A show horse in whatever class they compete in must 'fill the eye'. The horse should also have the hard to define quality known as 'presence'. In pursuit of these qualities many owners and producers mistakenly resort to over feeding their animals thereby producing a horse that is over conditioned (fat) and unfit. Such horses are likely to suffer from developmental orthopaedic disease, suffer muscular-skeletal problems, cardio-vascular distress, laminitis, azoturia or exertional myopathy and problems with temperament.

The show horse requires a ration that is energy and protein balanced that enables the horse to perform the fittening work needed for muscle definition and cardio-vascular health. Oil in the ration will provide slow release energy that will put a 'bloom' on the coat while ensure that the horse does not 'fizz' or hot-up and become difficult to ride or control.

Useful supplements for the show horse include:

• Dandelion root, which promotes circulation, detoxifies, and is a natural diuretic and digestive aid.

• Ginger and Liquorice is used in the treatment of indigestion and for strengthening the respiratory system.

• Garlic is an effective anti-microbial plant acting on bacteria, viruses and alimentary parasites. It lowers blood pressure and improves cardio-vascular health and stimulates cell growth.

• Cayenne benefits circulation and is effective in the treatment of muscular pain. It also stimulates the action of other herbs.

• Chromium yeast supplementation reduces insulin production and lowers blood glucose resulting in a calmer more disciplined horse and thereby an improved performance.