From The Inside Out: Feeding For Show Ring Shine

Some horses seem to gleam as if they have just stepped out of a salon. Look a little closer and there are a few key reasons why.

A shiny coat starts with a healthy horse, and that comes back to the foundations often called the “3 Fs”: friends, forage and freedom.

Horses need time to socialise, to play, groom and simply switch off with others. They need a consistent supply of good forage to support digestive health, and regular turnout to allow for natural movement. Get these basics right and you are already a long way towards that sought-after shine.

There is also a reason horses seem to bloom in the spring. Grass at this time of year is rich in energy and packed with easily digestible nutrients from fresh, leafy growth. That natural lift often shows on the outside as a brighter, glossier coat.

When it comes to preparing for the show ring, that “shine from within” is all about balance. Meeting energy requirements without overdoing it is key, alongside providing the right vitamins and minerals through a quality balancer. These support essential processes such as digestion, immune function and the nervous system, all of which play a role in coat condition.

It is easy to assume that more condition equals better health, but that is not the case. Excess weight brings increased risk of issues like laminitis and equine metabolic syndrome. It can also affect immune function. Research in both humans and animals shows that obesity can reduce the body’s ability to deal with infections, viruses and parasites.

Keeping your horse at an appropriate weight is just as important for the show ring as it is for long-term health. True shine does not come from carrying extra weight, it comes from a horse that is well-fed, well-managed and genuinely thriving.