Summer feed tips for show horses
Keeping nutrition performance on track during the show season. 

Summer is one of the busiest times of year for horse owners across Atlantic Canada. From local schooling shows and gymkhanas to provincial hunter-jumper, dressage, western circuits, horses are travelling more, working harder, and facing additional stressors that can impact their health and performance. 

While training and conditioning are important, nutrition plays a major role in helping horses maintain energy, hydration, recovery, and overall condition throughout the season. 

At Feeds’n Needs, we understand the demands of Atlantic Canada’s equine community and the challenges that come with hauling, competing, and keeping horses performing at their best all summer long. 

Summer challenges for show horses
Competition season introduces several factors that can affect a horse’s nutritional needs, including:

• Travel and trailer stress 
• Unfamiliar water sources
• Reduced appetite 
• Increased sweating 
• Hot, humid weather 
• More frequent training and competition
  Even experienced show horses can experience changes in hydration, feed intake, and recovery during a busy season. 

Feeding priorities during the show season
Keeping feed consistent: Avoid making major feed changes during competition season whenever possible. Maintaining a consistent feeding program helps support digestive health and reduces unnecessary stress.
Prioritize forage: High-quality forage should remain the foundation of every show horse’s diet. Consistent access to hay supports digestive function, hydration, and steady energy levels, especially when travelling.
Focus on hydration: Proper hydration is essential for muscle function, temperature regulation, recovery, and performance. Even mild dehydration can affect stamina and recovery time.
Monitor body condition: Competition schedules can make it easy to overlook gradual changes in weight or muscle condition. Regularly evaluate your horse’s topline, body condition, coat quality, and overall appearance throughout the season.
Nutritional support: Depending on your horse’s workload and individual needs, several products may help support performance and recovery during the summer months:
Electrolytes: Electrolytes help replace minerals lost through sweat and support hydration during training, competition, and travel.
Vitamin and mineral support: A balanced vitamin and mineral program helps support overall health, muscle function, and performance throughout the season.
Hydration support products: Hydration-focused supplements can help encourage drinking and support fluid balance during periods of increased work.
Easy-to-feed support: Products such as beet pulp and other digestible fibre sources can provide additional calories while helping support hydration and digestive health. 

Successful show seasons aren’t built on performance alone—they start with preparation.

At Feeds’n Needs, we work with equestrians across Atlantic Canada and understand the unique demands of our summer show season. From hydration support and electrolytes to feeds, supplements, and forage solutions, our team can help you build a nutrition program that fits your horse’s needs. 

Feeds'n Needs Team