Muscle growth

A strong and healthy muscle structure is important for horses, especially those in sport or recovering from an injury. Muscles not only provide strength and endurance but also support the horse's mobility and overall health. To build strong muscles, a combination of proper training, nutrition, and muscle-building supplements is crucial. Explore our products and effectively build your horse’s muscles with the best nutrients and supplements.

Why is muscle building important for horses?

With proper nutrition and muscle-building supplements, you can support your horse in developing a strong and balanced muscle structure. Muscles are the foundation for smooth movements and good performance. If a horse lacks sufficient muscle mass, it may lead to:

• Reduced strength and endurance
• Increased risk of injury and strain
• Problems with balance and coordination

How does a horse build muscles?

Muscle building in horses occurs through a combination of:

• Targeted training: Regular and varied training stimulates muscle growth. Strength training helps develop muscles.
• Proper nutrition: Proteins, amino acids, and minerals are essential for muscle building and recovery.
• Supplements: Additional support with muscle-building supplements can accelerate the process and improve muscle function.

Important nutrients for muscle building

Building muscles in horses requires not only targeted training but also the right nutrients. Important building blocks such as proteins, vitamins, and minerals strengthen and repair muscle tissue. A proper diet, supplemented with specific supplements, helps horses build strength, recover faster after exertion, and prevent injuries. Below we highlight the key nutrients that contribute to optimal muscle development:

1. Proteins and amino acids

Proteins form the basis for muscle development and recovery in horses. Without enough proteins and amino acids, muscles cannot grow or recover properly after exercise. Key amino acids like lysine and methionine play an important role here. Lysine is one of the most important amino acids for muscle development. It helps with collagen production and supports calcium absorption, contributing to strong muscle structure. Methionine is important for keratin production and supports the health of muscles, hooves, and connective tissue. Since horses cannot produce all amino acids, they need to be supplemented through food or supplements. Horses that train intensively or recover from injuries often require more proteins, so a high-protein diet and the right muscle-building supplements make a significant difference.

2. Vitamin E and selenium

Vitamin E and selenium are antioxidants that protect muscle cells from damage due to oxidative stress. During exercise, free radicals are formed in muscles, which, without enough antioxidants, can lead to muscle damage and stiffness. Vitamin E supports cell structure and promotes faster muscle recovery after intense training. It helps in the production of red blood cells, ensuring more oxygen reaches the muscles. Selenium is important for healthy muscle metabolism. A selenium deficiency can sometimes lead to muscle weakness and breakdown, especially in young horses or professional sport horses that are intensively trained. Supplements with Vitamin E and selenium are especially useful for horses that need extra support due to heavy training.

3. Omega 3 fatty acids

Omega 3 fatty acids play a key role in reducing inflammation and ensuring efficient muscle metabolism. Horses primarily obtain these fatty acids from flaxseed oil, fish oil, or specific muscle-building supplements. Omega 3 helps reduce muscle stiffness and pain after exertion, allowing horses to recover more quickly. It also promotes more efficient fat burning, which leads to better endurance and less lactate buildup in the muscles. Improved circulation ensures optimal oxygen and nutrient delivery to muscles, which is important for muscle building and recovery. By adding omega 3 to your horse's diet, you support not only muscle development but also overall health, including joints and the immune system.

4. Magnesium

Magnesium is an important mineral for muscle relaxation and helps prevent muscle tension and cramps. It is essential for proper muscle function. Magnesium works with calcium to ensure that muscles contract and relax effectively. A deficiency can lead to muscle stiffness, tremors, or uncontrolled muscle contractions. Magnesium also supports the nervous system. Horses that are sensitive to stress or tension may require extra magnesium to keep their muscles relaxed. During intense exertion, muscles consume more magnesium. A deficiency can slow recovery and lead to fatigue. Since grass and hay often do not contain enough magnesium, muscle-building supplements help maintain the right balance. This is especially true for sport horses or horses that quickly develop muscle tension.

5. Creatine and gamma-oryzanol

Creatine and gamma-oryzanol are muscle-building substances often used for horses that require extra muscle strength and explosiveness. Creatine provides more energy to muscle cells. It increases the amount of readily available energy (ATP), making muscles perform more powerfully and explosively. This is especially useful for disciplines like jumping, where short, powerful movements are required. Gamma-oryzanol is a natural extract from rice bran and has a muscle-strengthening effect. It supports muscle mass and definition and helps horses develop an athletic build. It also positively influences metabolism and nutrient absorption. Both substances are often used in supplements for horses that need extra support for muscle building. These are often young horses in training, professional sport horses, or horses recovering from an injury.

The best muscle-building supplements for horses

At HorseOnline, we have several muscle-building supplements that contribute to effective muscle development for your horses:

• Cavalor Muscle Force: Cavalor Muscle Force helps with muscle building and contains natural proteins and amino acids for rapid and sustainable muscle development. Ideal for horses in training and recovery after a rest period.
• TRM Maxi-Top Equine: This muscle-building supplement contains a high dose of essential amino acids and supports muscle development and recovery. Ideal for sport horses and young horses in training.
• Global Medics Top Competition: Top Competition supports sport horses during intense exertion. It helps combat muscle acidification, joint pain, and reduced energy. Thanks to antioxidants, vitamins, and herbs, it promotes strength, suppleness, recovery, and immunity.
• TRM Muscle-Up: This liquid supplement contains gamma-oryzanol, which stimulates muscle growth and helps develop an athletic body. Ideal for young horses in training and horses struggling with muscle development.

Training and muscle building

In addition to muscle-building supplements, training plays a major role in muscle development for your horse. Here are a few effective training methods:

• Poles and cavaletti work: Stimulates coordination and muscle strength.
• Interval training: Alternate between short, intensive moments and rest to improve muscle strength and endurance.
• Hill training: Strengthens the hindquarters and provides core stability.

How to choose the right supplement

When selecting a muscle-building supplement for your horse, it’s important to consider:

• Your horse's training intensity
• Its current muscle condition
• Any deficiencies in the diet

Buy muscle-building supplements at HorseOnline

At HorseOnline, you’ll find a wide range of muscle-building supplements that contribute to your horse’s muscle development. Need advice on which muscle-building supplements are best for your horses? Feel free to contact our team at HorseOnline! Email us at info@robvanboxtel.com or call us at +31 6 12 40 19 41.