Help! My Horse Won’t Eat or Drink at an Event – What Can I Do?
There’s nothing worse than arriving at a competition, only to find your horse too nervous or stressed to eat or drink. It’s a common problem—and one that can lead to serious issues like gut upset, dehydration, or even colic if not managed properly.
Why This Happens
Stress at events can mess with your horse’s routine and gut health. Horses are creatures of habit, and when things change—like the environment, feeding schedule, or travel—they can get anxious. That anxiety often shows up as a refusal to eat or drink, which throws off the delicate balance in their digestive system.
A horse’s gut needs a steady flow of fiber to keep things moving and maintain a healthy pH. When they stop eating, acid builds up in the stomach, and that’s where trouble begins.
Quick Fixes for the Day
If you're caught off guard, don’t panic. Here are some go-to pastes that can help in a pinch:
✅ For Gut Support:
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Cavalor Gastri-Tec Paste
✅ To Calm Their Nerves:
If you have Iron Horse Settla-T, mix it with water to make a calming paste—it’s a handy trick that’s worked for many horse owners.
Simple Tips That Can Make a Big Difference
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Keep the feed simple on event day. Skip electrolytes and extra supplements that might make it less appealing.
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Give them space. Fussing over them can actually backfire. Sometimes removing the feed for a while makes them more interested when you offer it again.
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Make forage available. Grass, lucerne, or plain hay—whatever they’re used to—should be within reach at all times.
Long-Term Support
If your horse is a repeat offender when it comes to show-day nerves, a longer-term gut support strategy may be worth exploring. Supplements that buffer stomach acid, like KER Neigh-Lox or Betavet Gastric Conditioner, have helped many owners manage this issue over time.
It might take some trial and error—every horse is different—but supporting gut health and minimizing stress can go a long way toward better performance and overall wellbeing.
