starch levels.
• Hartog Comfort – an all-in-one mix that covers all vitamins and minerals in the most natural way possible: in the form of roughage. Low in sugar and starch, making this mix very suitable for a wide variety of horses and ponies.

Are you unsure about when to choose a balancer or a concentrate feed? Then be sure to read the following articles:

• Basic feed for your horse: how do you choose the right one?
• Balancer or concentrate feed: what does your horse really need?

When do recreational horses need more horse feed? Need it?

While a recreational horse usually requires little energy, there may be situations where you need additional nutrition, such as when you’re starting to compete, you notice your horse has too little energy, or you decide to breed a foal. In these cases, an adjustment to your recreational horse’s ration may be necessary. Always do this gradually and avoid switching to the new ration abruptly. In these cases, it’s also wise to choose a horse feed with a fiber base.