When I discuss nutrition with clients it is often thought of as weight loss advice, however eating well is much more than a weight loss tool. Good nutrition has a huge effect on how you feel day to day and therefore how you interact with and train your horse.

Food is fuel. Yes it’s also tasty and I am a huge fan of all the good stuff. However I am also a huge fan of feeling energised and clear headed for as much of the day as possible.

This is where good nutrition comes in. I know it’ s the stuff of meme’s that the Equestrian diet is made up of Coffee and Chocolate bars, and Cheesy chips on show days but it’s really not the way to fuel yourself for a busy day.

Firstly good hydration is key. Some Coffee and/or energy/fizzy drinks is fine but existing on them alone is not fine. Try to get most of your hydration from water, zero sugar squash or some herbal tea. Get yourself a water bottle and aim to fill it twice every day.

I understand that 3 square sit down meals per day can be just not possible when you’ve got a full on day at the yard but that doesn’t mean surviving off sugar is the answer either.

Having access to healthy snacks can keep you feeling sharp all day without needing to stop for a full meal.

Some ideas could include:

Nuts -ok I just eat peanut butter out of the jar but whatever works.

Boiled Eggs-easy to pre prepare or you can buy them in the sandwich sections of supermarkets and petrol stations.

Fruit

Protein Shake/Smoothie-Made yourself or bought

Pre Cooked chicken-again you can make it or buy it

If you reframe your nutrition as a way to perform your best for your horse and your riding you’ll start to make it more of a priority.

Also, are Cheesy chips just for show days or are we supposed to be eating them at other times???