How do we define the word  ‘condition’ in relation to a horse or pony?  What is ‘condition’?  How do we get a horse or pony into ‘good condition’?  A horse in peak ‘racing condition’ or in ‘competition condition’ -ready to do a job of work will not look at all like a horse in ‘show condition’ or like a horse suitable for every-day hacking. 

Generally it is accepted that a horse or pony in good, all round, condition has a nice rounded outline, bright eyes, an alert expression, strong smooth hooves, soft relaxed muscles, a silky, glossy coat and skin that moves slightly under  light hand pressure. The term ‘poor condition’ can describe several situations, the most obvious being the horse or pony that has been left to fend for itself on poor grass.   In winter this will be seen as some degree of emaciation, shaggy, dull coat, hard, tight muscle and lack lustre eyes. In summer, if the grass is plentiful, ‘forage bellies’ appear.  

Poor condition – from the horse’s health point of view – can, surprisingly, often be seen in the Show Ring.  A good topline on a horse or pony is largely the result of breeding for correct conformation and, in the case of the ridden show animal, carefully planned work.   Efforts to produce a topline for the show ring by over-feeding, all too often result in massive unnatural looking crests and blobs of fat laid down over the muscle (cellulite).   Over recent years there have been a number of letters, in the Horse & Hound,  from Judges and Show Producers on the subject of over fat show animals. 

Good condition is a sign of good health.  The basic health of any horse or pony depends on an adequate and balanced diet that provides protein, energy,  fibre, vitamins, minerals, trace elements , anti-oxidants etc. in correct proportion.

A correct balance of micronutrients is essential for all bodily functions, working in isolation or in relation with each other.  Excesses or shortages in supply may cause health problems, for example Calcium is involved with bone strength and growth, muscle contraction and nervous system activity – requiring correct proportions of  Vitamin D and  magnesium so that it may be utilized effectively. Also for example, excess Iron In the diet, some research suggests, may cause a type of metabolic corrosion in lung and muscle tissue.  

Show condition may be obtained by using a ration containing energy sources based on long fibre and oils, providing ‘slow release’ energy, so that some of the intake is laid down as body stores; Bodyweight = stored energy.  Present research has found that corn or soya oils are the oils most likely to produce the best results for horses. 

Cereal based feeds are predominantly digested in the front part of the digestive tract, providing ‘fast- release’ energy which can sometimes produce over exuberant behaviour in the show ring!