Feeding a Performance Stallion

Performance stallions are some of the most finely-tuned athletes on the planet. They are strong, agile, intelligent animals capable of running the racetrack and return to the breeding barn to cover receptive mares; while barely breaking a sweat. Proper feeding is essential to optimize your stallion's performance. Your stallion's rations must be complete and well-balanced to improve his performance -- both in the winner's circle and in the breeding barn.

Things You'll Need

  • Hay
  • Grain
  • Corn oil
  • Powdered equine vitamins
  • Mineral block
  • Liquid electrolytes
  • Water bucket
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Instructions

    • 1

      Evaluate your stallion's overall body condition. Performance stallions should have a body condition in the 4 to 5 range, with an even layer of muscle along the shoulders, hips and chest. The stallion's ribs should not be visually prominent, but should be easy to feel with your fingertips. The neck should be solidly muscled with no visible fat deposits. Stallions that are either too thin or too fat are unable to properly perform in the ring, or in the breeding shed.

    • 2

      Feed clean, good quality hay at a rate of 1.5 percent of the stallion's overall body weight. A stallion tipping the scales at 1,000 lbs needs a daily ration of 15 lbs of hay. Open the bale of hay and shake the flakes with your hands, discarding any flakes that are filled with weeds or produce dust when shaken.

    • 3

      Mix 5 lbs of grain with a cup of corn oil and a scoop of powdered equine vitamins in the stallion's feed tub. The higher nutrient content of the grain and vitamins combined with the oil, boost the stallion's calorie intake and give him the extra energy needed to perform. If your stallion is fed twice a day, divide the grain evenly between feedings to prevent digestive upset.

    • 4

      Place a mineral block near the stallion's feeding area. Blocks with calcium and phosphorous are particularly important for muscle development and nerve function, and your stallion should be allowed to lick the block as often as he wants.

    • 5

      Carry a water bucket with you to shows or the breeding barn, and pour a dose of liquid electrolytes into the water on heavy performance days. Your stallion will shed electrolytes as he sweats during classes or breedings and should be replenished as soon as possible, to keep his body in balance for optimal performance.