What type of energy is essential for a horse's performance?

Digestible energy is crucial for a horse's performance as it refers to the portion of energy that can be absorbed by the horse's body from the food it consumes. This energy is derived from the nutrients in the horse's diet, primarily carbohydrates and fats. Horses require digestible energy to fuel their muscular activity, maintain body functions, and support overall health and well-being during performance.

Proper levels of digestible energy help horses sustain stamina and strength during exercise, ensuring they can perform at their best, whether they're galloping in competition or engaging in basic training. The balance of digestible energy is key, as inadequate energy can lead to fatigue, poor performance, and decreased overall health.

While fats, protein, and fiber are important components of a horse’s diet, none of these provide energy in the same way digestible energy does when considering athletic performance. Fats serve as a concentrated energy source and can contribute to energy intake, but digestible energy represents the actual usable energy available to support the horse’s activities.