Polo and Polocrosse Nutrition
Important Factors for Performance and Recovery
To achieve optimal performance in any equine sport, meeting the increased nutritional requirements of the equine athlete is vital. The intensity of the work performed by polo and polocrosse horses and ponies can be the equivalent to racing. Work intensity combined with the warmer weather they generally play in, and the travel involved to games means they have very specific nutrition requirements.
Below are some important points to consider throughout the polo and polocrosse seasons when designing diets for these hard-working horses.
Fuel
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Provide a blend of energy sources to supply slow-release energy for stamina over numerous days, and fast release energy for during games. Energy should be supplied through structural carbohydrates (such as forage) non-structural carbohydrates (grains) and some amount of fat through oil or KER Equi-Jewel stabilised rice bran.
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Structural carbohydrates in the form of forage through pasture, hay, baleage and fibre products should make up the largest part of the diet and all horses should consume at least 1.5% of their body weight in dry matter forage daily.
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Vary the blend of energy sources according to the horse’s behaviour. For example, ‘hot’ horses should have less grain and be provided more energy through slower release forms such as fat and fibre. Horses at risk of digestive conditions or tying up should also be provided low grain diets.
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Quieter types or horses that become fatigued towards the final chukkas can have non structural carbohydrates such as oats, steam flaked barley or a higher grain feed such as McMillan Protein Plus or Energy Max, 30 minutes to one hour prior to work with forage. This ensures blood glucose levels are high at the time of playing.
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Reduce grain according to workload to prevent myopathies such as tying up eg. less grain before a day off.
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Alter caloric intake in relation to the horse’s workload and body condition. Monitor body condition regularly and alter intake accordingly.
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During the event the horse should be provided the same feeds and supplements as they were at home, however additional forage and hard feed through increasing meal sizes or providing an extra meal in the day may be required to keep energy levels high.
Travel
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Increasing forage intake several days before travel will help to ensure the horse remains hydrated, as fibre acts as a reservoir, storing water and electrolytes in the hindgut. For every kilogram of forage eaten, a horse will drink approximately 4 litres of water. Super fibres such as beet pulp and soy hulls through products like McMillan Grain Free are ideal for including in the diet prior to travel and when at an event.
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Travel can be stressful, causing inappetence in some horses. Consider adding a B vitamin supplement such as KER Hemabuild to the horse’s diet before travel to help boost appetite. An antioxidant supplement containing natural vitamin E such as KERx Nano E will also help support immunity, and electrolytes such as McMillan Electrolyte are essential to help improve hydration status.
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To maintain digestive health, ensure regular breaks during travel of at least every four hours to offer water and hay or chaff for fibre.
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On arrival ensure fresh water and forage is provided and give the horse time to settle into their new surroundings. Electrolytes should be provided in the evening feed, however once they have had time to have a drink, extra electrolytes can be given on arrival to replace nutrients lost during travel, especially if the horse has sweated throughout the journey.
Digestive Conditions
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Adequate forage fed consistently is essential for the prevention of both gastric ulcers and hindgut acidosis. Gastric ulcers can begin within four hours, especially in stressful conditions, and regular fibre is essential to buffer gastric acid and prevent this.
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Lucerne is the preferred choice for ulcer prevention due to its higher buffering qualities, however grassy or meadow hay is also ideal. Horses at risk of ulcers would benefit from some amount of lucerne in their diets, and offering a handful of lucerne prior to work is extremely beneficial for preventing gastric acid splashes and contributing to the risk of ulcers.
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Dietary changes can also contribute to digestive upset and hindgut disturbances causing acidosis. This can be prevented through feeding the same feeds and hay as at home. Monitor for symptoms of hindgut acidosis such as loose manure or mild colic.
Recovery
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Small grain meals supplied with forage when the horse has cooled down after a game are important to replace glycogen stores. This is especially important if the horse is playing again that day.
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Replenish minerals lost through sweat such as sodium, chloride, magnesium and potassium through adequate daily salt intake and electrolyte replacement after each game.
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Antioxidants vitamin E and selenium are essential for maintaining muscle health. Adequate vitamin E is supplied in fortified feeds, however additional natural vitamin E through KERx Nano E for horses prone to muscle soreness and tying up is beneficial.
McMillan equine feeds have all been formulated to provide the correct amount of all essential nutrients for any performance horse in a balanced way when fed at the correct levels and combined with New Zealand forages.
See below for some handy product recommendations for polo and polocrosse horses. Follow the feeding recommendations on the bag and always provide adequate forage daily.
Ideal feeds for polo and polocrosse:
Lower starch options for the hotter types or horses at risk of tying up:
For an optimum conditioning supplement without the heat:
For assistance with feeding plans to enhance overall health and performance, consult with a qualified equine nutritionist.
Article supplied by Luisa Wood, Equine Nutritionist for McMillan Feeds
