Estimated Energy Requirements of Work for Light Horsesa and Desirable Body Condition Scores
Activity | DE, Mcal/d | Optimal Body Condition Scoreb |
|---|---|---|
Idle (maintenance, for reference to increased needs below) | 0.033 × kg BW | 4–6 |
Light work (halter competition, pleasure trail riding) | (0.0333 × kg BW) × 1.2 | 5–6 |
Moderate work (performance/show [English and Western, youth activity], equestrian instruction) | (0.0333 × kg BW) × 1.4 | 5–6 |
Heavy work (ranch work, frequent strenuous show [cutting and roping, barrel racing], endurance trail ride, lower-level 3-day event [hunt course, stadium jumping, dressage], polo) | (0.0333 × kg BW) × 1.6 | 4–5 |
Very heavy work (race training, elite 3-day event) | (0.0363 × kg BW) × 1.9 | 4–5 |
Abbreviations: BW, body weight; DE, digestible energy. a 200–600 kg body weight. b Depends on breed, type of competition, and environment. Suggested DE calculations for horses in light, moderate, heavy, and very heavy work adapted from Nutrient Requirements of Horses. 6th ed. National Research Council. National Academies Press; 2007. | ||