Nutrition for more fuel in the “tank”
Out of the horse’s body weight 8% is blood. This means that a horse weighing 1100 pounds has approximately 40 liters of blood in its body. The number of red blood cells may vary a great deal, due to the reserve of red blood cells that the horse stores in the spleen.

This extra supply gives the horse its speed and endurance. The horse utilizes this energy reserve during racing. The red blood cells stored in the spleen get released in to the blood circulation during hard work.
In its wild condition horses are flight animals and its survival from potential attacks depended on its ability to run fast.

In much the same way as with a car – when hitting the gas pedal the car uses more fuel.

The transportation system of the organism constitutes the blood circulation system. It ensures that the tissue receive nutrient from oxygen and glucose. The blood flows in a closed valve system, made up of blood vessels. The heart then pumps the blood in a system of vessels.

The red blood cells get produced in the bone marrow and their main task is to transport oxygen from the lungs to the cells in the body. Red blood cells have a life span of approximately 120 days.

Oxygenated vitamin and minerals
Vitamin E increases the survival of the red blood cells and raises the oxygen concentration level in the blood which benefits all cells.

Pyridoxine, B6, participates in the production of new red blood cells and the incorporation of iron into hemoglobin.

Folic acid, B9, is important because the body is constantly making new cells to replace old ones that wear out.

Cobalamin, B12, is important to cell division and is necessary for generation and maturation of red blood cells in the bone marrow. It participates in carbohydrate metabolism, and since carbohydrates are the most important fuel source for the nerve system it is important in maintaining a normally functioning nerve system.

Iron carries oxygen from the lungs to the body’s cells. The oxygen is bound to iron in hemoglobin, and hemoglobin takes care of the body’s oxygen supply.

L-tryptophan reduces muscle pain, regulates the contractions of the blood vessels which is important for how fast blood flows to the muscles, it also regulates the contractions of the small airways which is important for the oxygenation of the muscles to work well.

The Day before Competition

Feed
Hay, with lower protein level,  whole oats, beet pulp and  water

Administer
Pre Competition:
2 scoops 3 times/day

2 – 4 Hours before Competition

Feed
1 kg (2.2 lbs) whole oats

Administer
Pre Competition:
3 scoops

Pre Competition
Pre Competition contains oxygenated vitamins and minerals. It also contains other vitamins and minerals that are necessary for the horse to be competitive.

Replenishment of the Muscle fibers after Competition
Muscles are one of the most important components, and compose the largest tissue mass, in the horses’ body. There are of course  various types of muscles performing but basically they all function in the same way – a period of contraction or shortening of muscle fibers followed by a period of muscle relaxation or lengthening of muscle fibers.

The fuel for the muscle fibers is a combination of glycogen and glucose which is used as fuel under competition. The breaking down of it provides energy; likewise the horses’ muscles must rid themselves of lactic acid for optimal functionality

The replenishment of glycogen into the muscles is highest the first hour after physical activity. But the body’s systems will repair damage to the muscle fibers caused by physical activity for as long as 48 hours after competition.

Protein is an important substance in the building up phase, especially the first 48 hours  after maximum exercise.

Injuries in ligaments, joints and muscles will take at least 3-4 weeks for the body to   repair in a competition horse. Over exertion or injury generates tissue fluid that might contain “fibrin”. The fibrin is not water-soluble and can coagulate in high concentrations. The coagulated fibrin will then affect the mobility of the muscles.

Vitamin E provides healthy cells by preventing oxidation.

Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin C, is used by the body in the production of collagen. Collagen is necessary for the body to heal damage like broken bones, sprained joints, cuts or other injuries.

Glucosamine is a naturally occurring substance found in the joint fluids. Glucosamine plays a big role in the formation and repair of cartilage and helps give cartilage its elasticity. Glucosamine is a supplement to support joint repair.

Iron, the pre-eminent mineral for pain and exhaustion.

L-glycine prevent the breakdown of muscle by boosting the body’s levels of creatine, a compound that helps build muscle mass. L-proline is an amino acid needed for the production of collagen and cartilage.

Recharging the Muscles

1 hour after competition
Feed
Molasses
Beet pulp

Administer
Post Competition:
2 scoops

Post Competition
Post Competition contains the vitamins and minerals that replenish and build muscle fibers after competition.

Day 3

Back to normal feeding; supported by Pro-Combo #1

The Value of  “Carbs”

• The feeding before a race should contain carbs which will be combusted at a slow to medium fast rate in order to keep the blood glucose concentration on an even level.
• The first feeding after a race should contain carbs, which will be combusted at a high rate in order to guarantee an effective replenishment of glycogen.
• Whole oats are digested and absorbed at a slow rate.
• Whole oats, when fed 2-4 hours before a race, will facilitate the transport of a small and steady amount of glucose into the blood during physical activity.
• Carbs from lactose powder are digested and absorbed at a medium fast rate hence they have a positive effect on the bloods’ insulin level.
• The replenishment of glycogen into the muscles is highest the first hour after physical activity.
• Molasses has a fast combustion rate and is therefore a more suitable feed after racing.
• Molasses will promptly replenish the glycogen stored in the muscles and the liver.

The Value of Protein

• The body’s systems will repair damages to the muscle fibers, caused by physical activity, for as long as 48 hours after racing.
• Protein is an important substance in the building up phase, especially the first two days after maximum exercise.
• Protein rich hay together with Post Competition will create a muscle repair  effect.
• The different nutrients together with Glucosamine are extremely important  for repair and lubrication of the joints and tendons.

The Value of Fat

• Fat is a very concentrated energy source and does not contain any fibers.
• Fat is solely used in aerobic metabolism (with oxygen)
• An oil supplement combined with fast carbs will lower the horse’s capacity.