Behaviour, Temperament & Stamina

These can be manipulated nutritionally. Excess sugar can make small children hyperactive; the same applies with horses & ponies, causing fractious, spooky behaviour. Genetics also has an influence. Horses can be hyped up, or slowed down, by manipulation of the energy supply. High levels of glucose in the bloodstream (resulting from a high starch/sugar diet) will predispose a horse to excitable behaviour. This can be exacerbated by relatively high levels of minerals and vitamins in the diet (particularly those required for energy metabolism ). If a horse’s overall energy supply is greater than its maintenance requirement, the excess energy may be stored either as fat, or as glycogen in the muscles, or used up in some form of exercise. The latter may manifest itself with vices such as weaving in the stable, and general uncontrollability.

Stamina
A fit, healthy horse, able to cope with its workload, will be receiving a diet providing a correct balance of essential nutrients. This varies considerably from horse to horse; an experienced horseman or woman will have found out by trial & error the requirements of individual horses in their charge. A competent nutritionist can provide useful guidance, and even calculate diets on a scientific basis (as happens in some top racing & competition yards), but ultimately success is dependant on good management by the rider, owner, and grooms closely observing the performance of a horse in relation to its diet, and making appropriate adjustments to obtain optimum performance.
An extended deficiency in the energy supply will result in a horse which will have poor stamina because of low levels of muscle glycogen (short-term fast-release energy reserves).
Inadequate levels of the minerals and vitamins essential for energy metabolism in the muscles will restrict energy utilisation, and consequently, performance. The author recalls a a case some years ago when a customer requested advice for a lethargic show jumper with a flat coat, which was eating soil. It was fit, not fat. It was put on the mineral & vitamin supplement which the author had formulated a short time earlier. It soon stopped eating soil, performance improved & the coat got brighter. When the owner gave some to a similar horse, it blew its mind! As soon as the extra supplement was stopped it returned to its normal self. He has since helped a number of customers to optimise their horses' performance by getting the correct balance of energy supply & essential minerals & vitamins,
If your horse is not performing satisfactorily how about completing & submitting a Nutrition Enquiry Form so that John Chapman can advise you?