Understanding Low Energy Horses: A Detailed Guide

Low energy is a common problem in many horses. When your horse seems tired, dull, or unmotivated, it’s crucial to uncover the root cause. This can be overwhelming at times, and today we will discuss everything with no hype, just science. Low energy can stem from nutritional imbalances, boredom, health concerns, or even their natural personality.

Let’s dive into these possibilities and outline strategies to help your horse feel and perform their best.

Identifying Low Energy in Performance Horses

Low energy can manifest as lethargy, reduced stamina, or a lack of enthusiasm during training or competition. While some horses naturally exhibit a calm demeanor, persistent energy deficits often indicate an underlying issue. Trust your instincts; if something seems amiss, it’s worth investigating.

Body Condition and Energy Levels

A key factor in addressing low energy is assessing your horse’s body condition. The Heineke Body Condition Scoring System (BCS) uses a scale from 1 to 9 to evaluate fat distribution. 

Horses scoring between 5 and 6.5 are a healthy weight. A horse with visible ribs may fall below this range, requiring dietary adjustments to meet caloric and nutrient needs. Knowing how to Body Condition Score your horse is one of the most essential tools in understanding your horses’ needs. All horses should be scored once a month minimum. 

Underweight horses often exhibit low energy due to a caloric deficit. To maintain their workload, life stage, and overall health, horses must have a positive energy balance. Make sure your horse’s feed provides adequate calories through a tailored combination of forage, concentrates, and fat supplements if needed. 

Well-meaning owners often unintentionally cut important nutrients when putting their horse on a diet if they are overweight, so ensure any weight management plan is well-balanced. More information about BCS scoring can be found on the website (link below). 

Carbohydrates and Energy

Starch, a type of non-structural carbohydrate (NSC), provides a quick and efficient source of energy, especially those in high-performance disciplines. It supports glycogen replenishment in muscles, fueling bursts of speed, power, and stamina required for activities like jumping and galloping.

While starch is often restricted due to concerns about metabolic conditions, insufficient levels can lead to fatigue, dehydration, and poor performance. Yes, starch *can* be too low! 

Balance is key: restrict starch to “ultra low” levels only in cases of medical necessity, such as Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy (PSSM) or insulin resistance. Don’t be scared of starch! Know your options to be an educated and informed owner. Diets typically contain a combination of energy from both “cool fats” and carbs depending on your unique needs. 

Feed Selection

Selecting the right concentrate feed is vital for performance horses. Feeds are formulated to meet specific needs, from young, growing horses to high-performance athletes and seniors. Performance horses require feeds that align with their demanding energy requirements, and relying solely on a vitamin-mineral supplement may leave them lacking nutrition and cause them to be tired. Each horse has a unique need based on workload intensity, age, weight, and type of work. Supplements must always complement (but never replace) a strong foundation. 

The Importance of Hay Quality

While hay might appear lush and green, its nutrient content can vary widely. Testing hay helps identify deficiencies that could impact your horse’s performance. External factors like drought or extreme temperatures often affect hay quality. Regular testing, which typically costs under $40, provides valuable insights for fine-tuning your horse’s diet.

Health Considerations

Health issues frequently contribute to low energy. Conditions such as Cushing’s disease, infections, parasitic loads, gastric ulcers, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can all lead to fatigue. Having a veterinarian evaluate your horse is an excellent idea. 

Dehydration

Dehydration is another concern, especially for performance horses. They require about 10 gallons of water daily, and any shortfall can disrupt electrolyte balances critical for muscle and nerve function.

Electrolyte supplementation and soaked hay can help ensure proper hydration. (For more about hydration see other teachings on this page and in the podcast)

Problem-Solving for Low Energy

Addressing low energy requires a detective-like approach. Evaluate your horse’s diet, test their hay, ensure proper hydration, and rule out health concerns. Most nutrition-related causes of low energy are straightforward to address. With the right adjustments, many horses show noticeable improvement in just weeks especially in the case of low iodine and low B vitamin levels. 

Comprehensive Care for High-Performance Horses

Low energy can result from a mix of factors, including personality, saddle fit, nutrition, health, and training. By addressing these aspects holistically, you can help your horse feel energized, focused, and competition-ready. Nutrition-related issues are especially responsive to targeted adjustments, offering owners a reliable pathway to improve their horse’s performance and well-being. We know how to feed horses and it’s my job to be your guide! 

Final Thoughts

By considering all these factors—from nutrition to health and even personality—owners and trainers can help ensure their horses are happy, healthy, and performing at their peak. Whether it’s refining their diet, testing hay, or addressing hydration, these changes can make a significant difference in your horse’s energy and overall well-being. 

*This material is copyright 2025 REN and use at your own risk.