Should a sports horse be kept differently than a recreational horse?

Regularly the question arises whether a certain advice also applies to a sports horse. Because a sports horse is different, right? Or not? Are there things you should think about extra when it comes to a sports horse, or can you keep a sports horse the same as a recreational horse?

What is a sports horse?

Horses are natural athletes with good fitness levels and they cover an average of 15-18 km per day. And they also graze in the meantime, which means they have to cover large distances at a trot/canter to achieve these distances.

Many horses are labeled as sports horses, while in reality they are trained for 4-5 times a week for an hour or two. But to be honest, this is not very intensive for a horse. A sports horse is seen as a horse that is trained/performed at a high level in competition. This is from the subtop level.

A horse competing at an M jumping level is not necessarily ridden more intensively than a "recreational horse" that goes for several hours in the forest multiple times a week. Therefore, be critical about where you place your horse. Of course, your horse may have been bred for sports purposes, but that does not necessarily mean it is a sports horse.

In general, we can say that the vast majority of kept horses fall under recreational horses that occasionally compete in competitions.

Physically no difference between a sports horse and a regular horse

A horse that competes at a high level in sports has the same physical system as any other horse, with the difference that the muscles are better developed and endurance is better. A horse competing at a high level in sports generally has better overall fitness. However, from mouth to rear end, the digestive system is exactly the same as that of a Fjord participating in riding lessons or a KWPN horse around the corner serving as a companion horse.

Therefore, the nutritional needs of a sports horse are exactly the same. Eating 20 hours a day in small portions throughout the day, as fiber-rich as possible, and preferably unpacked hay.

A sports horse also needs companions of the same species

Horse owners are often afraid of injuries to their horse, so they keep them alone in a paddock/pasture. However, social contact is one of the most important aspects for a horse. A horse should be able to cuddle, play, run, rest, or do whatever with a buddy. And not just over a wire or through the bars of a stall wall. But they should be able to physically stand next to each other, if they want. This reduces stress, provides security, and comfort.

And the risk of injuries is much smaller when horses are outdoors all day, with each other, than when they only spend an hour a day outside in a fenced area without challenge and companionship.

Many big names prove that it's possible!

Fortunately, there are more and more famous riders who prove that a sports horse is also a regular horse. These horses are outside, with companions, and have unlimited hay/grass. They are allowed to be horses, enjoy social relationships, and also go for nice rides. And these riders compete at international level "just like that". These horses can get dirty in the mud, are not stressed out, and still have the energy to perform fantastically. It is possible! Do you also give your sports horse a real horse life?