Throughout history, horses have been bred for a variety of different purposes. As a result, horses have acquired different needs and lifestyles based on their genes & activities, and each breed requires thoughtfully developed approaches to their health, happiness and well-being. Racing horses, show horses and trail horses all have unique needs that should be personalized & considered. Horse supplements can provide a range of benefits for each breed and sport, addressing specific needs and enhancing their long-term health.

Racing horses, often high-impact sprinters, are known for their spirit, stamina and impressive speed. Racing horses require a demanding nutrition routine providing a high-quality, nutritionally complete performance diet. Racing horses require high volumes of starch and protein, balanced with a wide range of vitamins and minerals, and should be fed three to four times per day to support optimal performance. Fibre is also an integral part of maintaining the healthy diet of a racing horse. Options such as Bio Bite Treats are a great treat with high amounts of natural fibre in a great-tasting anise flavour horses love. Maintaining joint integrity is another crucial aspect in supporting the performance of racing horses, as well as helping to upkeep their mobility and comfort. 4CYTE Horse Epitalis Forte Oral Gel is a great daily gel supplement that helps relieve stiffness and maintains joint health with a patented plant seed oil. Recovery support can also provide long-term benefits, enhancing training schedules and outcomes. Finish Line’s Original Premium Clay Poultice is an excellent option to help reduce joint and hoof inflammation after intense races or training sessions, with a supportive blend of essential oils.

Show horses require a lot of care and attention to perform at their best. Their bodies require plenty of vitamins, minerals and nutrients so that their bones, muscles and joints are in optimal condition. Show horses also require more grooming than other breeds to keep their manes and coats beautiful. A variety of grooming brushes can help remove dirt, debris and dander. Try the JD Anima Grooming Gloves for a hands-on grooming experience that makes horses feel great and fosters the horse and rider relationship. Additionally, bathing is also an important part of maintaining the health and appearance of a show horse, and shampoos and formulas need to be carefully selected to avoid irritating and drying out a horse's coat. A great option would be Omega Alpha’s Equine HerbaCoat, a water based leave-in conditioner spray that can be used after bathing or as needed, helping maintain healthy skin so coats & manes truly shine. Supplements are another great addition to a show horse's wellness regimen, supporting the appearance of a horse’s mane and coat from the inside out. We recommend Omega Balance EQ, a supplement that promotes a shiny coat through essential vitamins such as Omegas 3,6 and 9.

Trail horses are brave and courageous, bred to be curious about their surroundings and go where many horses won’t. As they frequently navigate difficult terrain and travel long distances, it is important to maintain the joint health of a trail horse. The natural wear and tear of joints that occurs from these challenging environments means riders must ensure that their trail horse receives ample amounts of vitamins and minerals to support the mobility and cushioning of their joints. We recommend NutriAid GCM to promote joint function, reduce inflammation and mitigate early joint degeneration. Another important aspect to consider for trail horses is maintaining hydration and energy levels while committing to long, strenuous travels. Especially in intense heat, trail horses are prone to dehydration and fatigue. Finish Line’s Apple-A-Day electrolyte supplement replenishes electrolytes and minerals lost in daily trail activity, supporting proper hydration and healthy nerve and muscle function.

Horses have unique needs and requirements based on their breed and activity level, and it is important to develop tailored wellness routines to keep your horse vibrant. By incorporating supplements and care routines, riders are able to maximize their horses’ well-being to support their long-term health. If you’re looking for recommendations for your horse’s unique lifestyle and genetic needs, please don’t hesitate to Contact our customer care team for more personalized recommendations or product information.