Performance Enhancers for Horses

Imagine two racehorses with identical genetic makeup and physiological ability, ridden by jockeys with equal riding style and skill, being raced against each other. If all factors are equal, the two horses should finish at exactly the same time. But what if one of the horses were given a hypothetical ergogenic aid, “Formula X,” to improve its performance, enabling it to defeat the other horse?

The term “ergogenic” comes from the Greek words “ergon,” meaning work, and “genic,” meaning producing. An ergogenic aid can therefore be any factor that improves work production by increasing speed, strength, or endurance. Generally, an ergogenic aid is considered to be something above and beyond proven nutritional supplements such as vitamins, minerals, and digestive aids that may improve health and well-being but are not perceived as giving horses a measurable advantage in competition.

The key to optimal sport performance has been said to be the proper production and control of energy. To this end, the appropriate biomechanical and physiological training specific to the nature of the athletic event will improve the control and utilization of the various energy systems and maximize energy efficiency and production. The adaptations that occur in the body cells, tissues, and organs in response to exercise training are fairly specific to the imposed demands.

Generally, nutritional ergogenic aids have been suggested to be far less efficient in improving physical ability than an appropriate training regimen. Human and equine athletes training at levels close to their upper limit require relatively large increases in training effort in order to achieve even a small increase in performance. However, this very small variation in performance among elite athletes could make the difference between finishing first or in the middle of the pack. The comparative ease of taking Formula X compared with the effort involved in a significant increase in training explains the continued search for effective nutritional ergogenic aids.

Two factors should be considered before using an ergogenic aid to boost performance. First, the ethics of equestrian sport performance are compromised by any sort of “doping,” described by the International Olympic Committee as the use of any physiologic substance taken in abnormal quantities with the intention of artificially and unfairly increasing performance.

Second, while some substances fed to horses with the hopes of enhancing performance will not harm the horse, others have led to serious health impacts or even death. Limited testing, inclusion of impurities, and interactions of ingredients with use of other nutrients may be related to these undesirable results.

Kathleen Crandell, an equine nutritionist with Kentucky Equine Research, says, “There are no shortcuts to winning performance. Excellent nutrition, a sensible training program, and realistic performance goals will take horses further, and keep them healthier, than unproven ergogenic aids that promise amazing results.”

Contact a KER equine nutrition advisor to provide assistance with equine nutritional management.